Skip to content

Nehemiah 11 Rebuilding the Walls of Jerusalem

1 The New Residents of Jerusalem
Now the leaders of the people settled in Jerusalem, and the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of every ten to live in Jerusalem, the holy city, while the remaining nine were to stay in their own towns.

2 The people commended all the men who volunteered to live in Jerusalem.

3 These are the provincial leaders who settled in Jerusalem (now some Israelites, priests, Levites, temple servants and descendants of Solomon’s servants lived in the towns of Judah, each on his own property in the various towns,

4 while other people from both Judah and Benjamin lived in Jerusalem):
From the descendants of Judah:
Athaiah son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalalel, a descendant of Perez;

5 and Maaseiah son of Baruch, the son of Col-Hozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, a descendant of Shelah.

6 The descendants of Perez who lived in Jerusalem totaled 468 able men.

7 From the descendants of Benjamin:
Sallu 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 Jeshaiah,

8 and his followers, Gabbai and Sallai—928 men.

9 Joel son of Zicri was their chief officer, and Judah son of Hassenuah was over the Second District of the city.

10 From the priests:
Jedaiah; the son of Joiarib; Jakin;

11 Seraiah son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, supervisor in the house of God,

12 and their associates, who carried on work for the temple—822 men; Adaiah son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malkijah,

13 and his associates, who were heads of families—242 men; Amashsai son of Azarel, the son of Ahzai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Immer,

14 and his associates, who were able men—128. Their chief officer was Zabdiel son of Haggedolim.

15 From the Levites:
Shemaiah son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Bunni;

16 Shabbethai and Jozabad, two of the heads of the Levites, who had charge of the outside work of the house of God;

17 Mattaniah son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, the director who led in thanksgiving and prayer; Bakbukiah, second among his associates; and Abda son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.

18 The Levites in the holy city totaled 284.

19 The gatekeepers:
Akkub, Talmon and their associates, who kept watch at the gates—172 men.

20 The rest of the Israelites, with the priests and Levites, were in all the towns of Judah, each on his ancestral property.

21 The temple servants lived on the hill of Ophel, and Ziha and Gishpa were in charge of them.

22 The chief officer of the Levites in Jerusalem was Uzzi son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Mica. Uzzi was one of Asaph’s descendants, who were the singers responsible for the service of the house of God.

23 The singers were under the king’s orders, which regulated their daily activity.

24 Pethahiah son of Meshezabel, one of the descendants of Zerah son of Judah, was the king’s agent in all affairs relating to the people.

25 As for the villages with their fields, some of the people of Judah lived in Kiriath Arba and its surrounding settlements, in Dibon and its settlements, in Jekabzeel and its villages,

26 in Jeshua, in Moladah, in Beth Pelet,

27 in Hazar Shual, in Beersheba and its settlements,

28 in Ziklag, in Meconah and its settlements,

29 in En Rimmon, in Zorah, in Jarmuth,

30 Zanoah, Adullam and their villages, in Lachish and its fields, and in Azekah and its settlements. So they were living all the way from Beersheba to the Valley of Hinnom.

31 The descendants of the Benjamites from Geba lived in Micmash, Aija, Bethel and its settlements,

32 in Anathoth, Nob and Ananiah,

33 in Hazor, Ramah and Gittaim,

34 in Hadid, Zeboim and Neballat,

35 in Lod and Ono, and in the Valley of the Craftsmen.

36 Some of the divisions of the Levites of Judah settled in Benjamin.

Analysis of Nehemiah Chapter 11

The eleventh chapter of the Book of Nehemiah focuses on the repopulation of Jerusalem. After the physical reconstruction of the walls and gates, the issue that arose next was filling the city with inhabitants. This chapter primarily details how people were chosen to live in Jerusalem and who some of these inhabitants were, including their genealogies and roles. Below is a detailed, verse-by-verse analysis, which sheds light on the significance, implications, and interpretations of this chapter.

The Lottery and Willing Sacrifices: Nehemiah 11:1-2

Verse 1: “Now the leaders of the people settled in Jerusalem, and the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of every ten to live in Jerusalem, the holy city, while the remaining nine were to stay in their own towns.”

Verse 2: “The people commended those who volunteered to live in Jerusalem.”

The repopulation of Jerusalem starts with the leaders setting an example by choosing to reside in the city. The city had to be populated not just for governance but also for spiritual and social vitality. This move was essential to reestablish Jerusalem as the central place for worship and governance. The lottery system indicates a fair and unbiased method ensuring that the repopulation responsibility was distributed evenly. One out of every ten was required to live in Jerusalem, showcasing a systematic numerical approach to this issue.

Verse 2 also highlights the benevolence and willingness of some who volunteered to relocate without compulsion. This voluntary move is significant as it shows the collective commitment and sacrifice of the people towards a common good. This honorable mention underlines that community spirit and selflessness are being valued, which aligns with the broader lessons of service and faithfulness in the scriptures.

List of Settlers in Jerusalem: Nehemiah 11:3-24

This section enumerates the people who settled in Jerusalem, subdivided into various groups:

  • Israelites (Verses 3-9)
  • Priests (Verses 10-14)
  • Levites (Verses 15-18)
  • Gatekeepers (Verse 19)
  • Temple Servants (Verse 21)
  • Public Officials (Verses 22-24)

These groups reflect the structure and functioning of Jerusalem as a religious and administrative center.

