mh_parser/vol_split/16 - Nehemiah/Chapter 11.xml

<div2 id="Neh.xii" n="xii" next="Neh.xiii" prev="Neh.xi" progress="96.01%" title="Chapter XI">
<h2 id="Neh.xii-p0.1">N E H E M I A H</h2>
<h3 id="Neh.xii-p0.2">CHAP. XI.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="Neh.xii-p1">Jerusalem was walled round, but it was not as yet
fully inhabited, and therefore was weak and despicable. Nehemiah's
next care is to bring people into it; of that we have here an
account. I. The methods taken to replenish it, <scripRef id="Neh.xii-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:Neh.11.1-Neh.11.2" parsed="|Neh|11|1|11|2" passage="Ne 11:1,2">ver. 1, 2</scripRef>. II. The principal persons that
resided there, of Judah and Benjamin (<scripRef id="Neh.xii-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:Neh.11.3-Neh.11.9" parsed="|Neh|11|3|11|9" passage="Ne 11:3-9">ver. 3-9</scripRef>), of the priests and Levites,
<scripRef id="Neh.xii-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:Neh.11.10-Neh.11.19" parsed="|Neh|11|10|11|19" passage="Ne 11:10-19">ver. 10-19</scripRef>. III. The
several cities and villages of Judah and Benjamin that were peopled
by the rest of their families, <scripRef id="Neh.xii-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:Neh.11.20-Neh.11.36" parsed="|Neh|11|20|11|36" passage="Ne 11:20-36">ver.
20-36</scripRef>.</p>
<scripCom id="Neh.xii-p0.1_1" osisRef="Bible:Neh.11" parsed="|Neh|11|0|0|0" passage="Ne 11" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="Neh.xii-p0.2_1" osisRef="Bible:Neh.11.1-Neh.11.19" parsed="|Neh|11|1|11|19" passage="Ne 11:1-19" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Neh.11.1-Neh.11.19">
<h4 id="Neh.xii-p1.7">The Re-peopling of
Jerusalem. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Neh.xii-p1.8">b. c.</span> 444.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Neh.xii-p2">1 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 <i>to
dwell</i> in <i>other</i> cities.   2 And the people blessed
all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at
Jerusalem.   3 Now these <i>are</i> the chief of the province
that dwelt in Jerusalem: but in the cities of Judah dwelt every one
in his possession in their cities, <i>to wit,</i> Israel, the
priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinims, and the children of
Solomon's servants.   4 And at Jerusalem dwelt <i>certain</i>
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;   5 And Maaseiah the son of Baruch,
the son of Colhozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son
of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, the son of Shiloni.   6 All
the sons of Perez that dwelt at Jerusalem <i>were</i> four hundred
threescore and eight valiant men.   7 And these <i>are</i> 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.   8 And after him Gabbai, Sallai,
nine hundred twenty and eight.   9 And Joel the son of Zichri
<i>was</i> their overseer: and Judah the son of Senuah <i>was</i>
second over the city.   10 Of the priests: Jedaiah the son of
Joiarib, Jachin.   11 Seraiah the son of Hilkiah, the son of
Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of
Ahitub, <i>was</i> the ruler of the house of God.   12 And
their brethren that did the work of the house <i>were</i> 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,   13 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,
  14 And their brethren, mighty men of valour, a hundred
twenty and eight: and their overseer <i>was</i> Zabdiel, the son of
<i>one of</i> the great men.   15 Also of the Levites:
Shemaiah the son of Hashub, the son of Azrikam, the son of
Hashabiah, the son of Bunni;   16 And Shabbethai and Jozabad,
of the chief of the Levites, <i>had</i> the oversight of the
outward business of the house of God.   17 And Mattaniah the
son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, <i>was</i> 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.   18 All the Levites in the holy
city <i>were</i> two hundred fourscore and four.   19 Moreover
the porters, Akkub, Talmon, and their brethren that kept the gates,
<i>were</i> a hundred seventy and two.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Neh.xii-p3">Jerusalem is called here <i>the holy
city</i> (<scripRef id="Neh.xii-p3.1" osisRef="Bible:Neh.11.1" parsed="|Neh|11|1|0|0" passage="Ne 11:1"><i>v.</i> 1</scripRef>),
because there the temple was, and that was the place God had chosen
to put his name there; upon this account, one would think, the holy
seed should all have chosen to dwell there and have striven for a
habitation there; but, on the contrary, it seems they declined
dwelling there, 1. Because a greater strictness of conversation was
expected from the inhabitants of Jerusalem than from others, which
they were not willing to come up to. Those who care not for being
holy themselves are shy of dwelling in a holy city; they would not
dwell in the <i>New Jerusalem</i> itself for that reason, but would
wish to have a continuing city here upon earth. Or, 2. Because
Jerusalem, of all places, was most hated by the heathen their
neighbours, and against it their malicious designs were levelled,
which made that the post of danger (as the post of honour usually
is) and therefore they were not willing to expose themselves there.
