Nehemiah Chapter 11
The Citizens of Jerusalem
A. Recruiting citizens of Jerusalem
1. (Nehemiah 11:1) Those who will live in Jerusalem
“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 to dwell in other cities.” (Nehemiah 11:1, KJV)
After the wall had been completed and the spiritual renewal of the people was underway, attention turned to a practical but necessary matter, the repopulation of Jerusalem itself. A city without people cannot flourish, no matter how strong its walls or how noble its history. For more than seventy years Jerusalem had been largely abandoned, little more than a shadow of its former glory. Though the temple had been rebuilt under Ezra and the walls restored under Nehemiah, the city still lacked the population needed to sustain civic life, defense, worship, and commerce.
The casting of lots to bring one out of ten to dwell in Jerusalem shows that this was not merely a suggestion but a structured, communal decision. The lot, understood as being under the sovereignty of God, removed personal favoritism and resentment. This ensured fairness while affirming that God Himself was directing who would live in the city. In this way, the people submitted not only to leadership but to divine ordering.
Nehemiah also understood that population was directly tied to security. A well-defended city still requires manpower to guard its walls, man its gates, and resist future threats. Jerusalem’s enemies had already demonstrated hostility, and a sparsely populated city would invite renewed aggression. The rebuilding of the walls was not an end in itself but part of a broader strategy to restore Jerusalem as a strong, functioning capital.
The example of leadership is emphasized by the statement that the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem. Leadership demands visibility and sacrifice. These men did not ask others to do what they themselves were unwilling to do. By living in the city, they modeled commitment and shared in the hardships and risks associated with rebuilding a once-desolate place. This set a moral standard for the rest of the nation.
2. (Nehemiah 11:2) Blessing the citizens of Jerusalem
“And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem.” (Nehemiah 11:2, KJV)
Beyond those compelled by leadership responsibility or by the casting of lots, there were men who voluntarily chose to live in Jerusalem. These individuals were publicly blessed by the people, marking their decision as honorable and praiseworthy. Willing sacrifice for the work of God has always been worthy of recognition, not because it earns divine favor, but because it reflects a heart aligned with God’s purposes.
These men demonstrated a pioneer spirit. They accepted discomfort, uncertainty, and inconvenience for the sake of rebuilding what God had restored. Jerusalem was still rough, underdeveloped, and vulnerable. Choosing to live there required endurance, patience, and faith that God was at work in what appeared small and unimpressive. Their actions answered the challenge posed later through the prophet Zechariah: “For who hath despised the day of small things?” (Zechariah 4:10, KJV). These men did not despise it, but embraced it.
Living in Jerusalem required a reordered view of material priorities. Many had to relinquish established landholdings, farms, or businesses in surrounding regions and begin anew in a city with limited infrastructure. This demanded trust that obedience to God’s plan was more valuable than immediate material security.
It also required social sacrifice. Moving into Jerusalem often meant leaving behind extended family, familiar neighbors, and long-standing community ties. This separation was not easy, yet it underscored that faithfulness to God sometimes requires costly personal decisions.
Jerusalem also presented ongoing challenges. Though rebuilt, it was still recovering from decades of ruin. Life there involved constant labor, unfinished streets, and visible reminders of past judgment. The city did not yet look glorious, and much work remained to be done. Those who moved there had to endure imperfection while laboring toward restoration.
Finally, to dwell in Jerusalem meant living under threat. The rebuilt walls made the city a symbol of renewed Jewish strength, drawing the attention of hostile surrounding nations. While walls provided protection, the danger shifted from small bands of thieves to the possibility of organized military attack. Choosing Jerusalem meant choosing risk for the sake of God’s covenant city.
This passage also points forward to a greater reality. Scripture speaks of another city, one not rebuilt by human hands, but prepared by God Himself. “And I John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” (Revelation 21:2, KJV). Many reject the New Jerusalem for reasons similar to those who hesitated to live in Nehemiah’s Jerusalem, unwilling to sacrifice present comfort for eternal promise. Yet those who willingly align themselves with God’s purposes, even when costly, are the ones Scripture honors.
