Nehemiah 11: Rebuilding, Relocation, and Recognizing Leadership
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.
And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem.
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 wit, Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon’s servants.
And at Jerusalem dwelt certain of the children of Judah, and of the children of Benjamin. Of the children of Judah; Athaiah the son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalaleel, of the children of Perez;
And Maaseiah the son of Baruch, the son of Col–hozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, the son of Shiloni.
All the sons of Perez that dwelt at Jerusalem were four hundred threescore and eight valiant men.
And these are the sons of Benjamin; Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Joed, the son of Pedaiah, the son of Kolaiah, the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ithiel, the son of Jesaiah.
And after him Gabbai, Sallai, nine hundred twenty and eight.
And Joel the son of Zichri was their overseer: and Judah the son of Senuah was second over the city.
Of the priests: Jedaiah the son of Joiarib, Jachin.
Seraiah 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.
And their brethren that did the work of the house were eight hundred twenty and two: and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashur, the son of Malchiah,
And his brethren, chief of the fathers, two hundred forty and two: and Amashai the son of Azareel, the son of Ahasai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Immer,
And their brethren, mighty men of valour, an hundred twenty and eight: and their overseer was Zabdiel, the son of one of the great men.
Also of the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hashub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Bunni;
And Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the chief of the Levites, had the oversight of the outward business of the house of God.
And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, 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.
All the Levites in the holy city were two hundred fourscore and four.
Moreover the porters, Akkub, Talmon, and their brethren that kept the gates, were an hundred seventy and two.
And the residue of Israel, of the priests, and the Levites, were in all the cities of Judah, every one in his inheritance.
But the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel: and Ziha and Gispa were over the Nethinims.
The overseer also of the Levites at Jerusalem was Uzzi the son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micha. Of the sons of Asaph, the singers were over the business of the house of God.
For it was the king’s commandment concerning them, that a certain portion should be for the singers, due for every day.
And Pethahiah the son of Meshezabeel, of the children of Zerah the son of Judah, was at the king’s hand in all matters concerning the people.
And for the villages, with their fields, some of the children of Judah dwelt at Kirjath–arba, and in the villages thereof, and at Dibon, and in the villages thereof, and at Jekabzeel, and in the villages thereof,
And at Jeshua, and at Moladah, and at Beth–phelet,
And at Hazar–shual, and at Beer–sheba, and in the villages thereof,
And at Ziklag, and at Mekonah, and in the villages thereof,
And at En–rimmon, and at Zareah, and at Jarmuth,
Zanoah, Adullam, and in their villages, at Lachish, and the fields thereof, at Azekah, and in the villages thereof. And they dwelt from Beer–sheba unto the valley of Hinnom.
The children also of Benjamin from Geba dwelt at Michmash, and Aija, and Beth–el, and in their villages,
And at Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah,
Hazor, Ramah, Gittaim,
Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat,
Lod, and Ono, the valley of craftsmen.
And of the Levites were divisions in Judah, and in Benjamin.
Nehemiah 11 speaks of more than just names and locations; it speaks of commitment, leadership, and God's desire to see His people thrive in the place He has called them. This chapter details the repopulation of Jerusalem after the rebuilding of the wall, highlighting the importance of both physical and spiritual restoration. Let's delve into the significance of this chapter and uncover the principles that resonate even today.
The Decision to Dwell in Jerusalem (Nehemiah 11:1-2)
The initial verses of Nehemiah 11 reveal a strategic decision-making process. Nehemiah began with the leaders of the people who chose to reside in Jerusalem (Nehemiah 11:1). This demonstrates true leadership: setting an example and taking initiative, even when it might not be the most comfortable or popular choice. Real leaders don't prioritize political expediency over principle; they lead with conviction and a vision for what ought to be.
Following the leaders' example, the rest of the people cast lots to determine who would move to Jerusalem (Nehemiah 11:1). This element of chance, guided by God's providence, suggests a "tithe" of the population was being called to relocate. The goal? To re-establish a godly presence in the city and to be agents of positive change. The expectation was that those who relocated would begin to flourish and grow, thus encouraging others to return to the city.
