Nehemiah 11

Nehemiah 11:1-19

It’s here here, 1. Nehemiah’s care to people Jerusalem, ver. 1, 2. 2. The principal persons that resided there, of Judah and Benjamin, ver. 3—9. Of the priests and Levites, ver. 10—19. 3. The several cities and villages of Judah and Benjamin, that were prepaid by the rest of their families, ver. 20—36.

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 visit, Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nechinims, 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; Atheiah the son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephaniah, the son of Mahalael, 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 Jozirah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Shiloni. 6. All the sons of Perez that dwelt at Jerusalem, were four hundred threefcore 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 Kofiaiah, the son of Maaseiah, the son of Jaisi, the son of Jefiah. 8. And after him Gabbai, Sallu, 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: Judah the son of Jozirah, Jachin. 11. Serziah 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 Jehoram, the son of Pellaiah, the son of Anufi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pafhur, the son of Maktaba. 13. And his brethren chief of the fathers, two hundred forty and two: and Amaftai, the son of Azareel, the son of Ahafi, the son of Meshullam, 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 the great men. 15. Also of the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hafuub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hafuabiah, the son of Bunni. 16. And Shabbethai, and Jozabad of the chief of the Levites had the oversight of the outward indirects of the house of God. 17. And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Afaph, 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 fourfcore and four. 19. Moreover, the porters, Akkub, Talmon, and their brethren that kept the gates, were an hundred seventy and two.

Jerusalem, the holy city, though now walled, and the temple service carried out, was but thinly inhabited. Probably an abode there was judged most dangerous, as against this place the enemies of God’s people chiefly levelled their designs; and also less could be got here, than by forming or merchandise in the country. Note, (1.) The fear of man deters many from dwelling in the holy city. (2.) Selfish ends and private advantages, are generally more powerful inducements than God’s glory, and the interests of his church and people. To remedy this evil, we have here the steps taken to replenish it with inhabitants:

1. The rulers of the people, with their families and attendants, fixed there, as the duty of their office required, and as an encouragement to others to follow their examples. Note, (1.) They whom God distinguishes with honour, should distinguish themselves by zeal for his cause. (2.) A great and good example is very prevalent.

2. Many voluntarily offered themselves, and received the deserved commendations of their brethren, who could not but praise that generous self-denial they cared not to imitate. Note, (1.) Many more will commend what is excellent than copy it. (2.) They who for God’s glory forego their own advantage, shall never lide their reward.

3. The remainder were supplied by lot; every tenth man, with his family, being appointed to reside there. Thus the city was inhabited. As it originally belonged to Judah and Benjamin conjointly, they chiefly resided there, though the greater number of the latter: most of the priests took up their abode there, as the place of their service: some of the Levites also dwelt there, though fewer in number; the rest being dispersed as teachers in the other towns and villages. Of some of the priests it is remarked, they were mighty men of valour, which was the more needful, as they might be called to defend the temple with their sword, as well as to minister in the service. One of the Levites is said to have the oversight of the outward business, repairs, collecting contributions, &c. Another, v. 17. was precentur, to begin the thanksgiving in prayer. Note, (1.) Order in the temple is especially needed. (2.) Praise is a noble part of divine worship.

4. 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 Nechinims dwelt in the other cities. 22. The overseer also of the Levites at Jerusalem, was Uzzi the son of Bani, the son of Hafuabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micha: of the sons of Afaph, 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, and due

due

The following table is a list of the following table: 24. And Petahiah the son of Mehezabeel, 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 dwick at ‘Kirjath-arba, and in the villages thereof, and at Dibon, and in the villages thereof, and at Jekabzeel, and in the villages thereof, 26. And at Jehua, and at Moladah, and at Beth-phelet, 27. And at Hazar-fhuai, and at Beer-fheba, and in the villages thereof, 28. And at Ziklag, and at Mekonah, and in the villages thereof, 29. And at En-rimmon, and at Zareah, and at Jarmuth, 30. Zamah, Adullam, and in their villages, at Lazkish, and the fields thereof, at Azekah, and in the villages thereof. And they dwelt from Beer-fheba, unto the valley of Hinnom. 31. The children also of Benjamin, from Geba, dwelt & at Michmaih, and Aija, and Bethel, and in their villages, 32. And at Anatboth, Nobi, Ayaniah, 33. Hazor, Ramah, Girasim, 34. Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat, 35. Lod, and Ono, the valley of craftsmen. 36. And of the Levites, were divisions in Judah, and in Benjamin.

6. 20—26. The holy city being furnished with inhabitants, we have here an account of the disposition of the residue of the people. The Nethimms, whose service required their being near the temple, dwelt on the wall of the city; See 2 Chose. xxvi. 3. The chief of the Levites also dwelt at Jerufalem, that he might direct and regulate the affairs of his order. The sons of Ataph were engaged in the work of praife, and maintained by the kings of Persia out of their treasury. One of the descendants of Zerah was at the king’s hand in all matters concerning the people; the person through whom all petitions or applications were made; or perhaps appointed to settle any disputes that might arise between the king’s officers and the people, about the taxes paid into, or stipends paid out of the royal treasury. All the rest of the people of Judah and Benjamin, with the Levites, were distributed in the cities and villages, enjoying once more in grace the heritage of Israel. Hoppy for them if they had learnt, by past experience, to improve their mercies; but the prophecy of Malachi, who now flourished, shews that they were too like their forefathers; and therefore long since have they been call out of this good land, now barren and desolate for the iniquity of those who dwelt therein.