Nehemiah 11
BSB1 Now the leaders of the people settled in Jerusalem, and the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of ten to live in the holy city of Jerusalem, while the remaining nine were to dwell in their own towns. 2 And the people blessed all the men who volunteered to live in Jerusalem. 3 These are the heads of the provinces who settled in Jerusalem. (In the villages of Judah, however, each lived on his own property in their towns—the Israelites, priests, Levites, temple servants, and descendants of Solomon’s servants— 4 while some of the descendants of Judah and Benjamin settled in Jerusalem.) From the descendants of Judah: Athaiah son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalalel, a descendant of Perez; 5 and Maaseiah son of Baruch, the son of Col-hozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, a descendant of Shelah. 6 The descendants of Perez who settled in Jerusalem totaled 468 men of valor. 7 From the descendants of Benjamin: Sallu 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; 8 and his followers Gabbai and Sallai—928 men. 9 Joel son of Zichri was the officer over them, and Judah son of Hassenuah was over the Second District of the city. 10 From the priests: Jedaiah son of Joiarib; Jachin; 11 Seraiah son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the chief official of the house of God; 12 and their associates who did the work at the temple—822 men; Adaiah son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malchijah; 13 and his associates, the leaders of families—242 men; Amashai son of Azarel, the son of Ahzai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Immer; 14 and his associates —128 mighty men of valor. Zabdiel son of Haggedolim was their overseer. 15 From the Levites: Shemaiah son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Bunni; 16 Shabbethai and Jozabad, two leaders of the Levites, who supervised the work outside the house of God; 17 Mattaniah son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, who led in thanksgiving and prayer; Bakbukiah, second among his associates; and Abda son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun. 18 The Levites in the holy city totaled 284. 19 And the gatekeepers: Akkub, Talmon, and their associates, who kept watch at the gates—172 men. 20 The rest of the Israelites, with the priests and Levites, were in all the villages of Judah, each on his own inheritance. 21 The temple servants lived on the hill of Ophel, with Ziha and Gishpa over them. 22 Now the overseer of the Levites in Jerusalem was Uzzi son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Mica. He was one of Asaph’s descendants, who were the singers in charge of the service of the house of God. 23 For there was a command from the king concerning the singers, an ordinance regulating their daily activities. 24 Pethahiah son of Meshezabel, a descendant of Zerah son of Judah, was the king’s agent in every matter concerning the people. 25 As for the villages with their fields, some of the people of Judah lived in Kiriath-arba, Dibon, Jekabzeel, and their villages; 26 in Jeshua, Moladah, and Beth-pelet; 27 in Hazar-shual; in Beersheba and its villages; 28 in Ziklag; in Meconah and its villages; 29 in En-rimmon, Zorah, Jarmuth, 30 Zanoah, Adullam, and their villages; in Lachish and its fields; and in Azekah and its villages. So they settled from Beersheba all the way to the Valley of Hinnom. 31 The descendants of Benjamin from Geba lived in Michmash, Aija, and Bethel with its villages; 32 in Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah, 33 Hazor, Ramah, Gittaim, 34 Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat, 35 Lod, and Ono; and in the Valley of the Craftsmen. 36 And some divisions of the Levites of Judah settled in Benjamin.
Study Notes — Nehemiah 11
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Nehemiah 11
- Themes from Nehemiah 11
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Nehemiah 11
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Nehemiah 11 outlines the repopulation of Jerusalem, with one-tenth of the people from Judah and Benjamin moving to the city. The chapter lists the leaders and people who volunteered to live in Jerusalem, including the priests, Levites, and other Israelites. Nehemiah 11:1-2 explains that the people cast lots to determine who would settle in Jerusalem, while Nehemiah 11:3-24 provides a detailed list of the families and individuals who moved to the city. The chapter concludes by noting the settlements of the priests, Levites, and other Israelites in the surrounding towns.
Context for the Chapter
Nehemiah 11 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Nehemiah, which describes the restoration of Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the temple after the Babylonian exile. The chapter is also connected to the larger biblical narrative, as it foreshadows the ultimate redemption and restoration that Christ would bring. The repopulation of Jerusalem is a key event in the history of God's people, demonstrating His faithfulness and love.
Heart Application
As believers, we are called to dwell in Christ and to be a part of the larger community of God's people. We can apply the principles of unity, faith, and trust in God's plan to our own lives, just as the Israelites did in Nehemiah 11. By trusting in God's sovereignty and plan, we can confidently face the challenges and uncertainties of life.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Nehemiah 11 describes the repopulation of Jerusalem, with one-tenth of the people from Judah and Benjamin moving to the city. The chapter highlights the importance of faith, trust, and unity in achieving God's plan. As believers, we can apply these principles to our own lives by trusting in God's sovereignty and plan, just as the Israelites did in Nehemiah 11:1-2.
