Nehemiah 11
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1The princes of the people lived in Jerusalem. The rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts in the other cities. 2The people blessed all the men who willingly offered themselves to dwell in Jerusalem. 3Now these are the chiefs of the province who lived in Jerusalem; but in the cities of Judah everyone lived in his possession in their cities: Israel, the priests, the Levites, the temple servants, and the children of Solomon’s servants. 4Some of the children of Judah and of the children of Benjamin lived in Jerusalem. Of the children of Judah: Athaiah the son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalalel, of the children of Perez; 5and Maaseiah the son of Baruch, the son of Colhozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, the son of the Shilonite. 6All the sons of Perez who lived in Jerusalem were four hundred sixty-eight valiant men. 7These are the sons of Benjamin: Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Joed, the son of Pedaiah, the son of Kolaiah, the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ithiel, the son of Jeshaiah. 8After him Gabbai, Sallai, nine hundred twenty-eight. 9Joel the son of Zichri was their overseer; and Judah the son of Hassenuah was second over the city. 10Of the priests: Jedaiah the son of Joiarib, Jachin, 11Seraiah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the ruler of God’s house, 12and their brothers who did the work of the house, eight hundred twenty-two; and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malchijah, 13and his brothers, chiefs of fathers’ households, two hundred forty-two; and Amashsai the son of Azarel, the son of Ahzai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Immer, 14and their brothers, mighty men of valor, one hundred twenty-eight; and their overseer was Zabdiel, the son of Haggedolim. 15Of the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Bunni; 16and Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the chiefs of the Levites, who had the oversight of the outward business of God’s house; 17and Mattaniah the son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, who was the chief to begin the thanksgiving in prayer, and Bakbukiah, the second among his brothers; and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun. 18All the Levites in the holy city were two hundred eighty-four. 19Moreover the gatekeepers, Akkub, Talmon, and their brothers, who kept watch at the gates, were one hundred seventy-two. 20The residue of Israel, of the priests, the Levites, were in all the cities of Judah, everyone in his inheritance. 21But the temple servants lived in Ophel: and Ziha and Gishpa were over the temple servants. 22The overseer also of the Levites at Jerusalem was Uzzi the son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Mica, of the sons of Asaph, the singers, over the business of God’s house. 23For there was a commandment from the king concerning them, and a settled provision for the singers, as every day required. 24Pethahiah the son of Meshezabel, of the children of Zerah the son of Judah, was at the king’s hand in all matters concerning the people. 25As for the villages, with their fields, some of the children of Judah lived in Kiriath Arba and its towns, in Dibon and its towns, in Jekabzeel and its villages, 26in Jeshua, in Moladah, Beth Pelet, 27in Hazar Shual, in Beersheba and its towns, 28in Ziklag, in Meconah and in its towns, 29in En Rimmon, in Zorah, in Jarmuth, 30Zanoah, Adullam, and their villages, Lachish and its fields, and Azekah and its towns. So they encamped from Beersheba to the valley of Hinnom. 31The children of Benjamin also lived from Geba onward, at Michmash and Aija, and at Bethel and its towns, 32at Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah, 33Hazor, Ramah, Gittaim, 34Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat, 35Lod, and Ono, the valley of craftsmen. 36Of the Levites, certain divisions in Judah settled in Benjamin’s territory.
World English Bible (public domain)
“And the people blessed all the men who willingly offered to live in Jerusalem.”
Nehemiah 11:2
Summary
Nehemiah chapter 11 details the repopulation of Jerusalem by Israelite families. Leaders resettle in the capital, while a tenth of the people, chosen by lot, move into the city to help restore its vitality. The chapter lists various officials, priests, Levites, and other important community members who occupy Jerusalem, while others reside in nearby towns. This passage emphasizes the importance of community and collective responsibility in rebuilding efforts. The repopulation reflects God's continued guidance and the people's commitment to establishing His presence in the city through worship and service.
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Chapter outline
How Nehemiah 11 unfolds
Nehemiah 11:1–2 Resettlement of Jerusalem
The leaders of the people reside in Jerusalem, while the rest cast lots to determine who will dwell in the city, highlighting the communal effort.
Nehemiah 11:3–6 Chiefs and Families in Jerusalem
The chapter lists the chiefs and families from Judah and Benjamin who inhabit Jerusalem, emphasizing their roles and numbers.
Nehemiah 11:7–14 Priests and Their Duties
A detailed account of the priests living in Jerusalem is provided, including their roles and the number of their brethren.
Nehemiah 11:15–19 Levites and Gatekeepers
The Levites and gatekeepers are mentioned, highlighting their responsibilities in maintaining the temple and the city.
Nehemiah 11:20–24 Residency and Oversight
The remaining Israelites, priests, and Levites are noted to live in Judah's cities, with an overseer appointed for temple matters.
Nehemiah 11:25–36 Villages and Settlements
The chapter concludes with a list of towns and villages where the children of Judah and Benjamin settled, illustrating the broader community.
Key verses
Nehemiah 11:2Nehemiah 11:2 emphasizes the voluntary commitment of individuals to Jerusalem, highlighting the chapter's focus on community restoration.
Main themes in Nehemiah 11
Community
Community is a central theme as Nehemiah 11 records the families who repopulate Jerusalem, particularly in verses 1 and 3. The chapter develops this theme by emphasizing the collective effort required to restore and inhabit the city. This underscores the importance of shared responsibility in re-establishing Jerusalem as a center of worship and life.
Obedience
Obedience to God's command is evident as the Israelites willingly offer themselves to live in Jerusalem, especially noted in verse 2. The chapter showcases how the people's decision to settle in the city aligns with their commitment to God’s presence. This reflects a broader obedience to God's will for their restoration and worship.
Restoration
The theme of restoration is evident in Nehemiah 11, especially in verses 1 and 20, where families and individuals are called to return to Jerusalem. The chapter outlines the various roles and responsibilities that these returning families will assume, indicating that restoration involves much more than just physical rebuilding. This complexity underscores the importance of spiritual and communal renewal, as the city can only thrive when its inhabitants actively participate in its revitalization.
Civic Responsibility
Civic responsibility emerges as individuals take on roles within the community, especially seen in the duties of the priests and Levites from verses 10 to 19. The chapter emphasizes that each member's contribution is vital for Jerusalem's function and stability. This reflects an understanding of communal health being reliant on shared civic duties.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Nehemiah 11
- 1 Chronicles 9This passage connects as it also lists the inhabitants of Jerusalem and their roles, establishing a historical context for Nehemiah's account.
- Nehemiah 12This later chapter develops the theme of community leadership and the organization of those who returned to Jerusalem.
- Joshua 15This reference echoes the earlier delineation of land and settlements, providing background for the cities mentioned in Nehemiah.
- Nehemiah 7Nehemiah 7 connects by outlining the initial repopulation efforts and the importance of maintaining a faithful community.
- Nehemiah 10This chapter develops the commitment of the people to follow God's law, which is foundational for their new life in Jerusalem.
- Nehemiah 3Nehemiah 3 focuses on rebuilding efforts, connecting the physical restoration of Jerusalem with the commitment seen in this chapter.
Study questions
Questions for studying Nehemiah 11
- Who were the leaders that settled in Jerusalem?
- What method was used to determine who would move to the city?
- How many Levites lived in Jerusalem according to this chapter?
- What roles did the gatekeepers play in the community?
- How does the listing of families reflect community responsibility?
- What does this chapter suggest about the importance of Jerusalem?
- In what ways does the chapter emphasize collective commitment?
Nehemiah 11: frequently asked questions
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