Israelites: Nehemiah 11:3-9

This section lists the heads of families from Judah and Benjamin who settled in Jerusalem. The meticulous recording of names and numbers provides a sense of organization and the significance of genealogical records in Jewish tradition. These individuals were notable members, whose lineage was crucial for maintaining the social and cultural fabric.

Verse 4: “While other people from both Judah and Benjamin lived in Jerusalem, from the descendants of Judah: Athaiah son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalalel, a descendant of Perez;”

Athaiah, a descendant of Perez, signifies a prominent lineage, revealing the importance of both heritage and leadership among the inhabitants. Great emphasis is placed on the clarity of their genealogies, ensuring the purity and correctness of the tribe related to the city’s reconstitution efforts.

The Priests: Nehemiah 11:10-14

The priests were essential not only for religious ceremonies but also for maintaining the spiritual well-being of the populace. The detailed enumeration of their families emphasizes their integral role in the community’s daily life.

Verse 11: “Seraiah son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the official in charge of the house of God.”
Verse 12: “and their associates, who carried on work for the temple—822 men.”

Seraiah’s genealogy reflects both his prestigious lineage and authoritative position within the temple, highlighting the chain of command and the organized structure of religious leadership.

The Levites: Nehemiah 11:15-18

The Levites served as helpers and assistants to the priests, aiding in various temple activities and ensuring the upkeep of religious traditions and functions. Their inclusion is essential to understand the comprehensive representation of various roles centralized around the spiritual hub – Jerusalem.

Verse 16: “Shabbethai and Jozabad, two of the heads of the Levites, who had charge of the outside work of the house of God.”

This verse implies the responsibility and organizational commitment to the maintenance and service of temple precincts, reflecting how every aspect of temple service was accounted for.

The Gatekeepers: Nehemiah 11:19

Verse 19: “The gatekeepers: Akkub, Talmon and their associates, who kept watch at the gates—172 men.”

The role of the gatekeepers was vital for security and order. Their vigilant presence at the gates ensured the controlled access to the temple, symbolizing the safeguarding of sanctity and order within sacred spaces.

Temple Servants: Nehemiah 11:21

Verse 21: “The temple servants lived on the hill of Ophel, and Ziha and Gishpa were in charge of them.”

The temple servants performed menial but crucial tasks within the temple, supporting the priests and Levites. Though their roles might seem minor, their inclusion and enumeration illustrate that every contributor to the temple’s function was recognized and valued.

Public Officials: Nehemiah 11:22-24

This section lists various public officials who were key to the administration and organizational efficiency of Jerusalem.

Verse 23: “The musicians were under the king’s orders, which regulated their daily activity.”

Musicians played a significant role in temple worship and rituals. The king’s direct oversight signifies the harmonious blend of religious and royal priorities in the governance of Jerusalem.

The Outlying Settlements of Judah and Benjamin: Nehemiah 11:25-36

This final portion lists the villages, towns, and settlements outside Jerusalem where other members of Judah and Benjamin resided:

  • Settlements of Judah (Verses 25-30)
  • Settlements of Benjamin (Verses 31-36)

Settlements of Judah: Nehemiah 11:25-30

Verse 25: “As for the villages with their fields, some of the people of Judah lived in Kiriath Arba and its surrounding settlements, in Dibon and its settlements, and in Jekabzeel and its villages.”

This enumeration highlights the dispersion of Judah’s people across various regions, reflecting the continuity of occupational and agricultural life that supported Jerusalem. The geographical locations underscore the diverse spread of the people and their interconnectedness with Jerusalem as the central hub.

Settlements of Benjamin: Nehemiah 11:31-36

Verse 31: “The descendants of the Benjamites from Geba lived in Mikmash, Aija, Bethel and its settlements.”

The regions inhabited by the Benjamites underline a similar pattern of dispersion and settlement, supporting the broader community structure surrounding Jerusalem. These settlements, while physically distant from Jerusalem, were socio-economically and spiritually linked to it.

Conclusion

Nehemiah Chapter 11 provides a detailed account of the repopulation of Jerusalem post-exile. This chapter is significant in several ways:

  • It underscores the importance of community cooperation and fair distribution of duties via the lottery system, ensuring that the responsibility of repopulating Jerusalem was borne collectively.
  • The chapter pays tribute to the voluntary sacrifices made by individuals who willingly moved to Jerusalem, emphasizing the value of selflessness and collective worship.
  • It meticulously records the genealogy and roles of various groups – priests, Levites, gatekeepers, and temple servants – highlighting the well-organized and hierarchical structure governing Jerusalem.
  • The detailed enumeration of settlements points to a structured societal and geographical organization that extends beyond Jerusalem, encompassing the broader territorial and tribal affiliations.

Overall, Nehemiah Chapter 11 is pivotal in understanding community life, leadership, and the centralization of worship in ancient Jerusalem. It reflects how spiritual governance and administrative order were reestablished post-exile, providing a blueprint of communal resilience and cooperative rebuilding.