Nehemiah 11

This chapter belongs to the latter part of the book of Nehemiah. It follows the problem noted in chapter 7, that the city was large but had few inhabitants, and the sealing of the covenant in chapter 10. It records the decision to populate Jerusalem and lists its residents.

Outline

• Verses 1–2 The leaders dwell in Jerusalem, and the rest of the people cast lots so that one in ten will live in Jerusalem. The people bless those who volunteer.
• Verses 3–9 Of the descendants of Judah, 468 sons of Perez live in Jerusalem, along with 928 descendants of Benjamin. Joel is their overseer, and Judah is second in command.
• Verses 10–14 Priests live there in groups of 822, 242, and 128. Zabdiel is their overseer.
• Verses 15–18 A total of 284 Levites live there. Mattaniah leads the thanksgiving in prayer.
• Verses 19–21 There are 172 gatekeepers. The rest of the people live scattered throughout the towns of Judah, and the Nethinim live in Ophel.
• Verses 22–24 Uzzi becomes overseer of the Levites. The singers receive a daily portion by the king's command, and Pethahiah serves at the king's hand in matters concerning the people.
• Verses 25–30 The descendants of Judah live in various villages from Kirjath-arba to Azekah, encamping from Beersheba to the Valley of Hinnom.
• Verses 31–36 The descendants of Benjamin live in Geba, Michmash, Bethel, Anathoth, and other towns, and some of the Levites join with Benjamin.

Key Verses

• Nehemiah 11:1 "The rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city": This verse shows how the returned community allocated places of residence in order to restore the city.
• Nehemiah 11:2 "And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem": This verse shows that the community honored those who willingly dedicated themselves.

People and Places

• Mattaniah: A Levite descended from Asaph who led thanksgiving and prayer.
• The Nethinim: A group of servants who performed menial tasks in the temple.
• Ophel: A hill south of the temple in Jerusalem.
• Kirjath-arba: The ancient name of Hebron.
• Anathoth: A town in the territory of Benjamin, known as the hometown of the prophet Jeremiah.

Points for Reflection

1 Chronicles 9 contains a similar list of Jerusalem's residents. The two lists differ in some names and numbers, and scholars offer differing explanations of their relationship. The text does not specify how the lots were cast. The expression "the holy city" is sometimes read in connection with the New Jerusalem of the New Testament.