Nehemiah 11

By no means to form any matrimonial alliances with the people of the land, who were either avowed heathens, or (with few exceptions) such in heart. 2. They pledge themselves to observe the holy law of the sabbath; and it is, indeed, difficult to conceive on what ground they can pretend to be either Jews or Christians, who do not sacredly regard either the Jewish or the Christian sabbath. To abstain both from labour and from trade, and to attend on public worship on that day, is a law as old as the Creation, and has the solemn sanction of the three great dispensations of God—the Patriarchal, Mosaic, and Christian: but the Jewish law enjoined also the sabbatic year, which is called the sabbath of the land, and these Jews promise also to pay a sacred regard to that law.

(See (Exodus 20:10-11). (Leviticus 25:4).) 3. They also pledge themselves provision for the priests: for public worship must have its ministers; and while these consist of flesh and blood they cannot subsist upon the air. And to neglect these things, whatever people may pretend, is to ‘forsake the house of God’—to neglect and despise his service. Chap. XI Ver. 1—36. Jerusalem repeopled by lot,—Jerusalem at this time was not a place of trade, by which men could acquire wealth; the houses in general were not built; the adversaries of the Jews were peculiarly hostile to that city, both as the capital of the people whose returning prosperity they envied, and the place of the holy worship which they hated; so that the cities of Judah, and other situations in the country, afforded a fairer prospect of living in peace, and of growing rich.

It was therefore deemed a necessary policy, to replenish Jerusalem, for the re-establishment of the Jews as a distinct nation; and for the honour of the temple, and the protection of the priests and worshippers from the invasion of and sanctified of God, for his immediate presence and instituted worship; as a type of Christ and even of heaven; and as the place, where the greatest advantages of becoming holy were enjoyed: yet the Jews, in general, had not sufficient zeal or desire after spiritual improvement, to venture the consequences of removing thither. Some indeed willingly offered themselves to dwell there: whom their brethren commended, thanked, and prayed for; though few would imitate them.

The rulers fixed their residence there, that the courts of justice, and the business connected with public affairs, might draw others: and, in addition to these inhabitants, one family in ten was expressly required to remove to Jerusalem; the selection of which was by lot referred to the determination of God. “They cast lots, that among ten men, it might be known whom God chose to come thither: and the lot falling by divine appointment upon such a person rather than another; no Patrick.. It has in all ages been justly lamented, that men prefer their own ease and emolument to the public good; that even professed Christians too commonly “seek their own, and not the things of Jesus Christ;” and that but few have such an attachment to holy places and holy things, as to renounce their secular pleasures or advantages for the sake of them.

Yet surely, where opportunities of spiritual improvement most abound, and where Jesus, the Ruler of our holy city, especially resides, there we should delight to dwell; in preference to all interests and connexions, and notwithstanding persecutions, tribulations, perils, and losses. Otherwise, where is our ‘“‘meetness for the inheritance of the saints in light?” and how shall we be willing to depart hence, and be “absent from the body, that we may be present with the Lord?”—T.

Notes on the verses

Chap. XI. Ver. 1. To bring one in ten.—(Jerusalem certainly had many inhabitants at this time; but not sufficient to preserve the city, which was now encompassed with a wall, the building of which was going on fast. Nehemiah, therefore, obliged one tenth of the country people to come and dwell in it, that the population might be sufficient for the defence of the city. Some volunteered their services, which was at that time considered a sacrifice to patriotism, as Jerusalem then afforded very few advantages, and was a place of considerable danger: hence “the people blessed them that willingly offered themselves.”)—Bagster Ver. 3. These are the chief—On comparing this list with that in (1 Chronicles 9:2), &c., though they appear to relate to the same period, the differences will be found too many for us to reconcile at this very distant period, nor is it to us an object of importance. See Ver. 9 “was second.” That is, either deputy to Joel; or rather, ruler of the other half of the city. Ver. 16. The outward business.—That is, the secular concerns; the provisions, sacrifices, &c. Ver. 17. Principal to begin.—That is, the precentor, who led the singing, or rather chanting. Ver. 36. Were divisions.—That is, were divided between Judah and Ben-