Nehemiah 11:33

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Hazor, Ramah, Gittaim,

Complete Jewish Bible:

Hatzor, Ramah, Gittayim,

Berean Standard Bible:

Hazor, Ramah, Gittaim,

American Standard Version:

Hazor, Ramah, Gittaim,

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Hazor^{H2674}, Ramah^{H7414}, Gittaim^{H1664},

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Nehemiah 11:33

Nehemiah 11:33 provides a snapshot of the post-exilic period in Jewish history, specifically detailing the settlement patterns of the Israelites after their return from Babylonian captivity. The verse reads, "In Hazor, Ramah, and Gittaim, villages nearby to Azzah, to Jerusalem, and to Gaza,—some to Ramah, and to Betharabah, and to Johanan;" This verse is part of a larger section in Nehemiah that lists the towns and villages where the returned exiles settled, emphasizing the efforts to repopulate the land of Judah.

The historical context of Nehemiah 11:33 is set during the Persian period, after King Cyrus of Persia had allowed the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland. The book of Nehemiah recounts the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls under Nehemiah's leadership and the subsequent spiritual and social restoration of the Jewish community.

The themes present in this verse include:

1. **Repopulation and Restoration**: The listing of towns indicates a concerted effort to resettle the land of Judah, which had been largely depopulated during the Babylonian exile. This repopulation was an essential part of restoring the nation's identity and religious practices.

2. **Divine Providence**: The return from exile and the ability to resettle the land were seen as acts of God's faithfulness to His people, fulfilling prophetic promises of restoration.

3. **Community and Unity**: The verse reflects a communal effort to reestablish the nation. The people worked together to strengthen their communities and rebuild their lives in the land of their ancestors.

4. **Geographical and Strategic Significance**: The mention of specific places like Hazor, Ramah, and Gittaim highlights the strategic importance of these locations. Hazor was a significant ancient city in the north, Ramah was near Gibeon and was known for its association with the prophet Samuel, and Gittaim may refer to a place of refugees or a settlement connected with Gath. These locations were likely chosen for their agricultural potential, defensive positions, or as part of a broader strategy to secure the region.

5. **Cultural and Religious Identity**: By naming these towns, the verse also underscores the importance of reestablishing the cultural and religious identity of the Israelites in their traditional homeland, which was integral to their national identity.

In summary, Nehemiah 11:33 reflects the broader themes of restoration and resettlement of the Jewish people after exile, emphasizing the communal efforts and divine providence that enabled them to reclaim their heritage and rebuild their nation within the geopolitical context of the Persian Empire.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H2674
   There are 17 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חָצוֹר
   Transliteration: Châtsôwr
   Pronunciation: khaw-tsore'
   Description: a collective form of חָצֵר; village; Chatsor, the name (thus simply) of two places in Palestine and of one in Arabia; Hazor.
   
2. Strong's Number: H7414
   There are 35 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רָמָה
   Transliteration: Râmâh
   Pronunciation: raw-maw'
   Description: the same as רָמָה; Ramah, the name of four places in Palestine; Ramah.
   
3. Strong's Number: H1664
   There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: גִּתַּיִם
   Transliteration: Gittayim
   Pronunciation: ghit-tah'-yim
   Description: dual of גַּת; double winepress; Gittajim, a place in Palestine; Gittaim.