Nehemiah 11

Nehemiah 11:1

lots] See the Annotations on Ionah I. 7. This also was in the first year of Nehemiah’s Government.

to dwell] Chap. VII. 4 the inhabitants few: therefore here is care taken to increase the number: and by lot to take one out of ten; beside Volunteers.

Nehemiah 11:3

Solomons servants] See the Observations on 1 Kings IX. 21.

Nehemiah 11:4

at Ierusalem dwelt] The inhabitants of Ierusalem after the Returne are recroded here; and 1 Chron. IX. But with much variation. And many more are recorded in that of 1 Chr. IX. as intending there al promiscuously, both such as were chosen by Lot, and also Volunteers. And moreover there is mention made of Ephraimites, Menaschites, Zerachites, and others which are not once named here. And also the accompt was taken likely at another time after the first Record in Nehemie. chap. VII. 5, &c.

Nehemiah 11:21

Ophel] See the Observations on 2 Chron. XXVII. 3.

Nehemiah 11:22

over the businesse] These for the inward businesse of the house of God, to assist it, in executing their function there: as those Levites, ver. 16. had the oversight of the outward businesse of the house of God, 1 Chron. IX. 15, 16. and chap. XXVI. 29.

Nehemiah 11:23

the Kings commandment] As formerly, Ezra VI. 8, 9. and Ezra VII. 2, 24. So here by the Kings grant to Nehemiah.

Nehemiah 11:25

Villages] From the inhabitants of Ierusalem, he proceeds now to the inhabitants of other Cities, Villages, and places: and first in the tribe of Iudah, ver. 25,—30. Then in Benjamin, ver. 31,—36.

Nehemiah 11:36

And of the Levites] Cities, and Suburbs were given to the Levites, in Iudah, and Benjamin, for the necessary use of instructing and teaching the people.