Nehemiah 11:1-36
11:1-2 The leaders made their home in Jerusalem. As only a fraction of the former people had spiritually returned, an effort needed to be made to establish the city as well as grow the population of the city. They were grateful to anyone who was willing to offer themselves as inhabitants of Jerusalem and therefore, servants of God.
11:3-4 Generally, each family returned to the portion of the city allotted to their ancestors. Each of Jacob's (renamed Israel by God) children represent a tribe of Israel, Genesis 49. It is fitting that Jacob's descendants would be named the Israelites: The name Israel means 'God Prevails' and God had prevailed despite their frequent immorality and negligence of faith.
11:5-6 The children of Judah.
11:7-9 The sons of Benjamin.
11:10-14 Of the priests.
11:15-18 (Also) Of the Levites.
11:19 The gatekeepers.
11:20-21 The Nethinim, 'temple servants,' lived in Ophel. 'Ophel' means hill; a ridge of hills in Jerusalem, fortified for defense of the city. Servants of God's temple, the kingdom of God within themselves, dwell indeed on a raised and well-defended platform. As servants of God, our perspective is heightened and the Lord is encamped around us.
11:22-24 Also of mention were the overseer of the Levites as well as the singers in charge of the service of the house of God.
11:25-36 The people dwelling outside of Jerusalem.
Compared to what it could have been, had everyone remained faithful to God, it was a sparse group. But the sparse group was fervent in their love and obedience for God and thus, though small, they had great significance.
Compared to what it could have been, had everyone remained faithful to God, it was a sparse group. But the sparse group was fervent in their love and obedience for God and thus, though small, they had great significance.