This speaks powerfully to the concept of redevelopment. Just as God called people to rebuild Jerusalem, He calls us to invest in and influence our own communities. Tony Evans illustrates this point with the example of a church adopting a local apartment complex, sending individuals to exert a godly influence and create positive change. Those who remained were tasked with supporting those who went.
This echoes Jeremiah 29:7, where God instructs the exiles to "seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be exiled, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its peace you will have peace." We, as believers, have the ability to influence the environments where we live. Whether it's combating social ills or simply being a light in a dark place, we are called to build a stable context for life and to influence our cities for Christ.
The List and Its Significance (Nehemiah 11:3-36)
The extensive list of names in Nehemiah 11 might seem tedious at first glance, but it holds profound significance. God acknowledges those who are willing to step up and serve. He remembers those who have the courage to act on their faith.
The list prominently features priests and Levites (Nehemiah 11:3), indicating Nehemiah's focus on establishing a strong religious foundation. He understood that the spiritual health of a community directly impacts its overall well-being. A society's beliefs about God influence how it handles every aspect of life.
Furthermore, the list reveals a high degree of organization and detail. There were heads of the province (Nehemiah 11:3), temple workers (Nehemiah 11:12), supervisors of work outside the temple (Nehemiah 11:16), and those who led in prayer and thanksgiving (Nehemiah 11:17). This underscores the importance of order and structure in all aspects of life. As 1 Corinthians 14:40 reminds us, "But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner." God is not a God of chaos, and we should strive for organization in our homes, businesses, and communities. We cannot expect God to bless disorder.
Nehemiah 11 is a testament to the power of commitment, the importance of leadership, and God's meticulous attention to detail. It calls us to be agents of change in our communities, to prioritize spiritual foundations, and to embrace order in all that we do. May we be inspired by the example of those who rebuilt Jerusalem and strive to build a better world for God's glory.
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.
And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem.
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 wit, Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon’s servants.
And at Jerusalem dwelt certain of the children of Judah, and of the children of Benjamin. Of the children of Judah; Athaiah the son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalaleel, of the children of Perez;
And Maaseiah the son of Baruch, the son of Col–hozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, the son of Shiloni.
All the sons of Perez that dwelt at Jerusalem were four hundred threescore and eight valiant men.
And these are the sons of Benjamin; Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Joed, the son of Pedaiah, the son of Kolaiah, the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ithiel, the son of Jesaiah.
And after him Gabbai, Sallai, nine hundred twenty and eight.
And Joel the son of Zichri was their overseer: and Judah the son of Senuah was second over the city.
Of the priests: Jedaiah the son of Joiarib, Jachin.
Seraiah 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.
And their brethren that did the work of the house were eight hundred twenty and two: and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashur, the son of Malchiah,
And his brethren, chief of the fathers, two hundred forty and two: and Amashai the son of Azareel, the son of Ahasai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Immer,
And their brethren, mighty men of valour, an hundred twenty and eight: and their overseer was Zabdiel, the son of one of the great men.
Also of the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hashub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Bunni;
And Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the chief of the Levites, had the oversight of the outward business of the house of God.
And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, 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.
All the Levites in the holy city were two hundred fourscore and four.
Moreover the porters, Akkub, Talmon, and their brethren that kept the gates, were an hundred seventy and two.
And the residue of Israel, of the priests, and the Levites, were in all the cities of Judah, every one in his inheritance.
But the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel: and Ziha and Gispa were over the Nethinims.
The overseer also of the Levites at Jerusalem was Uzzi the son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micha. Of the sons of Asaph, the singers were over the business of the house of God.
For it was the king’s commandment concerning them, that a certain portion should be for the singers, due for every day.
And Pethahiah the son of Meshezabeel, of the children of Zerah the son of Judah, was at the king’s hand in all matters concerning the people.
