We know nothing about the man himself. Mention had already been made in Nehemiah 3:9 of the ruler of the other half of the district of Jerusalem. This district
may include a portion of the city together with surrounding lands. The significant point is that this administrator, a man of standing, was happy to take charge of the reconstruction of a portion of the city wall.
12 Next to him Shallum the son of Hallohesh, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, repaired, he and his daughters.