Friday, April 11 – Nehemiah 11, 12

1. Why was there a need to repopulate Jerusalem with Jews? Nehemiah 11:1, 2

2. How many of the leaders of the people were selected to live in the city? Nehemiah 11:1

3. What was God’s attitude toward those leaders who voluntarily offered to dwell in Jerusalem? Nehemiah 11:2

It is noteworthy that at this extraordinary juncture in Israel’s history, as they returned to their land from Babylonian captivity, God chose capable and spiritual leaders to carry out the restoration of Jerusalem and the temple in difficult times. The ministries of Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah stand out during this period. With their gifts, qualities, and skills, each of them contributed to the restoration of Jerusalem and the Jewish government.

As we have observed, the book of Nehemiah is divided into three sections:

1. Rebuilding the Walls and Nehemiah’s Reform Movement (1:1-7:73).

2. Reading of the Law and Reaffirmation of the Covenant (7:73-10:39).

3. Restoration of Jerusalem and Nehemiah’s Second Reform Movement (11:1-13:31).

Chapters 11 and 12 provide a detailed account of how Jerusalem was repopulated. It is striking that most Jews returning from exile did not settle in Jerusalem. We can infer from verses 1 and 2 that most people were reluctant to relocate to the capital city. However, it was decided that one out of every ten leaders would be chosen to live in Jerusalem.

From verses 3 to 24, the list of key inhabitants of the city is presented. To better understand the historical context of the return from exile, we should read 1 Chronicles 9:2-17, where we find a nearly identical list to the one recorded here in Nehemiah.

The returning captives were few compared to Jerusalem’s population during the days of the kings. The city appeared sparsely populated since the walls had been rebuilt on their original foundations. Nehemiah asked one-tenth of the people outside the city to relocate within the walls to prevent large areas from being deserted. Many were unwilling to move into the city. Only a few volunteered (Nehemiah 11:1, 2), so Nehemiah cast lots to determine who would relocate.

Many of them likely did not want to live in the city because:

1. Non-Jews viewed the residents of Jerusalem unfavorably and often excluded them from commerce due to their religious beliefs.

2. Moving to the city required rebuilding their homes and reestablishing their businesses, a significant investment of time and money.

3. Living in Jerusalem meant strict adherence to God’s Word due to social pressure and the temple’s proximity. Nehemiah’s spiritual reforms aimed to renew the people’s zeal for spiritual matters.

When reading the genealogies in Chronicles and now in Nehemiah, we might think they have little practical application for us. However, behind each name is a person who played a role in restoring God’s people. The gifts the Lord has distributed in His church are for the equipping of the saints (Ephesians 4:12). We should not only recognize leaders in prominent positions but also those who use their talents to advance the church’s mission. The priests, Levites, gatekeepers, and singers all had essential roles in the religious structure of Israel.

Today, our churches have pastors, elders, treasurers, secretaries, deacons, deaconesses, music directors, audiovisual technicians, and many other roles. Many work humbly and silently, contributing to the advancement of God’s work. One day, the Lord will say to them:
“Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord” (Matthew 25:23).

One detail that stood out to me is that verses 22 and 23 refer to the Levite singers in the house of God: “For it was the king’s command concerning them that a certain portion should be for the singers, a quota day by day” (Nehemiah 11:23). From this, we can conclude that the king issued instructions to provide financial support to the Levites in charge of worship.

May the Lord help us find our role in His work and serve with a grateful and faithful heart.
Blessings to all.