Nehemiah 11:4
And in Jerusalem lived certain of the sons of Judah and of the sons of Benjamin. Of the sons of Judah: Athaiah the son of Uzziah, son of Zechariah, son of Amariah, son of Shephatiah, son of Mahalalel, of the sons of Perez;
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights that even as the city of Jerusalem is being repopulated, it's not just a random collection of people, but specific descendants of Judah and Benjamin, particularly from the line of Perez, are being settled there. This focus on lineage suggests a deliberate effort to re-establish key families, emphasizing continuity and God's faithfulness to His promises concerning these tribes.
Following the people's recommitment to God's law, Nehemiah is concerned with repopulating Jerusalem. To avoid burdening everyone, they cast lots to determine who would move into the city, ensuring a balanced distribution. This verse begins listing specific family heads from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin who settled in Jerusalem as part of this organized return.
When Nehemiah was rebuilding Jerusalem, who ended up living there? It wasn't just one tribe, but a significant mix.
Nehemiah 11:4 tells us that 'certain of the sons of Judah and of the sons of Benjamin' lived in Jerusalem. While these two tribes had the strongest historical connection to Jerusalem (it was originally part of both Judah and Benjamin's inheritance), this verse implies it wasn't exclusive.
Later verses in the chapter will show priests, Levites, and others also making their homes there. This signifies a broader vision for the rebuilt city – a place not just for a select few, but a center for God's people, drawing from various lineages to re-establish a vibrant community dedicated to Him.
This verse lists a long, detailed genealogy. Why the focus on names and family lines?
The passage zeroes in on Athaiah, son of Uzziah, detailing his lineage back to Perez, a son of Judah. This might seem like dry historical detail, but it serves a crucial purpose in the context of post-exilic Israel.
c. 538 BC
First Return from Exile
The first wave of Jewish exiles, led by Zerubbabel, returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian captivity, beginning the arduous task of rebuilding the Temple and the city.
c. 458 BC
Ezra's Return to Jerusalem
Ezra, a scribe and priest, led a second significant group of exiles back to Jerusalem, bringing with them religious reforms and reinforcing Jewish identity.
c. 445-433 BC— this verse
Nehemiah's Rebuilding of Jerusalem's Walls
Nehemiah, cupbearer to the Persian king, received permission to return to Jerusalem and organize the reconstruction of the city walls, facing considerable opposition. This chapter details the repopulation efforts following the wall's completion.
c. 444 BC
Census of Jerusalem Residents
Following the completion of the walls, Nehemiah conducted a census to determine who would permanently reside in Jerusalem, aiming to repopulate the city and secure its defenses.
This passage provides a parallel list of those dwelling in Jerusalem after the exile, highlighting the presence of Judah and Benjamin, and it’s often compared with Nehemiah 11 for discrepancies and similarities in recorded genealogies.
Ezra 2:70This verse details the offerings made for the house of God and mentions that some Levites and singers were settled in their towns, setting the stage for understanding the population distribution back in Jerusalem.
Joshua 15:63This verse shows that Jerusalem was designated as part of the territory of Judah, but the Jebusites still lived there, providing historical context for Judah and Benjamin having significant presence in the city.
Nehemiah 7:6This chapter begins by describing the rebuilding of the city walls and the assignment of inhabitants, including leaders, to Jerusalem, connecting to the detailed listing of families that follows in chapter 11.
barnesNehemiah 11:4: "And at 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;"
See the margin reference notes. Both accounts appear to be extracts from a public official register which Nehemiah caused to be made of his census. The census itself seems to have been confined to the dwellers at Jerusalem. T…
pooleNehemiah 11:4: "And at 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;"
The children of Judah and of Benjamin; for to these two tribes this city anciently and most properly belonged, although some also of other tribes dwelt in it; of which, and other things relating to this catalogue, see 1 Chron…
The verse highlights that even as the city of Jerusalem is being repopulated, it's not just a random collection of people, but specific descendants of Judah and Benjamin, particularly from the line of Perez, are being settled there. This focus on lineage suggests a deliberate effort to re-establish key families, emphasizing continuity and God's faithfulness to His promises concerning these tribes.
Following the people's recommitment to God's law, Nehemiah is concerned with repopulating Jerusalem. To avoid burdening everyone, they cast lots to determine who would move into the city, ensuring a balanced distribution. This verse begins listing specific family heads from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin who settled in Jerusalem as part of this organized return.
Following the people's recommitment to God's law, Nehemiah is concerned with repopulating Jerusalem. To avoid burdening everyone, they cast lots to determine who would move into the city, ensuring a balanced distribution. This verse begins listing specific family heads from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin who settled in Jerusalem as part of this organized return.
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"And in Jerusalem lived certain of the sons of Judah and of the sons of Benjamin. Of the sons of Judah: Athaiah the son of Uzziah, son of Zechariah, son of Amariah, son of Shephatiah, son of Mahalalel, of the sons of Perez;" — The verse highlights that even as the city of Jerusalem is being repopulated, it's not just a random collection of people, but specific descendants of Judah and Benjamin, particularly from the line o…