Fear of persecution and reproach, and of running themselves into
trouble, keeps many out of the holy city, and makes them backward
to appear for God and religion, not considering that, as Jerusalem
is with a special malice threatened and insulted by its enemies, so
it is with a special care protected by its God and made a <i>quiet
habitation,</i> <scripRef id="Neh.xii-p3.2" osisRef="Bible:Isa.33.20 Bible:Ps.46.4-Ps.46.5" parsed="|Isa|33|20|0|0;|Ps|46|4|46|5" passage="Isa 33:20,Ps 46:4,5">Isa.
xxxiii. 20; Ps. xlvi. 4, 5</scripRef>. Or, 3. Because it was more
for their worldly advantage to dwell in the country. Jerusalem was
no trading city, and therefore there was no money to be got there
by merchandise, as there was in the country by corn and cattle.
Note, <i>All seek their own, not the things that are Jesus
Christ's,</i> <scripRef id="Neh.xii-p3.3" osisRef="Bible:Phil.2.21" parsed="|Phil|2|21|0|0" passage="Php 2:21">Phil. ii. 21</scripRef>.
It is a general and just complaint that most people prefer their
own wealth, credit, pleasure, ease, and safety, before the glory of
God and the public good. People being thus backward to dwell at
Jerusalem, now that it was poor, we are here told,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Neh.xii-p4">I. By what means it was replenished. 1. The
rulers dwelt there, <scripRef id="Neh.xii-p4.1" osisRef="Bible:Neh.11.1" parsed="|Neh|11|1|0|0" passage="Ne 11:1"><i>v.</i>
1</scripRef>. That was the proper place for them to reside in,
because <i>there were set the thrones of judgment</i> (<scripRef id="Neh.xii-p4.2" osisRef="Bible:Ps.122.5" parsed="|Ps|122|5|0|0" passage="Ps 122:5">Ps. cxxii. 5</scripRef>), and thither, in all
difficult matters, the people resorted with their last appeals. And
if it were an instance of eminent affection to the house of God,
zeal for the public good, and of faith, and holy courage, and
self-denial, to dwell there at this time, the rulers would be
examples of these to their inferiors. Their dwelling there would
invite and encourage others to dwell there too. <i>Magnates
magnetes—the mighty are magnetic.</i> When great men choose the
holy city for their habitation their example brings holiness into
reputation, and their zeal will provoke very many. 2. There were
some that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem, nobly
foregoing their own secular interest for the public welfare,
<scripRef id="Neh.xii-p4.3" osisRef="Bible:Neh.11.2" parsed="|Neh|11|2|0|0" passage="Ne 11:2"><i>v.</i> 2</scripRef>. It is upon
record, to their honour, that when others were shy of venturing
upon difficulty, loss, and danger, they <i>sought the good of
Jerusalem, because of the house of the Lord their God. Those shall
prosper that thus love Zion,</i> <scripRef id="Neh.xii-p4.4" osisRef="Bible:Ps.122.6 Bible:Ps.122.9" parsed="|Ps|122|6|0|0;|Ps|122|9|0|0" passage="Ps 122:6,9">Ps.
cxxii. 6, 9</scripRef>. It is said, <i>The people blessed them.</i>
They praised them; they prayed for them; they praised God for them.
