Nehemiah 11

Nehemiah 11:1

Lots. Those who had a mind to fix their abode at Jerusalem, received every encouragement. But some were compelled, that the city might regain its ancient splendour, and become the bulwark of the nation. Josephus ([Antiquities?] xi. 5.) says, that Nehemias built at his own expense houses for the priest and Levites, who chose to reside there.

Nehemiah 11:2

Blessed. Applauding their zeal and disinterestedness, as the city was yet only a heap of ruins. (Calmet) — Some from the other ten tribes returned; but the transactions of three tribes are more particularly noticed. (Ven. Bede) (Worthington)

Nehemiah 11:3

Solomon. See 1 Esdras ii. 55., and 1 Paralipomenon ix. 2.

Nehemiah 11:4

Benjamin, as well as of Ephraim and Manasses, 1 Paralipomenon ix. 3. The difference between this last record and the present, arises from Nehemias including many who returned with Esdras and with himself. (Calmet)

Nehemiah 11:5

Silonite. Of the son of Sela, 1 Paralipomenon ix. 5. (Tirinus)

Nehemiah 11:9

Second. Vicegerent of Joel, (Calmet) or commander of a second part of the city. (Syriac)

Nehemiah 11:11

Achitob had the inspection over the Levites and treasures. Eliasib was then pontiff. (Calmet)

Nehemiah 11:13

Amassai. Or (1 Paralipomenon ix. 12.) Maasai, the son of Adiel, the son of Jezra, the son of Mosollam, the son of Mosollamoth, the son of Emmer.

Nehemiah 11:14

The mighty, for riches and power; on which account this family was conspicuous.

Nehemiah 11:15

Semeia. The ancient Latin manuscripts read Sebenia. (Martinay.)

Nehemiah 11:16

Outward. For repairs of the temple, cultivation of the lands given by vow; also to buy provisions, sacred vestments, &c.

Nehemiah 11:17

Praise. Master of music. (Calmet) — Hebrew, “chief to begin the thanksgiving in prayer.” Syriac, “leader of the Jews in prayer.” (Haydock)

Nehemiah 11:21

Gaspha, were chiefs of the Nathinites. (Calmet) — Hebrew, “over the,” &c. Ophel was their place of residence, chap. iii. 26.

Nehemiah 11:22

Overseer. Literally, “bishop.” Hebrew pekid, which has the same meaning. (Haydock) — Christians styled him who was at the head, bishop; as the Athenians did their chief justice. (Grotius) (Estius) (Calmet)

Nehemiah 11:23

King’s. David’s, (chap. xii. 24,) or perhaps the Persian monarch, who had appointed a maintenance for the priests, &c., 1 Esdras vi., and vii. (Calmet) — Order. Hebrew, “that a certain portion should be for the singers, due for every day.” (Protestants)

Nehemiah 11:24

People. They addressed themselves to him, (Haydock) and he gave an exact account to the king (Calmet) of Persia. (Menochius)

Nehemiah 11:25

The houses. Hebrew, “and for the dwellings, (Calmet) or villages.” (Pagnin) (Menochius) — Villages. Literally, “daughters,” which is often used in this sense. (Haydock)

Nehemiah 11:26

Jesue. This, and many of the other critics, had changed names, or were not built in the time of Josue. (Calmet)

Nehemiah 11:30

Bersabee. The southern extremity of Juda, (Menochius) unto the valley on the east of Jerusalem. (Adrichomius186.)

Nehemiah 11:34-35

Lod. Built by Samad, 1 Paralipomenon viii. 12. It is called Lod-Hadid, chap. vii. 37. — Ono had the same founder, and stood in the valley of craftsmen, chap. vi. 2., and 1 Paralipomenon iv. 14.

Nehemiah 11:36

Portions. The Levites dwelt in the cities assigned to these two tribes. (Calmet)

Nehemiah 11:38

CHAPTER XI.