Nehemiah 11:1-36
Q.1. Did people want to settle in Jerusalem? How was it decided where people were located? How did people end up living 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 (see Neh.11:2). The rest of the numbers to live in the Holy City were selected by casting lots (see Neh.11:1). It would have been more attractive to settle in the agricultural land surrounding Jerusalem … even to work the land of their inheritance. Jerusalem was the focal point of Israel’s worship … but also attacks against Judah which made it a less attractive place to live. The people had covenanted to support the priesthood. This support was used to provide for them (see 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 (see 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 (see 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 (see Neh.11:24). The land was mainly settled in the tribal areas of Judah and Benjamin (see Neh.11:25-36).