Nehemiah 11:1

ยถ And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts [to dwell] in [other] cities.

And the rulers {H8269} of the people {H5971} dwelt {H3427} at Jerusalem {H3389}: the rest {H7605} of the people {H5971} also cast {H5307} lots {H1486}, to bring {H935} one {H259} of ten {H6235} to dwell {H3427} in Jerusalem {H3389} the holy {H6944} city {H5892}, and nine {H8672} parts {H3027} to dwell in other cities {H5892}.

The leaders of the people took up residence in Yerushalayim; while the rest of the people cast lots to bring one-tenth of them to live in Yerushalayim the holy city, with the other nine-tenths in the other cities.

Now the leaders of the people settled in Jerusalem, and the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of ten to live in the holy city of Jerusalem, while the remaining nine were to dwell in their own towns.

And the princes of the people dwelt in Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts in theothercities.

Commentary

Nehemiah 11:1 describes a crucial administrative step in the post-exilic restoration of Israel: the repopulation of Jerusalem, the capital and spiritual heart of the nation. After the walls were rebuilt, the city itself remained sparsely inhabited, posing a vulnerability and hindering its role as a vibrant center of worship and governance.

Context

Following the completion of the wall under Nehemiah's leadership (Nehemiah 6:15) and the great spiritual revival detailed in previous chapters (Nehemiah 8-10), the practical necessity of populating Jerusalem became paramount. The "rulers of the people" had already taken up residence there, but more citizens were needed to provide security, economic activity, and a strong presence for the "holy city". This verse initiates the process of bringing a tenth of the remaining population into Jerusalem, while the majority remained in surrounding towns and villages.

Key Themes

  • Community Responsibility and Sacrifice: The text highlights a collective effort to strengthen Jerusalem. Living in the city at this time likely involved greater risk and less comfort than in established provincial towns, requiring personal sacrifice for the good of the community and the nation's spiritual well-being.
  • Divine Providence and Human Action: The decision to "cast lots" reflects a common ancient Near Eastern and biblical practice (Proverbs 16:33 speaks to the Lord directing the lot) to discern God's will in important matters. While human leaders initiated the process, the casting of lots indicated a reliance on divine guidance for this significant undertaking.
  • Restoration and Resettlement: This verse underscores the ongoing process of restoring Israel, not just physically (walls) but also demographically and spiritually, by ensuring the capital city was adequately inhabited.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "cast lots" translates the Hebrew term goral (ื’ึผื•ึนืจึธืœ), referring to a method of random selection, often involving pebbles or pieces of wood, which was commonly believed to reveal God's choice or direction. The designation "Jerusalem the holy city" (Hebrew: 'ir haqqodesh, ืขึดื™ืจ ื”ึทืงึนึผื“ึถืฉื) emphasizes its unique consecrated status as the place God had chosen for His dwelling and worship, reinforcing its spiritual significance beyond mere political importance.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 11:1 reminds us that building God's kingdom often requires both strategic planning by leaders and committed participation from ordinary people. Just as some were called to dwell in a challenging but vital Jerusalem, believers today are called to contribute to the spiritual health and influence of their communities, sometimes requiring personal sacrifice or stepping into roles that are less comfortable but essential for God's work. It underscores the importance of being willing to serve where the need is greatest, trusting that God guides the process, whether through direct callings or seemingly random circumstances.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 48:2

    For they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves upon the God of Israel; The LORD of hosts [is] his name.

  • Isaiah 52:1

    ยถ Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.

  • Nehemiah 11:18

    All the Levites in the holy city [were] two hundred fourscore and four.

  • Nehemiah 10:34

    And we cast the lots among the priests, the Levites, and the people, for the wood offering, to bring [it] into the house of our God, after the houses of our fathers, at times appointed year by year, to burn upon the altar of the LORD our God, as [it is] written in the law:

  • Matthew 4:5

    Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,

  • Judges 20:9

    But now this [shall be] the thing which we will do to Gibeah; [we will go up] by lot against it;

  • Judges 20:10

    And we will take ten men of an hundred throughout all the tribes of Israel, and an hundred of a thousand, and a thousand out of ten thousand, to fetch victual for the people, that they may do, when they come to Gibeah of Benjamin, according to all the folly that they have wrought in Israel.
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