Nehemiah 11:1-36
Q.1. Did people want to settle in Jerusalem? How was it decided where people were located? How did people live in their locations? – (Neh.11:1-3 c.f. Neh.10:32-39; Prov.16:33)
Some people volunteered to live in Jerusalem, and this was appreciated by others (Neh.11:2). The rest of the numbers to live in the Holy City were selected by casting lots (Neh.11:1). We can only surmise that there was greater danger living in the capital city, and that the opportunity for agricultural pursuits more restrictive. The people had covenanted to support the priesthood. This support was used to provide for them (c.f. Neh.10:32-39).
Q.2. What range of people were located at Jerusalem? What did the heads of the tribes do in the capital city? – (Neh.11:3-19)
Those not assigned to Jerusalem settled in their tribal and family inheritances, apart from – some of the sons of Judah and some of the sons of Benjamin lived in Jerusalem … (Neh.11:4). An extensive list of the heads of families was recorded (Neh.11:3-19). There were city rulers and guards, priests, Levites, temple servants, singers, and musicians. They administrated, guarded, functioned in the priesthood, and led worship – and Mattaniah … the son of Asaph, who was the leader in beginning the thanksgiving at prayer, and Bakbukiah … the son of Jeduthun (Neh.11:17).
Q.3. Were all the priests living in Jerusalem? How could those in charge of the temple services do their job while living in the other cities of Judah? – (Neh.11:20-36)
We learn that – the rest of Israel, of the priests and of the Levites, were in all the cities of Judah, each on his own inheritance (Neh.11:20). The priests and Levites were rostered on for two weeks every two years, so were free to live in their assigned cities (c.f. Jos.21:1-42; Lk.1:8-9). The descendants of the singers and musicians had regular ministry, so had to be located in Jerusalem – 22 Now the overseer of the Levites in Jerusalem was Uzzi … from the sons of Asaph, who were the singers for the service of the house of God. 23 For there was a commandment from the king concerning them and a firm regulation for the song leaders day by day (Neh.11:22-23). There were even the king’s representatives, assigned to counsel the people (Neh.11:24). The land was mainly settled in the tribal areas of Judah and Benjamin (Neh.11:25-36).