Voices from the Church
“The rebuilding of Jerusalem is a type of the rebuilding of the church, which is the body of Christ. Just as the Israelites were called to dwell in Jerusalem, believers are called to dwell in Christ.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The faithfulness of God is a fundamental aspect of His character, and it is demonstrated throughout the biblical narrative, including in the repopulation of Jerusalem.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to the Repopulation of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 11:1-2) — The chapter begins by explaining the process of repopulating Jerusalem, with one-tenth of the people from Judah and Benjamin moving to the city.
- The Leaders and People Who Settled in Jerusalem (Nehemiah 11:3-24) — The chapter lists the leaders and people who volunteered to live in Jerusalem, including the priests, Levites, and other Israelites.
- The Settlements of the Priests, Levites, and Other Israelites (Nehemiah 11:25-36) — The chapter concludes by noting the settlements of the priests, Levites, and other Israelites in the surrounding towns.
- The Importance of Unity and Faith (Nehemiah 11:1-2) — The chapter highlights the importance of unity and faith in achieving God's plan, as demonstrated by the Israelites who settled in Jerusalem.
- The Faithfulness of God (Nehemiah 11:1-36) — The chapter showcases God's faithfulness to His people, as He fulfilled His promise to restore and repopulate Jerusalem.
Core Doctrines
- The Doctrine of God's Sovereignty
- The chapter demonstrates God's sovereignty over the events of history, as He fulfills His promise to restore and repopulate Jerusalem.
- The Doctrine of Faith and Trust
- The chapter highlights the importance of faith and trust in God's plan, as demonstrated by the Israelites who settled in Jerusalem.
- The Doctrine of Unity and Cooperation
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of unity and cooperation among God's people, as they work together to achieve His plan.
- The Doctrine of God's Faithfulness
- The chapter showcases God's faithfulness to His people, as He fulfills His promise to restore and repopulate Jerusalem.
Lessons from Nehemiah 11
- The Importance of Unity and Cooperation — The chapter highlights the importance of unity and cooperation among God's people, as they work together to achieve His plan.
- The Role of Leadership in Achieving God's Plan — The chapter emphasizes the importance of godly leadership in overseeing the repopulation of Jerusalem and achieving God's plan.
- The Faithfulness of God — The chapter showcases God's faithfulness to His people, as He fulfills His promise to restore and repopulate Jerusalem.
- The Importance of Faith and Trust — The chapter highlights the importance of faith and trust in God's plan, as demonstrated by the Israelites who settled in Jerusalem.
- The Ultimate Redemption and Restoration — The chapter foreshadows the ultimate redemption and restoration that Christ would bring, demonstrating God's love and care for His people.
Themes from Nehemiah 11
- Restoration and Repopulation — The chapter describes the restoration and repopulation of Jerusalem, symbolizing God's redemption and restoration.
- Faith and Trust — The chapter highlights the importance of faith and trust in God's plan, as demonstrated by the Israelites who settled in Jerusalem.
- Unity and Cooperation — The chapter emphasizes the importance of unity and cooperation among God's people, as they work together to achieve His plan.
- God's Faithfulness — The chapter showcases God's faithfulness to His people, as He fulfills His promise to restore and repopulate Jerusalem.
- Ultimate Redemption and Restoration — The chapter foreshadows the ultimate redemption and restoration that Christ would bring, demonstrating God's love and care for His people.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the repopulation of Jerusalem symbolize in the biblical narrative?
- How does the chapter highlight the importance of faith and trust in God's plan?
- What role do leaders play in the repopulation of Jerusalem, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
- How does the chapter demonstrate God's faithfulness to His people?
- What principles can we apply to our own lives from the example of the Israelites who settled in Jerusalem?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to the Repopulation of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 11:1-2)
| Nehemiah 11:1 | The chapter begins by explaining the process of repopulating Jerusalem, with one-tenth of the people from Judah and Benjamin moving to the city. |
| Nehemiah 11:2 | The people blessed all the men who volunteered to live in Jerusalem, demonstrating their unity and cooperation. |
2. The Leaders and People Who Settled in Jerusalem (Nehemiah 11:3-24)
| Nehemiah 11:3 | The chapter lists the leaders and people who volunteered to live in Jerusalem, including the priests, Levites, and other Israelites. |
| Nehemiah 11:4 | The leaders and people who settled in Jerusalem are listed, demonstrating their faith and trust in God's plan. |
3. The Settlements of the Priests, Levites, and Other Israelites (Nehemiah 11:25-36)
| Nehemiah 11:25 | The chapter concludes by noting the settlements of the priests, Levites, and other Israelites in the surrounding towns. |
| Nehemiah 11:26 | The settlements of the priests, Levites, and other Israelites are listed, demonstrating their faith and trust in God's plan. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the repopulation of Jerusalem in the biblical narrative?
