1 And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts [to dwell] in [other] cities.
2 And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem.
3 Now these [are] the chief of the province that dwelt in Jerusalem: but in the cities of Judah dwelt every one in his possession in their cities, [to wit], Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon’s servants.
4 And at Jerusalem dwelt [certain] of the children of Judah, and of the children of Benjamin. 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 Mahalaleel, of the children of Perez;
5 And 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 Shiloni.
6 All the sons of Perez that dwelt at Jerusalem [were] four hundred threescore and eight valiant men.
7 And these [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 Jesaiah.
8 And after him Gabbai, Sallai, nine hundred twenty and eight.
9 And Joel the son of Zichri [was] their overseer: and Judah the son of Senuah [was] second over the city.
10 Of the priests: Jedaiah the son of Joiarib, Jachin.
11 Seraiah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, [was] the ruler of the house of God.
12 And their brethren that did the work of the house [were] eight hundred twenty and two: and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashur, the son of Malchiah,
13 And his brethren, chief of the fathers, two hundred forty and two: and Amashai the son of Azareel, the son of Ahasai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Immer,
14 And their brethren, mighty men of valour, an hundred twenty and eight: and their overseer [was] Zabdiel, the son of [one of] the great men.
15 Also of the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hashub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Bunni;
16 And Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the chief of the Levites, [had] the oversight of the outward business of the house of God.
17 And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, [was] the principal to begin the thanksgiving in prayer: and Bakbukiah the second among his brethren, and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.
18 All the Levites in the holy city [were] two hundred fourscore and four.
19 Moreover the porters, Akkub, Talmon, and their brethren that kept the gates, [were] an hundred seventy and two.
20 And the residue of Israel, of the priests, [and] the Levites, [were] in all the cities of Judah, every one in his inheritance.
21 But the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel: and Ziha and Gispa [were] over the Nethinims.
22 The overseer also of the Levites at Jerusalem [was] Uzzi the son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micha. Of the sons of Asaph, the singers [were] over the business of the house of God.
23 For [it was] the king’s commandment concerning them, that a certain portion should be for the singers, due for every day.
24 And Pethahiah the son of Meshezabeel, of the children of Zerah the son of Judah, [was] at the king’s hand in all matters concerning the people.
25 And for the villages, with their fields, [some] of the children of Judah dwelt at Kirjatharba, and [in] the villages thereof, and at Dibon, and [in] the villages thereof, and at Jekabzeel, and [in] the villages thereof,
26 And at Jeshua, and at Moladah, and at Bethphelet,
27 And at Hazarshual, and at Beersheba, and [in] the villages thereof,
28 And at Ziklag, and at Mekonah, and in the villages thereof,
29 And at Enrimmon, and at Zareah, and at Jarmuth,
30 Zanoah, Adullam, and [in] their villages, at Lachish, and the fields thereof, at Azekah, and [in] the villages thereof. And they dwelt from Beersheba unto the valley of Hinnom.
31 The children also of Benjamin from Geba [dwelt] at Michmash, and Aija, and Bethel, and [in] their villages,
32 [And] at Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah,
33 Hazor, Ramah, Gittaim,
34 Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat,
35 Lod, and Ono, the valley of craftsmen.
36 And of the Levites [were] divisions [in] Judah, [and] in Benjamin.
Overview of Nehemiah Chapter 11
Nehemiah Chapter 11 focuses on the repopulation of Jerusalem after the return from exile. It highlights the importance of community and the sacrifices made by individuals to restore the city. This chapter also emphasizes the roles and responsibilities of the leaders and the people who chose to dwell in Jerusalem.
Key Themes
- Community and Sacrifice: The chapter illustrates the willingness of certain individuals to leave their homes and settle in Jerusalem for the greater good.
- Leadership: The mention of leaders and their roles signifies the importance of governance and organization in rebuilding the community.
- Divine Providence: The chapter reflects the belief that God guides the decisions of the people, ensuring that the right individuals are chosen to inhabit Jerusalem.
Structure of the Chapter
- Introduction of the Leaders (Verses 1-2): The chapter begins with the leaders of the people residing in Jerusalem and the selection process of those willing to live in the city.
- List of Settlers (Verses 3-24): A detailed account of the families and individuals who settled in Jerusalem, including their backgrounds and roles.
- Support for the City (Verses 25-36): A description of the surrounding villages and their contributions to the city, highlighting the interconnectedness of the community.
Analysis of Key Verses
Verses 1-2: The Call to Reside in Jerusalem
These verses set the tone for the chapter, showing that the leaders of the people took the initiative to encourage others to inhabit Jerusalem. The willingness of one-tenth of the people to move signifies a strong commitment to the restoration of their homeland.
Verses 3-24: The Settlers
This section provides a genealogical record of those who settled in Jerusalem. The inclusion of names and families serves several purposes:
- Identity: It establishes a sense of belonging and identity among the residents.
- Historical Record: It preserves the history of the community and their sacrifices.
- Accountability: By naming individuals, it creates a sense of accountability for the inhabitants to uphold their responsibilities.
Verses 25-36: Villages and Surrounding Areas
This concluding section emphasizes the importance of the villages surrounding Jerusalem. It illustrates how the support from these areas is crucial for the sustenance of the city. The interconnectedness of Jerusalem with its surrounding communities highlights the collaborative effort required for rebuilding.
Conclusion
Nehemiah Chapter 11 is a pivotal moment in the narrative of the restoration of Jerusalem. It showcases the themes of community, sacrifice, and leadership while providing a detailed account of those who committed to rebuilding their city. The chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of collective effort in the face of challenges and the role of divine guidance in the lives of the people.