Many that do not appear forward themselves for the public good will
yet give a good word to those that do. God and man will bless those
that are public blessings, which should encourage us to be zealous
in doing good. 3. They, finding that <i>yet there was room,</i>
concluded upon a review of their whole body to bring one in ten to
dwell in Jerusalem; who they should be was determined by lot, the
disposal whereof, all knew, was of the Lord. This would prevent
strife, and would be a great satisfaction to those on whom the lot
fell to dwell at Jerusalem, that they plainly saw God appointing
the bounds of their habitation. They observed the proportion of one
in ten, as we may suppose, to bring the balance between the city
and country to a just and equal poise; so it seems to refer to the
ancient rule of giving the tenth to God; and what is given to the
holy city he reckons given to himself.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Neh.xii-p5">II. By what persons it was replenished. A
general account is here given of the inhabitants of Jerusalem
because the <i>governors of Judah</i> looked upon them as <i>their
strength in the Lord of hosts their God,</i> and valued them
accordingly, <scripRef id="Neh.xii-p5.1" osisRef="Bible:Zech.12.5" parsed="|Zech|12|5|0|0" passage="Zec 12:5">Zech. xii. 5</scripRef>.
1. Many of the children of Judah and Benjamin dwelt there; for,
originally, part of the city law in the lot of one of those tribes
and part in that of the other; but the greater part was in the lot
of Benjamin, and therefore here we find of the children of Judah
only 468 families in Jerusalem (<scripRef id="Neh.xii-p5.2" osisRef="Bible:Neh.11.6" parsed="|Neh|11|6|0|0" passage="Ne 11:6"><i>v.</i> 6</scripRef>), but of Benjamin 928, <scripRef id="Neh.xii-p5.3" osisRef="Bible:Neh.11.7-Neh.11.8" parsed="|Neh|11|7|11|8" passage="Ne 11:7,8"><i>v.</i> 7, 8</scripRef>. Thus small were its
beginnings, but afterwards, before our Saviour's time, it grew much
more populous. Those of Judah all descended from Perez, or Pharez,
that son of Judah of whom, as concerning the flesh, Christ came.
And, though the Benjamites were more in number, yet of the men of
Judah it is said (<scripRef id="Neh.xii-p5.4" osisRef="Bible:Neh.11.6" parsed="|Neh|11|6|0|0" passage="Ne 11:6"><i>v.</i>
6</scripRef>) that they were valiant men, fit for service, and able
to defend the city in case of an attack. Judah has not lost its
ancient character of a lion's whelp, bold and daring. Of the
Benjamites that dwelt in Jerusalem we are here told who was
<i>overseer,</i> and who was second, <scripRef id="Neh.xii-p5.5" osisRef="Bible:Neh.11.9" parsed="|Neh|11|9|0|0" passage="Ne 11:9"><i>v.</i> 9</scripRef>. For it is as necessary for a
people to have good order kept up among themselves as to be
fortified against the attacks of their enemies from abroad, to have
good magistrates as to have good soldiers. 2. The priests and
Levites did many of them settle at Jerusalem; where else should men
that were holy to God dwell, but in the holy city? (1.) Most of the
priests, we may suppose, dwelt there, for their business lay where
the temple was. Of those that did the work of the house in their
courses here were 822 of one family, 242 of another, and 128 of
another, <scripRef id="Neh.xii-p5.6" osisRef="Bible:Neh.11.12-Neh.11.14" parsed="|Neh|11|12|11|14" passage="Ne 11:12-14"><i>v.</i>
12-14</scripRef>. It was well that those labourers were not few. It
is said of some of them that they were <i>mighty men of valour</i>
(<scripRef id="Neh.xii-p5.7" osisRef="Bible:Neh.11.14" parsed="|Neh|11|14|0|0" passage="Ne 11:14"><i>v.</i> 14</scripRef>); it was
necessary that they should be so, for the priesthood was not only a
work, which required might, but a warfare, which required valour,
especially now. Of one of these priests it is said that he was
<i>the son of one of the great men.</i> It was no disparagement to
the greatest man they had to have his son in the priesthood; he
might magnify his office, for his office did not in the least
diminish him. (2.) Some of the Levites also came and dwelt at
Jerusalem, yet but few in comparison, 284 in all (<scripRef id="Neh.xii-p5.8" osisRef="Bible:Neh.11.18" parsed="|Neh|11|18|0|0" passage="Ne 11:18"><i>v.</i> 18</scripRef>), with 172 porters
(<scripRef id="Neh.xii-p5.9" osisRef="Bible:Neh.11.19" parsed="|Neh|11|19|0|0" passage="Ne 11:19"><i>v.</i> 19</scripRef>), for much of
their work was to <i>teach the good knowledge of God</i> up and
down the country, for which purpose they were to be scattered in
Israel. As many as there was occasion for attended at Jerusalem;