The repopulation of Jerusalem symbolizes God's redemption and restoration, as well as the ultimate redemption and restoration that Christ would bring (Nehemiah 11:1-2, John 1:1).
How does the chapter highlight the importance of faith and trust in God's plan?
The chapter demonstrates the importance of faith and trust in God's plan, as the Israelites who settled in Jerusalem trusted in God's sovereignty and plan (Nehemiah 11:1-2).
What role do leaders play in the repopulation of Jerusalem?
The leaders, including Nehemiah and the priests, played a crucial role in overseeing the repopulation of Jerusalem and achieving God's plan (Nehemiah 11:1-2).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nehemiah 11:1 → John 1:1 | The repopulation of Jerusalem foreshadows the ultimate redemption and restoration that Christ would bring, demonstrating God's love and care for His people. |
| 2 | Nehemiah 11:2 → Hebrews 11:10 | The faith and trust of the Israelites who settled in Jerusalem are examples of the faith and trust that believers should have in God's plan, just as Abraham trusted in God's promise of a heavenly city. |
| 3 | Nehemiah 11:3 → 1 Chronicles 9:2-3 | The leaders and people who settled in Jerusalem are listed, demonstrating their faith and trust in God's plan, just as the Israelites who returned from exile were listed in 1 Chronicles 9:2-3. |
| 4 | Nehemiah 11:4 → Ezra 2:1-2 | The leaders and people who settled in Jerusalem are listed, demonstrating their faith and trust in God's plan, just as the Israelites who returned from exile were listed in Ezra 2:1-2. |
| 5 | Nehemiah 11:25 → Joshua 21:1-3 | The settlements of the priests, Levites, and other Israelites are listed, demonstrating their faith and trust in God's plan, just as the Israelites were allotted land in Joshua 21:1-3. |
| 6 | Nehemiah 11:26 → 1 Samuel 27:6 | The settlements of the priests, Levites, and other Israelites are listed, demonstrating their faith and trust in God's plan, just as the Israelites were allotted land in 1 Samuel 27:6. |
| 7 | Nehemiah 11:1 → Psalm 102:16 | The repopulation of Jerusalem is a fulfillment of God's promise to restore and rebuild the city, just as Psalm 102:16 prophesies. |
| 8 | Nehemiah 11:2 → Isaiah 44:26 | The faith and trust of the Israelites who settled in Jerusalem are examples of the faith and trust that believers should have in God's plan, just as Isaiah 44:26 prophesies the restoration of Jerusalem. |
| 9 | Nehemiah 11:3 → Jeremiah 31:38-40 | The leaders and people who settled in Jerusalem are listed, demonstrating their faith and trust in God's plan, just as Jeremiah 31:38-40 prophesies the restoration of Jerusalem. |
| 10 | Nehemiah 11:25 → Zechariah 2:4 | The settlements of the priests, Levites, and other Israelites are listed, demonstrating their faith and trust in God's plan, just as Zechariah 2:4 prophesies the expansion of Jerusalem. |
Sermons on Nehemiah 11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Nehemiah) ch.11 - ch.13 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenges Nehemiah faced in getting people to live in Jerusalem. The city was in a state of disrepair and lacked opportunities for financ |
|
A Certain Portion Should Be for the Singers. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the vital role of singers in the community, as they uplift and inspire others through their music, even if their contributions seem less tangible than those o |
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A Peculiar Treasure by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of being a 'peculiar treasure' to God, drawing parallels between the voluntary commitment of the people in Nehemiah's time to dwell in |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Nehemiah 11
Matthew Henry's commentary on Nehemiah 11 emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's plan, as demonstrated by the Israelites who settled in Jerusalem. Henry notes that the repopulation of Jerusalem is a fulfillment of God's promise to restore and rebuild the city, and that it foreshadows the ultimate redemption and restoration that Christ would bring. Henry also highlights the role of leadership in overseeing the repopulation of Jerusalem, and the importance of unity and cooperation among God's people. Ultimately, Henry sees the repopulation of Jerusalem as a testament to God's faithfulness and love for His people, and as a reminder of the ultimate redemption and restoration that awaits believers in Christ. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Unity
The chapter highlights the unity and cooperation among the people as they worked together to repopulate Jerusalem, demonstrating the importance of unity in achieving God's plan.
The Role of Leadership
The leaders, including Nehemiah and the priests, played a crucial role in overseeing the repopulation of Jerusalem, emphasizing the importance of godly leadership in the church.
The Faithfulness of God
The chapter showcases God's faithfulness to His people, as He fulfilled His promise to restore and repopulate Jerusalem, demonstrating His love and care for His people.