The gates of the city were to remain closed until the sun was hot — no one was to slip in under the cover of darkness; all must be open and exposed by the light of the sun. Men love darkness because their deeds are evil (John 3:19). At other hours, the doors were to be barred and watches appointed. It wasn’t, however, just the responsibility of the porters. To draw the parallel, it is not simply the responsibility of the overseers to guard against the things that come into the assembly, but there remains a responsibility with each one of us. “Every one in his watch, and every one to be over against his house” (Neh. 7:3). Weakness in the assembly doesn’t just appear out of nowhere. The things we permit in our own homes are ultimately reflected in our attitudes in the assembly; it is not possible to stand firm on this principle or that, if we live in practical denial of them in our personal lives.
Though the city walls and administration had been restored, the number of people dwelling within the city was few (Neh. 7:4). Later we find that they cast lots to bring ten percent of the population within the city walls (Neh. 11:1). Sadly, there wasn’t the interest among the people to dwell within the confines of the city. Even today, there is a lack of interest in a living testimony to the true character of the church and Christ as its head as expressed through the assembly. It seems to be of little consequence, and people want the liberty to gather together and worship in the manner of their own choosing.