the rest were doing good elsewhere. [1.] It is said of one of the
Levites that he had <i>the oversight of the outward business of the
house of God,</i> <scripRef id="Neh.xii-p5.10" osisRef="Bible:Neh.11.16" parsed="|Neh|11|16|0|0" passage="Ne 11:16"><i>v.</i>
16</scripRef>. The priests were chief managers of the business
within the temple gates; but this Levite was entrusted with the
secular concerns of God's house, that were <i>in ordine ad
spiritualia—subservient to its spiritual concerns,</i> the
collecting of the contributions, the providing of materials for the
temple service, and the like, which it was necessary to oversee,
else the inward business would have been starved and have stood
still. Those who take care of the <b><i>ta exo</i></b>—<i>the
outward concerns</i> of the church, the serving of its tables, are
as necessary in their place as those who take care of its <b><i>ta
eso</i></b>—<i>its inward concerns,</i> who give themselves to the
word and prayer. [2.] It is said of another that he was <i>the
principal to begin the thanksgiving in prayer.</i> Probably he had
a good ear and a good voice, and was a scientific singer, and
therefore was chosen to lead the psalm. He was precentor in the
temple. Observe, Thanksgiving is necessary in prayer; they should
go together; giving thanks for former mercies is a becoming way of
begging further mercies. And care should be taken in public service
that every thing be done in the best manner, <i>decently and in
good order—</i> in prayer, that one speak and the rest join—in
singing, that one begin and the rest follow.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Neh.xii-p0.3" osisRef="Bible:Neh.11.20-Neh.11.36" parsed="|Neh|11|20|11|36" passage="Ne 11:20-36" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Neh.11.20-Neh.11.36">
<h4 id="Neh.xii-p5.12">The Distribution of the
People. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Neh.xii-p5.13">b. c.</span> 444.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Neh.xii-p6">20 And the residue of Israel, of the priests,
<i>and</i> the Levites, <i>were</i> in all the cities of Judah,
every one in his inheritance.   21 But the Nethinims dwelt in
Ophel: and Ziha and Gispa <i>were</i> over the Nethinims.   22
The overseer also of the Levites at Jerusalem <i>was</i> Uzzi the
son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of
Micha. Of the sons of Asaph, the singers <i>were</i> over the
business of the house of God.   23 For <i>it was</i> the
king's commandment concerning them, that a certain portion should
be for the singers, due for every day.   24 And Pethahiah the
son of Meshezabeel, of the children of Zerah the son of Judah,
<i>was</i> at the king's hand in all matters concerning the people.
  25 And for the villages, with their fields, <i>some</i> of
the children of Judah dwelt at Kirjath-arba, and <i>in</i> the
villages thereof, and at Dibon, and <i>in</i> the villages thereof,
and at Jekabzeel, and <i>in</i> the villages thereof,   26 And
at Jeshua, and at Moladah, and at Beth-phelet,   27 And at
Hazar-shual, and at Beer-sheba, and <i>in</i> the villages thereof,
  28 And at Ziklag, and at Mekonah, and in the villages
thereof,   29 And at En-rimmon, and at Zareah, and at Jarmuth,
  30 Zanoah, Adullam, and <i>in</i> their villages, at
Lachish, and the fields thereof, at Azekah, and <i>in</i> the
villages thereof. And they dwelt from Beer-sheba unto the valley of
Hinnom.   31 The children also of Benjamin from Geba
<i>dwelt</i> at Michmash, and Aija, and Bethel, and <i>in</i> their
villages,   32 <i>And</i> at Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah,   33
Hazor, Ramah, Gittaim,   34 Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat,   35
Lod, and Ono, the valley of craftsmen.   36 And of the Levites
<i>were</i> divisions <i>in</i> Judah, <i>and</i> in Benjamin.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Neh.xii-p7">Having given an account of the principal
persons that dwelt in Jerusalem (a larger account of whom he had
before, <scripRef id="Neh.xii-p7.1" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.9.2-1Chr.9.34" parsed="|1Chr|9|2|9|34" passage="1Ch 9:2-34">1 Chron. ix. 2</scripRef>,
&amp;c.), Nehemiah, in these verses, gives us some account of the
other cities, in which dwelt <i>the residue of Israel,</i>
<scripRef id="Neh.xii-p7.2" osisRef="Bible:Neh.11.20" parsed="|Neh|11|20|0|0" passage="Ne 11:20"><i>v.</i> 20</scripRef>. It was
requisite that Jerusalem should be replenished, yet not so as to
drain the country. <i>The king himself is served of the field,</i>
which will do little service if there be not hands to manage it.
