Why did they not pen the gates at "Chom ha'Shemesh"?
Metzudas David: It is the hottest part of the day 1 .
I.e. they did not want people waiting outside to suffer. Perhaps the text of Rashi should say so, 'she'Hayah ha'Chom Gadol.' Our text of Rashi 'the day was long ' is difficult. The wall was finished on Elul 25, just before Tishrei, when the days and nights are about equal! The days are longest about nine months later! Also, what is the relevance of this to when they opened the gates?! (PF)
When is the heat of the sun?
Rashi: It is midday.
What do we learn from "Ad Hem Omedim..."?
Rashi: They will stand there and not budge until they close the doors. One who wants to leave, may leave the city; one who wants to enter, he may enter 1 . They did all this due to the enemies.
Ibn Ezra: They should close the gates when Chanani and Chananyah still stand there.
Malbim: There were double gates. The big gate was outside, and inside was a gate with small doors, for individuals to enter. Nechemyah commanded that even when the gates are open, the guard should hold the doors in his hand, so he can see everyone who enters, and stop someone from entering without permission.
I.e. one may enter or leave with the guards' permission. (PF)
Why does it say "Hem Omedim" (third person) ... ve'Echozu" (second person)?
Ibn Ezra: Verses switch between these, e.g. "Yishakeni mi'Neshikos Pihu [Ki Tovim Dodecha mi'Yayin]." He addresses Chanani and Chananyah, and told them to lock the doors with bolts.
What is the meaning of "Yagifu"?
Ibn Ezra: They will close. The Targum of "v'Sagart ha'Deles" is v'Sagifin Deshe.
What do we learn from "Mishmeros Yoshevei Yerushalayim"?
Rashi: They appointed lookouts from residents of Yerushalayim.
Why did he say "Ish b'Mishmaro"?
