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.
The book of Nehemiah is the second of the two historical books that tell the story of the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem. It is a continuation of the book of Ezra, and together they document the rebuilding of the city walls and the temple in Jerusalem. Chapter 11 of Nehemiah focuses on the repopulation of the city of Jerusalem and the allocation of responsibilities among the people. It also highlights the importance of faithfulness and dedication to God's commands, as the people of Jerusalem continue to rebuild and restore their city.
The first part of chapter 11 lists the names of the leaders who settled in Jerusalem, along with the heads of the different clans and their responsibilities. This was a crucial step in the rebuilding process, as Jerusalem needed a strong and dedicated population to ensure its safety and stability. The people of Jerusalem were chosen by casting lots, which was a way of allowing God to make the decision and ensuring fairness among the people.
The chapter also mentions that some people willingly volunteered to live in Jerusalem, showing their commitment to the city and its restoration. This act of dedication and sacrifice is a significant theme throughout the chapter, as it highlights the importance of putting the needs of the community above individual desires.
The second part of chapter 11 lists the names of the people of Judah and Benjamin who settled in Jerusalem. This section is important because it shows that the people of these two tribes were also actively involved in the rebuilding process, despite not being directly affected by the destruction of Jerusalem. This act of solidarity and unity among the different tribes of Israel is a testament to their commitment to rebuilding their homeland and their faith in God's promises.
The people of Judah and Benjamin were also responsible for providing support to the priests and Levites who were living in Jerusalem. This was a crucial role as the priests and Levites were responsible for the spiritual well-being of the people and the maintenance of the temple. This section highlights the importance of supporting and caring for those who are dedicated to serving God and the community.
The third part of chapter 11 focuses on the Levites and the temple servants who lived in Jerusalem. The Levites were responsible for leading worship and assisting the priests in their duties, while the temple servants were responsible for the upkeep of the temple and its services. This section highlights the crucial role of the Levites and temple servants in the spiritual life of the community and their dedication to serving God.
One interesting aspect mentioned in this section is that some Levites and temple servants did not live in Jerusalem but commuted from their villages to serve in the temple. This shows their commitment and sacrifice, as they had to travel long distances to fulfill their duties. It also demonstrates the importance of the temple to the people of Israel, as they were willing to make such efforts to worship and serve God.
The final part of chapter 11 lists the names of the other inhabitants of Jerusalem, including the descendants of Judah, Benjamin, and Ephraim. This section highlights the diversity of the population of Jerusalem and how people from different backgrounds came together to rebuild their city. It also emphasizes the importance of unity and cooperation among the people, regardless of their differences.
The people mentioned in this section were responsible for various tasks, such as guarding the city gates and providing support for the priests and Levites. This shows that everyone had a role to play in the restoration of Jerusalem, and no task was too small or insignificant.
Chapter 11 of Nehemiah is a testament to the faithfulness and dedication of the people of Israel to rebuild their city and restore their worship of God. It highlights the importance of unity, sacrifice, and cooperation among the people, as they work towards a common goal. The casting of lots to determine who would live in Jerusalem also shows their faith in God's guidance and decision-making.
The chapter also emphasizes the significance of the temple and the role of the priests and Levites in the spiritual life of the community. It shows that the people of Israel understood the importance of worship and service to God, and were willing to make sacrifices to fulfill their duties.
Another crucial theme in this chapter is the importance of supporting and caring for those who serve God and the community. The people of Judah and Benjamin were responsible for providing for the priests and Levites, and this act of support and solidarity is a reminder of the importance of taking care of those who dedicate their lives to serving others.
Overall, chapter 11 of Nehemiah is a testament to the resilience, faith, and dedication of the people of Israel in rebuilding their city and restoring their relationship with God. It serves as a reminder of the importance of unity, sacrifice, and service in the face of adversity and highlights the rewards of staying faithful to God's commands.
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