Let there therefore be no strife, no envy, no contempt, no ill
will, between the inhabitants of the cities and those of the
villages; both are needful, both useful, and neither can be spared.
1. The Nethinims, the posterity of the Gibeonites, dwelt in Ophel,
which was upon the wall of Jerusalem (<scripRef id="Neh.xii-p7.3" osisRef="Bible:Neh.3.26" parsed="|Neh|3|26|0|0" passage="Ne 3:26"><i>ch.</i> iii. 26</scripRef>), because they were to do
the servile work of the temple, which therefore they must be posted
near to, that they might be ready to attend, <scripRef id="Neh.xii-p7.4" osisRef="Bible:Neh.11.21" parsed="|Neh|11|21|0|0" passage="Ne 11:21"><i>v.</i> 21</scripRef>. 2. Though the Levites were
dispersed through the cities of Judah, yet they had an overseer who
resided in Jerusalem, superior of their order and their provincial,
to whom they applied for direction, who took care of their affairs
and took cognizance of their conduct, whether they did their duty,
<scripRef id="Neh.xii-p7.5" osisRef="Bible:Neh.11.22" parsed="|Neh|11|22|0|0" passage="Ne 11:22"><i>v.</i> 22</scripRef>. 3. Some of
the singers were appointed to look after the necessary repairs of
the temple, being ingenious men, and having leisure between their
hours of service; they were <i>over the business of the house of
God,</i> <scripRef id="Neh.xii-p7.6" osisRef="Bible:Neh.11.22" parsed="|Neh|11|22|0|0" passage="Ne 11:22"><i>v.</i> 22</scripRef>. And,
it seems, the king of Persia had such a kindness for their office
that he allotted a particular maintenance for them, besides what
belonged to them as Levites, <scripRef id="Neh.xii-p7.7" osisRef="Bible:Neh.11.23" parsed="|Neh|11|23|0|0" passage="Ne 11:23"><i>v.</i>
23</scripRef>. 4. Here is one that was the king's commissioner at
Jerusalem. He was of the posterity of Zerah (<scripRef id="Neh.xii-p7.8" osisRef="Bible:Neh.11.24" parsed="|Neh|11|24|0|0" passage="Ne 11:24"><i>v.</i> 24</scripRef>); for of <i>that</i> family of
Judah there were some new settled in Jerusalem, and not all of
Pharez, as appears by that other catalogue, <scripRef id="Neh.xii-p7.9" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.9.6" parsed="|1Chr|9|6|0|0" passage="1Ch 9:6">1 Chron. ix. 6</scripRef>. He is said to be <i>at the
king's hand,</i> or <i>on the king's part,</i> in <i>all matters
concerning the people,</i> to determine controversies that arose
between the king's officers and his subjects, to see that what was
due to the king from the people was duly paid in and what was
allowed by the king for the temple service was duly paid out, and
happy it was for the Jews that one of themselves was in this post.
5. Here is an account of the villages, or country towns, which were
inhabited by the residue of Israel—the towns in which the children
of Judah dwelt (<scripRef id="Neh.xii-p7.10" osisRef="Bible:Neh.11.25-Neh.11.30" parsed="|Neh|11|25|11|30" passage="Ne 11:25-30"><i>v.</i>
25-30</scripRef>), those that were inhabited by the children of
Benjamin (<scripRef id="Neh.xii-p7.11" osisRef="Bible:Neh.11.31-Neh.11.35" parsed="|Neh|11|31|11|35" passage="Ne 11:31-35"><i>v.</i>
31-35</scripRef>), and divisions for the Levites among both,
<scripRef id="Neh.xii-p7.12" osisRef="Bible:Neh.11.36" parsed="|Neh|11|36|0|0" passage="Ne 11:36"><i>v.</i> 36</scripRef>. We will now
suppose them safe and easy, though few and poor, but by the
blessing of God they were likely to increase in wealth and power,
and they would have been more likely if there had not been that
general profaneness among them, and lukewarmness in religion, with
which they were charged in God's name by the prophet Malachi, who,
it is supposed, prophesied about this time, and in whom prophecy
ceased for some ages, till it revived in the great prophet and his
forerunner.</p>
</div></div2>