Nehemiah 11:1

And The copula has no connexion with the preceding chapter, and probably marks the compilatory character of the passage.

rulers R.V. princes.

dwelt at(R.V. in) Jerusalem It has been suggested that this clause refers only to -the princes," who, before Nehemiah took the matter in hand, had resided in the country: in deference to his wishes or yielding to his entreaties these princes now dwelt in Jerusalem. But the difficulty remained how to secure the presence in greater numbers of those who, from lack of means or by reason of trade and occupation, could not so easily change their quarters. This explanation which treats the word -dwelt" as equivalent to -came to dwell," derives considerable support from the word -also" in the following clause.

Others find the explanation of the verse in the contrast between -the princes of the people" and -the rest of the people." The former naturally had dwellings in Jerusalem; they lived there because concerned in the government of the community and able to afford a dwelling in the city. The latter, however, for the most part the middle and lower classes, lived in the country; and they, being no less eager than their superiors in rank for the defence of the Holy City, determined to recruit its numbers by a contingent of ten per cent.

cast lots Cf. on Nehemiah 10:34.

the holy city Jerusalem is so-called also in Nehemiah 11:18. The occurrence of this title in Scripture may be illustrated by Isaiah 48:2, -For they call themselves of the holy city," Isaiah 52:1, -O Jerusalem, the holy city," cf. Daniel 9:24; Joel 3:17. In the N.T. it occurs in Matthew 4:5; Matthew 27:53; cf. Revelation 11:2; Revelation 21:2; Revelation 21:10; Revelation 22:19.

nine partsto dwell inother cities R.V. nine parts in the other cities.

-In the cities," as the Hebrew has it, must denote the towns and villages of the country occupied by the Jewish community; cf. Nehemiah 11:20.