Nehemiah 11:13

KJV

And his brethren, chief of the fathers, two hundred forty and two: and Amashai the son of Azareel, the son of Ahasai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Immer,

KJV (with Strong's)

And his brethren {H251}, chief {H7218} of the fathers {H1}, two {H8147} hundred {H3967} forty {H705} and two {H8147}: and Amashai {H6023} the son {H1121} of Azareel {H5832}, the son {H1121} of Ahasai {H273}, the son {H1121} of Meshillemoth {H4919}, the son {H1121} of Immer {H564},

Complete Jewish Bible

with his kinsmen, heads of fathers' clans, 242; and 'Amash'sai the son of 'Azar'el, the son of Achzai, the son of Meshillemot, the son of Immer;

Berean Standard Bible

Adaiah son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malchijah; and his associates, the leaders of families—242 men;

American Standard Version

and his brethren, chiefs of fathers’houses, two hundred forty and two; and Amashsai the son of Azarel, the son of Ahzai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Immer,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 11:13 meticulously details the repopulation of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile, specifically identifying a segment of the priestly community. This verse highlights "his brethren, chief of the fathers, two hundred forty and two," and then names Amashai, tracing his precise lineage through several generations back to Immer. It serves as a testament to the careful organization and commitment required to re-establish the holy city, underscoring the vital role of the priesthood in the spiritual and civic restoration of the post-exilic Jewish community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 11 follows the completion of Jerusalem's walls, a monumental achievement detailed in [Nehemiah 6](/nehemiah/6 "Nehemiah 6 - Completion of the Wall"). With the physical defenses secured, the next crucial challenge was to repopulate the city, which remained "large and spacious, but the people in it were few" ([Nehemiah 7:4](/nehemiah/7-4 "Nehemiah 7:4 - Jerusalem's Sparse Population")). Chapter 11 describes the strategy to address this: a voluntary commitment by some, and a divine lottery for others, to settle in Jerusalem, while the rest remained in surrounding towns. This chapter provides a detailed census of those who took up residence in the capital, categorizing them by tribe, family, and function—including priests, Levites, gatekeepers, and temple servants. Verse 13, therefore, is an integral part of this comprehensive list, specifically accounting for a group of priests essential for the re-establishment of temple worship and civic order.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the mid-5th century BCE, during the Persian Empire's rule over the province of Judah. The Jewish people had returned from Babylonian exile in several waves, beginning with Zerubbabel and Joshua (c. 538 BCE) and later with Ezra (c. 458 BCE) and Nehemiah (c. 445 BCE). Jerusalem, though partially rebuilt, was still vulnerable and required significant effort to make it a thriving capital and religious center. In this post-exilic period, the meticulous recording of genealogies, especially for priests and Levites, was of paramount importance. It served to validate their legitimate claim to temple service, ensuring ritual purity and adherence to Mosaic Law. The "chief of the fathers" were not merely individuals but heads of ancestral households, holding significant social and religious authority, responsible for their clan's welfare and participation in communal life. Their willingness to resettle in Jerusalem demonstrated deep commitment to the national and spiritual restoration.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing in Nehemiah 11, including verse 13, contributes to several overarching themes within the book and the broader post-exilic narrative. First, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Order and Restoration**. Despite the devastation of exile, God is faithfully re-establishing His people, their land, and their societal structures, down to the specific individuals and their roles. This meticulous accounting reflects God's sovereign hand in bringing about His purposes. Second, the prominent inclusion of priests underscores the **Centrality of Worship and the Law**. The temple was the heart of Jewish identity, and the priests were indispensable for its proper functioning, teaching the Law, and mediating the covenant relationship with God. Their presence in Jerusalem was foundational for the spiritual revival. Finally, the act of settling in Jerusalem, especially for leaders like the "chief of the fathers," embodies **Commitment and Sacrifice**. It was a challenging undertaking, requiring dedication to rebuild and defend a vulnerable city, highlighting the personal cost involved in serving God's kingdom and participating in His redemptive work, as seen in the broader narrative of Nehemiah's leadership and the people's response (e.g., [Nehemiah 2:18](/nehemiah/2-18 "Nehemiah 2:18 - The People's Commitment to Rebuild")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chief of the fathers (Hebrew, _ro'shei 'avot'_):** This phrase refers to the heads or leaders of ancestral houses or patriarchal families. In ancient Israel, these individuals held significant authority and responsibility within their respective clans and the broader community. They were not just representatives but often served as civic and religious leaders, responsible for the welfare, purity, and proper functioning of their lineage. Their inclusion here signifies their prominent role in the repopulation and re-establishment of Jerusalem.
* **Amashai (Hebrew, _'Amasai'_):** This name, meaning "burdensome" or "my burden," is less significant than the detailed lineage provided. The emphasis is not on the meaning of his name but on his established identity and connection to a recognized priestly line. The extensive genealogy ("the son of Azareel, the son of Ahasai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Immer") serves to authenticate Amashai's priestly credentials, linking him to the priestly division of Immer, which is also mentioned in lists of those who returned from exile (e.g., [Ezra 2:37](/ezra/2-37 "Ezra 2:37 - Priests of Immer Returning from Exile") and [Nehemiah 7:40](/nehemiah/7-40 "Nehemiah 7:40 - Priests of Immer in the Census")). This meticulous record-keeping was crucial for maintaining the integrity of the priesthood.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And his brethren, chief of the fathers, two hundred forty and two:"** This clause introduces a collective group of priests, identified as "his brethren" (referring to the larger priestly community) and "chief of the fathers," indicating their leadership status within their respective ancestral houses. The specific number, "two hundred forty and two," highlights the meticulous nature of the census and the significant contribution of these priestly leaders to the repopulation effort. It emphasizes the organized and substantial presence of the priestly class in the restored city.
* **"and Amashai the son of Azareel, the son of Ahasai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Immer,"** This segment focuses on an individual priest, Amashai, providing his detailed patrilineal descent. The lengthy genealogy serves several critical functions: it authenticates his identity, confirms his legitimate priestly lineage, and connects him to the established priestly family of Immer. In a society where heritage and tribal affiliation were paramount, especially for religious office, such detailed records were vital for establishing authority, ensuring ritual purity, and maintaining the divinely ordained structure of the priesthood.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Nehemiah 11:13, and indeed throughout much of the chapter, is **List/Genealogy**. This is not merely a dry enumeration but a purposeful literary strategy. Its function is multi-faceted: it serves as a historical record, documenting the literal fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people to their land; it establishes legitimacy and authority, particularly for the priestly and Levitical lines, ensuring proper adherence to Mosaic Law; and it underscores the meticulousness of God's plan and the human effort involved in rebuilding. The detailed lineage for Amashai exemplifies the importance of **Structural Emphasis on Lineage**, where the repetition of "son of" reinforces the continuity and purity of the priestly families, vital for their sacred duties. This careful accounting demonstrates the divine and human commitment to order and structure in the re-establishment of the community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 11:13, with its detailed enumeration of priestly leaders, profoundly illustrates God's commitment to order, restoration, and the faithful execution of His covenant purposes. It underscores that even in what might seem like mundane lists, God's meticulous hand is at work, orchestrating the re-establishment of His people and their worship. The emphasis on the "chief of the fathers" and their specific roles highlights the divine value placed on leadership, organization, and dedicated service within the community of faith. This passage reminds us that God calls individuals to specific functions within His larger plan, ensuring that His kingdom is built with intentionality and purpose.

* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God of Order")
* [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for Ministry")
* [Exodus 28:1](/exodus/28-1 "Exodus 28:1 - Consecration of Priests")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 11:13 offers a compelling picture of communal dedication and divine orchestration. In a world often characterized by chaos and disorganization, this verse reminds us that God is a God of order, who cares about the details of His people's lives and their collective endeavors. Just as the "chief of the fathers" stepped up to fulfill their crucial roles in the restoration of Jerusalem, we too are called to identify and embrace our unique contributions within the body of Christ. Whether our roles are prominent or seemingly behind the scenes, every act of faithful service contributes to the flourishing of God's kingdom. This passage encourages us to serve with diligence, recognizing that our individual commitments, when combined, build resilient and vibrant communities of faith. It challenges us to consider where God is calling us to invest our time, talents, and resources for the greater good, trusting that He meticulously oversees every detail of His redemptive plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous record-keeping in Nehemiah 11 encourage you about God's attention to detail in your own life and community?**
* **What specific roles or responsibilities has God called you to within your community or church, and how can you serve with the dedication seen in these post-exilic leaders?**
* **In what ways can we, like the "chief of the fathers," prioritize the spiritual and social well-being of our families and communities today?**

### FAQ

**Why are these long lists of names important in the Bible?**

Answer: Long lists of names, like the one in Nehemiah 11, serve several crucial purposes. Historically, they provide an accurate record of who returned from exile and where they settled, demonstrating the literal fulfillment of God's promises to restore His people. Theologically, they underscore God's meticulous care for individuals within His larger plan, showing that He knows and values each person. Culturally, especially for priests and Levites, these genealogies were vital for establishing legitimacy and ensuring ritual purity for temple service, as seen in other post-exilic lists in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - List of Exiles Who Returned") and [Nehemiah 7](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - Register of Those Who Returned"). They also reinforce the continuity of God's covenant people across generations, even after significant disruption like the exile.

**What was the specific role of the "chief of the fathers" (heads of ancestral families)?**

Answer: The "chief of the fathers" (Hebrew: _ro'shei 'avot'_) were highly significant figures in ancient Israelite society, particularly during the post-exilic period. They were the recognized leaders or patriarchs of their respective ancestral families or clans. Their roles were multifaceted, encompassing both civic and religious responsibilities. They represented their family units in communal decisions, were often involved in local administration and justice, and played a key role in maintaining the social and spiritual fabric of the community. In the context of Nehemiah 11, these "chief of the fathers" among the priests were instrumental in re-establishing proper temple worship and ensuring the spiritual health of the newly repopulated Jerusalem.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Nehemiah 11:13 focuses on the restoration of the earthly priesthood and the physical city of Jerusalem, it foreshadows the ultimate and perfect spiritual restoration accomplished through Jesus Christ. The meticulous recording of priestly lineages in the Old Testament, vital for legitimate service, points to Christ as our [great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Our Great High Priest") "after the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 7:17](/hebrews/7-17 "Hebrews 7:17 - Priest Forever After the Order of Melchizedek")), whose priesthood is not dependent on human lineage but on an indestructible life. The re-establishment of Jerusalem's community, with its specific roles and functions, finds its fulfillment in the new spiritual community—the Church—which is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Cornerstone")). Furthermore, the "chief of the fathers" who committed themselves to rebuilding the physical temple and city prefigure believers in Christ, who are now called a "royal priesthood" and a "holy nation" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), participating in the building of God's spiritual house. The divine order and meticulous care evident in Nehemiah's census ultimately culminate in God's perfect plan of salvation, where every believer is precisely placed and purposed within the body of Christ, working towards the ultimate restoration of all things under Christ's headship ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.