And for the villages, with their fields, some of the children of Judah dwelt at Kirjath–arba, and in the villages thereof, and at Dibon, and in the villages thereof, and at Jekabzeel, and in the villages thereof,
And at Jeshua, and at Moladah, and at Beth–phelet,
And at Hazar–shual, and at Beer–sheba, and in the villages thereof,
And at Ziklag, and at Mekonah, and in the villages thereof,
And at En–rimmon, and at Zareah, and at Jarmuth,
Zanoah, Adullam, and in their villages, at Lachish, and the fields thereof, at Azekah, and in the villages thereof. And they dwelt from Beer–sheba unto the valley of Hinnom.
The children also of Benjamin from Geba dwelt at Michmash, and Aija, and Beth–el, and in their villages,
And at Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah,
Hazor, Ramah, Gittaim,
Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat,
Lod, and Ono, the valley of craftsmen.
And of the Levites were divisions in Judah, and in Benjamin.
Nehemiah 11 speaks of more than just names and locations; it speaks of commitment, leadership, and God's desire to see His people thrive in the place He has called them. This chapter details the repopulation of Jerusalem after the rebuilding of the wall, highlighting the importance of both physical and spiritual restoration. Let's delve into the significance of this chapter and uncover the principles that resonate even today.
The Decision to Dwell in Jerusalem (Nehemiah 11:1-2)
The initial verses of Nehemiah 11 reveal a strategic decision-making process. Nehemiah began with the leaders of the people who chose to reside in Jerusalem (Nehemiah 11:1). This demonstrates true leadership: setting an example and taking initiative, even when it might not be the most comfortable or popular choice. Real leaders don't prioritize political expediency over principle; they lead with conviction and a vision for what ought to be.
Following the leaders' example, the rest of the people cast lots to determine who would move to Jerusalem (Nehemiah 11:1). This element of chance, guided by God's providence, suggests a "tithe" of the population was being called to relocate. The goal? To re-establish a godly presence in the city and to be agents of positive change. The expectation was that those who relocated would begin to flourish and grow, thus encouraging others to return to the city.
This speaks powerfully to the concept of redevelopment. Just as God called people to rebuild Jerusalem, He calls us to invest in and influence our own communities. Tony Evans illustrates this point with the example of a church adopting a local apartment complex, sending individuals to exert a godly influence and create positive change. Those who remained were tasked with supporting those who went.
This echoes Jeremiah 29:7, where God instructs the exiles to "seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be exiled, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its peace you will have peace." We, as believers, have the ability to influence the environments where we live. Whether it's combating social ills or simply being a light in a dark place, we are called to build a stable context for life and to influence our cities for Christ.
The List and Its Significance (Nehemiah 11:3-36)
The extensive list of names in Nehemiah 11 might seem tedious at first glance, but it holds profound significance. God acknowledges those who are willing to step up and serve. He remembers those who have the courage to act on their faith.
The list prominently features priests and Levites (Nehemiah 11:3), indicating Nehemiah's focus on establishing a strong religious foundation. He understood that the spiritual health of a community directly impacts its overall well-being. A society's beliefs about God influence how it handles every aspect of life.
Furthermore, the list reveals a high degree of organization and detail. There were heads of the province (Nehemiah 11:3), temple workers (Nehemiah 11:12), supervisors of work outside the temple (Nehemiah 11:16), and those who led in prayer and thanksgiving (Nehemiah 11:17). This underscores the importance of order and structure in all aspects of life. As 1 Corinthians 14:40 reminds us, "But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner." God is not a God of chaos, and we should strive for organization in our homes, businesses, and communities. We cannot expect God to bless disorder.
Nehemiah 11 is a testament to the power of commitment, the importance of leadership, and God's meticulous attention to detail. It calls us to be agents of change in our communities, to prioritize spiritual foundations, and to embrace order in all that we do. May we be inspired by the example of those who rebuilt Jerusalem and strive to build a better world for God's glory.