Neh 11 | MHM | STEP | The Re-peopling of Jerusalem Jerusalem is called the holy city because the temple was there, and God had chosen it as his special place. You might think everyone would want to live there, but many people did not. Some avoided Jerusalem because living there meant they had to live more strictly and be more holy. Others were afraid because Jerusalem was often attacked by enemies, making it a dangerous place. Some people just wanted to live in the country, where they could make more money from farming and business. Many people care more about their own comfort and success than about God’s glory or the good of others ( All seek their own, not the things that are Jesus Christ's (Philippians 2:21 )). Because of this, it was hard to get people to live in Jerusalem after it was rebuilt. v. 1 : The rulers of the people chose to live in Jerusalem. This was the right place for them, because there were set the thrones of judgment (Psalm 122:5 ). Their example encouraged others to live there too. When leaders choose to do what is right, it inspires others to follow.

‏ Nehemiah 11

The Re-peopling of Jerusalem

Jerusalem is called the holy city because the temple was there, and God had chosen it as his special place. You might think everyone would want to live there, but many people did not. Some avoided Jerusalem because living there meant they had to live more strictly and be more holy. Others were afraid because Jerusalem was often attacked by enemies, making it a dangerous place. Some people just wanted to live in the country, where they could make more money from farming and business. Many people care more about their own comfort and success than about God’s glory or the good of others (All seek their own, not the things that are Jesus Christ's (Philippians 2:21 ^a)). Because of this, it was hard to get people to live in Jerusalem after it was rebuilt.

v. 1: The rulers of the people chose to live in Jerusalem. This was the right place for them, because there were set the thrones of judgment (Psalm 122:5 ^b). Their example encouraged others to live there too. When leaders choose to do what is right, it inspires others to follow.

v. 2: Some people willingly offered to move to Jerusalem, even though it meant giving up their own comfort for the good of everyone. The people blessed and praised those who made this sacrifice. The Bible says, Those shall prosper that love Zion (Psalm 122:6, 9 ^c). Even if some people do not help, they can still appreciate and pray for those who do.

Since there was still room in the city, the leaders decided to bring one out of every ten people to live in Jerusalem. They chose these people by casting lots, trusting that God would guide the decision. This way, everyone knew that God had chosen who should live in the city. Giving a tenth to God was an old rule, and now giving a tenth of the people to live in the holy city was seen as giving to God.

v. 3-9: The people who moved to Jerusalem included many from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. Most of the city was in Benjamin’s land, so there were more Benjamites (928 families) than people from Judah (468 families) (Nehemiah 11:6-8 ^d). The men of Judah were known for being brave and ready to defend the city. The Benjamites had leaders to keep order, because good organization is as important as having strong soldiers (Nehemiah 11:9 ^e).

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v. 10-19: Many priests and Levites also lived in Jerusalem, since their work was at the temple. There were 822 priests from one family, 242 from another, and 128 from another (Nehemiah 11:12-14 ^f). Some priests were called mighty men of valour (Nehemiah 11:14 ^g), because serving God was hard work and sometimes dangerous. One priest was the son of a great man, showing that even important families served God. There were also 284 Levites (Nehemiah 11:18 ^h) and 172 gatekeepers (Nehemiah 11:19 ⁱ). Some Levites took care of the outside work of the temple, like collecting offerings and preparing materials (Nehemiah 11:16 ^j). Others led the singing and thanksgiving in prayer, making sure worship was done well and in order. Giving thanks is an important part of prayer, and public worship should always be done properly, with everyone joining together.

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The Distribution of the People

After explaining who lived in Jerusalem, Nehemiah now describes where the rest of the people of Israel lived. It was important to fill Jerusalem, but not to leave the countryside empty. Both the city and the villages were needed—people in the city supported temple worship, and people in the countryside worked the fields so everyone could eat. There should be no jealousy or conflict between those living in Jerusalem and those in other towns. Each group had an important role.

v. 21: The Nethinims, who were descendants of the Gibeonites, lived in Ophel, a part of Jerusalem near the temple wall (Nehemiah 3:26 ^k). Their job was to do the practical work of the temple, so they lived close by to be ready to serve .

v. 22: Although most Levites lived in different towns throughout Judah, there was one chief Levite who lived in Jerusalem. He was the leader for all the Levites in the region. The other Levites came to him for advice, and he made sure they did their jobs properly (Nehemiah 11:22 ^l).

Some of the singers also had special duties. When they were not singing in the temple, they used their time and skills to help with repairs and other work for God’s house. These men managed the business of the temple. Even the king of Persia supported them by giving them a special allowance, besides what they received as Levites (Nehemiah 11:23 ^m).

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v. 24: There was a man from the family of Zerah who acted as the king’s official in Jerusalem. He helped settle arguments between the king’s workers and the people. He also made sure that taxes for the king and funds for the temple were paid correctly. It was good for the Jews to have one of their own people in this position .

v. 25-36: The rest of the Israelites lived in many towns and villages outside Jerusalem. The children of Judah lived in certain towns (Nehemiah 11:25-30 ⁿ), and the children of Benjamin in others (Nehemiah 11:31-35 ^o). The Levites were spread among both tribes (Nehemiah 11:36 ^p). Even though the people were few and not wealthy, God’s blessing could help them grow strong and rich. However, the prophet Malachi, who spoke around this time, warned them that their lack of true faith and spiritual enthusiasm could hold them back. Prophecy stopped after Malachi until it began again with John the Baptist and Jesus.