Scripture reading – Nehemiah 11; Nehemiah 12

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Nehemiah 11

As we near the close of our study in the Book of Nehemiah, I remind you that although the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt, the city itself was not habitable. In an earlier passage, we read, “The city was large and great: but the people were few therein, and the houses were not builded” (Nehemiah 7:4). With the Temple rebuilt and the walls of Jerusalem completed, the challenge now was for some to commit themselves to building their homes and residing in the city. After all, what was a large city without a significant population?

 

The Determination to Repopulate Jerusalem (Nehemiah 11:1-2)

With most of the city in ruins, Jerusalem resembled a place of poverty more than a place of privilege. “The rulers of the people” determined to cast lots to repopulate the city. One of every ten people from Israel would dwell in Jerusalem so that they might guard and protect the city (Nehemiah 11:1). Some moved to Jerusalem because the lot fell on their household, but others “willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem” (Nehemiah 11:2).

The Determination to Repopulate Jerusalem

Notable People Dwelling in Jerusalem (Nehemiah 11:3-36) 

Nehemiah 11-12 presented a great list of men, some named and others known only by their deeds. Here, we find the names of men and deeds that would be forgotten without the LORD having Nehemiah record them in His Word. From the tribe of Judah, there were 468 men described as “valiant men” (Nehemiah 11:6).  Of the tribe of Benjamin, 928 men settled into Jerusalem (Nehemiah 11:7-8).

Priestly families moved to Jerusalem. Eight hundred twenty-two priests relocated to the city to labor at the Temple (Nehemiah 11:10-12). An additional 242 priests were noted in Nehemiah 11:13, along with 128 priests described as “mighty men of valour” (yes, there were warrior priests in Israel, Nehemiah 11:14).

There were also priests who “had the oversight of the outward business of the house of God” (Nehemiah 11:16) and others who were charged with “the thanksgiving in prayer” (Nehemiah 11:17). Another 172 priests served as porters or gatekeepers of the Temple (Nehemiah 11:19). Those men and their families were necessary to fulfill the ministry of seeing Jerusalem restored to her glory as the “holy city” (Nehemiah 11:1).

The balance of Nehemiah 11 gave the names of cities where the people settled. The towns of Judah were identified in Nehemiah 11:25-30, and the cities that belonged to the tribe of Benjamin were named in Nehemiah 11:31-36.

Notable People Dwelling in Jerusalem

Nehemiah 12

Nehemiah 12 gave a chronicle of the names of priests and Levites (Nehemiah 12:1-26) and the details of the worship service when the Jerusalem walls were dedicated (Nehemiah 12:27-47).

Reading the latter half of Nehemiah 12, we appreciate the preparations that went into the day of “the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem” (Nehemiah 12:27).  All the Levites were invited to come to the city and “keep the dedication with gladness” (Nehemiah 12:27). Notice also the prominence of music during the dedication services. There were musicians playing instruments (Nehemiah 12:27, 36), singers (Nehemiah 12:28, 42), and sons of priests playing trumpets upon the wall (Nehemiah 12:35). Sacrifices for the dedication of the wall were offered. Indeed, the people’s rejoicing was so loud that “the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off” (12:43).

 

Closing thought 

Today’s Scripture reading concludes with the people bringing their tithes and offerings out of the fields to the Temple, for “Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites” (Nehemiah 12:44-45).

What can be accomplished when God’s people set aside their personal expectations, agendas, and aspirations and unite their hearts to serve the LORD and work together for His namesake and glory is amazing! 

Let’s labor for the LORD together and finish strong!

the joy of Jerusalem

Copyright © 2024 – Travis D. Smith 

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