B. Roster of those living in Jerusalem and in Judea
1. (Nehemiah 11:3–24) Leaders who lived in Jerusalem
“Now these are the chief of the province that dwelt in Jerusalem: but in the cities of Judah dwelt every one in his possession in their cities, to wit, Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon’s servants.” (Nehemiah 11:3, KJV)
“And in Jerusalem dwelt certain 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; 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.” (Nehemiah 11:4–5, KJV)
“All the sons of Perez that dwelt at Jerusalem were four hundred threescore and eight valiant men.” (Nehemiah 11:6, KJV)
“And these are 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. And after him Gabbai, Sallai, nine hundred twenty and eight.” (Nehemiah 11:7–8, KJV)
“And Joel the son of Zichri was their overseer: and Judah the son of Senuah was second over the city.” (Nehemiah 11:9, KJV)
“Of the priests: Jedaiah the son of Joiarib, Jachin. Seraiah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, was the ruler of the house of God.” (Nehemiah 11:10–11, KJV)
“And their brethren that did the work of the house were 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, 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, And their brethren, mighty men of valour, an hundred twenty and eight: and their overseer was Zabdiel, the son of one of the great men.” (Nehemiah 11:12–14, KJV)
“Also of the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hashub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Bunni; And Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the chief of the Levites, had the oversight of the outward business of the house of God.” (Nehemiah 11:15–16, KJV)
“And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, was 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.” (Nehemiah 11:17, KJV)
“All the Levites in the holy city were two hundred fourscore and four.” (Nehemiah 11:18, KJV)
“Moreover the porters, Akkub, Talmon, and their brethren that kept the gates, were an hundred seventy and two.” (Nehemiah 11:19, KJV)
“And the residue of Israel, of the priests, and the Levites, were in all the cities of Judah, every one in his inheritance.” (Nehemiah 11:20, KJV)
“But the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel: and Ziha and Gispa were over the Nethinims.” (Nehemiah 11:21, KJV)
“The overseer also of the Levites at Jerusalem was Uzzi the son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micha. Of the sons of Asaph, the singers were over the business of the house of God.” (Nehemiah 11:22, KJV)
“For it was the king’s commandment concerning them, that a certain portion should be for the singers, due for every day.” (Nehemiah 11:23, KJV)
“And Pethahiah the son of Meshezabeel, of the children of Zerah the son of Judah, was at the king’s hand in all matters concerning the people.” (Nehemiah 11:24, KJV)
This section provides an official roster of leadership and key personnel who committed themselves to dwell in Jerusalem. Scripture deliberately records names, lineages, and numbers to show that the restoration of Jerusalem was not abstract or symbolic, but concrete and orderly. God rebuilt His city through identifiable men, families, and offices.
The phrase “chief of the province” indicates civil authority. Jerusalem required governance, not merely walls and worship. Tribal representation from Judah and Benjamin underscores continuity with God’s covenant structure. Judah retained prominence because of the Davidic promise, while Benjamin’s inclusion reflects Jerusalem’s geographical position on the border of the two tribes.
The mention of “valiant men” among the sons of Perez highlights that military strength was intentionally concentrated in the city. Jerusalem was not only a religious center but a defensive stronghold. God’s work often requires both spiritual devotion and physical courage.
The priests and Levites listed here demonstrate the restored priority of temple worship. The detailed accounting of those who “did the work of the house” shows that ministry requires labor, organization, and leadership. The phrase “mighty men of valour” applied to priests is significant, emphasizing that spiritual leadership also demands strength, discipline, and resolve.
Levites assigned to “outward business” illustrate the balance between sacred duties and administrative responsibilities. God’s house required logistical oversight as well as worship. The singers, led by the sons of Asaph, were officially supported by royal decree, showing that worship was considered a daily necessity, not a luxury.
Gatekeepers are listed alongside priests and Levites, reinforcing the principle that protection of God’s work is itself a holy task. Every role mattered, whether visible or unseen.
The Nethinims and Solomon’s servants reflect God’s mercy in incorporating those of servant status into the life of the restored city. Their oversight ensured accountability and structure even among the lowest ranks.
Finally, the king’s deputy is mentioned, reminding the reader that God’s people still lived under Persian authority, yet God sovereignly used that authority to support His purposes. Jerusalem was restored under God’s hand, even while under foreign rule.
2. (Nehemiah 11:25–36) Jewish villages and towns throughout Judea
“And for the villages, with their fields, some of the children of Judah dwelt at Kirjatharba, and in the villages thereof, and at Dibon, and in the villages thereof, and at Jekabzeel, and in the villages thereof, And at Jeshua, and at Moladah, and at Bethphelet, And at Hazarshual, and at Beersheba, and in the villages thereof, And at Ziklag, and at Mekonah, and in the villages thereof, And at Enrimmon, and at Zareah, and at Jarmuth, Zanoah, Adullam, and in their villages, at Lachish, and the fields thereof, at Azekah, and in the villages thereof. And they dwelt from Beersheba unto the valley of Hinnom.” (Nehemiah 11:25–30, KJV)
“The children also of Benjamin from Geba dwelt at Michmash, and Aija, and Bethel, and in their villages, And at Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah, And at Hazor, Ramah, and Gittaim, And at Hadid, Zeboim, and Neballat, Lod, and Ono, the valley of craftsmen.” (Nehemiah 11:31–35, KJV)
“And of the Levites were divisions in Judah, and in Benjamin.” (Nehemiah 11:36, KJV)
This concluding section shows that while Jerusalem was the spiritual and administrative center, the life of the nation extended throughout Judea. God’s people were not centralized exclusively in the capital, but distributed across towns, villages, and agricultural regions. This preserved economic stability and fulfilled God’s design for the land to be inhabited fully.
The geographical sweep from Beersheba to the Valley of Hinnom demonstrates that Judah was again functioning as a unified territory. Benjamin’s towns reinforce the restored tribal balance and security north of Jerusalem.
The mention of the “valley of craftsmen” reminds us that skilled labor was essential to national recovery. God values honest work and craftsmanship as part of covenant faithfulness.
The Levites being divided throughout Judah and Benjamin ensured that instruction, worship, and spiritual oversight reached the entire nation, not merely the capital. God’s truth was to permeate every region.
This section confirms that restoration under God is comprehensive. He rebuilds cities, repopulates land, restores worship, establishes leadership, and orders daily life according to His purposes.
