CHAPTER XI _Lots are cast that a tenth of the people may constantly dwell_ _at Jerusalem, and the other nine parts in the other cities and_ _villages_, 1. _Some willingly offer themselves to dwell in Jerusalem, and the_ _people bless them_, 2. _An enumeration of the families that dwell in Jeru... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Nehemiah 11:2. _ALL THE MEN THAT WILLINGLY OFFERED_] Some _volunteered_ their services, which was considered a sacrifice to patriotism at that time, as Jerusalem afforded very few advantages, and was a place of considerable danger; hence the _people spoke well of them_, and no doubt prayed for... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Nehemiah 11:3. _NOW THESE_ ARE _THE CHIEF_] A good deal of difference will be found between the _enumeration_ here and that in 1 Chronicles 9:2, c. _There_, those only who came with Zerubbabel appear to be numbered _here_, those, and the persons who came with Ezra and Nehemiah, enter into the... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Nehemiah 11:9. _AND JOEL _- WAS _THEIR OVERSEER_] Joel was chief or magistrate over those, and Judah was his _second_ or _deputy_. Perhaps each had a _different_ office, but that of Joel was the _chief_.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Nehemiah 11:11. _RULER OF THE HOUSE OF GOD._] He had the command over all _secular_ matters, as the high priest had over those which were _spiritual_.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 14. _MIGHTY MEN OF VALOUR_] Noted for strength of body, and military courage.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 16. _AND SHABBETHAI_] This verse, with verses Nehemiah 11:20_, _Nehemiah 11:21_, _Nehemiah 11:28, Nehemiah 11:29_, _Nehemiah 11:32_, _Nehemiah 11:33_, _Nehemiah 11:34, and Nehemiah 11:35, are all wanting in the _Septuagint_ an... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 17. _THE PRINCIPAL TO BEGIN THE THANKSGIVING_] The _precentor, pitcher of the tune_, or _master-singer_.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 22. _THE OVERSEER ALSO OF THE LEVITES_] פקיד _pekid_, the _visitant_, the _inspector_; translated επισκοπος, _bishop_, both by the _Septuagint_ and _Vulgate_.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 23. IT WAS _THE KING'S COMMANDMENT_] By the _king_ some understand _David_, and others _Artaxerxes_. It is most probable that it was the latter; who wished that a provision should be made for these, a part of whose office was to offer up _prayers_ also, as well as _praises_. For we know that _... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 24. _PETHAHIAH _- WAS _AT THE KING'S HAND_] He was the governor appointed by the Persian king over the Jewish nation in those matters in which the civil government interfered with Jewish concerns. He no doubt fixed, levied, and received the tribute.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 26. _AND AT JESHUA_] This city is nowhere else mentioned.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 28. _MEKONAH_] This city is also unknown.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 31. _GEBA_] Probably the same as _Gibeah of Saul_.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 32. _ANANIAH_] No city of this name is known.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 33. _HADID_] This place is also unknown. _NEBALLAT_] Also unknown.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Nehemiah 11:35. _LOD, AND ONO_] These towns were built by the sons of Elpaal, 1 Chronicles 8:12. _THE VALLEY OF CRAFTSMEN._] See 1 Chronicles 4:14. Probably this latter town was built in this _valley_.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Nehemiah 11:36. _AND OF THE LEVITES_ WERE _DIVISIONS_] The Levites had their dwellings in the divisions of Judah and Benjamin. This is probably the meaning: the _Syriac_ says, _They had the half of Judah_ and _Benjamin_; which is not likely. THAT the people whose hearts were now turned toward... [ Continue Reading ]