Nehemiah 11:15

KJV

Also of the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hashub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Bunni;

KJV (with Strong's)

Also of the Levites {H3881}: Shemaiah {H8098} the son {H1121} of Hashub {H2815}, the son {H1121} of Azrikam {H5840}, the son {H1121} of Hashabiah {H2811}, the son {H1121} of Bunni {H1138};

Complete Jewish Bible

From the L'vi'im: Sh'ma'yah the son of Hashuv, the son of 'Azrikam, the son of Hashavyah, the son of Buni,

Berean Standard Bible

From the Levites: Shemaiah son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Bunni;

American Standard Version

And of the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Bunni;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 11:15 is a specific entry within a detailed register of individuals who resettled in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile, highlighting Shemaiah, a Levite, and tracing his lineage. This verse is part of a larger effort to repopulate the holy city, ensuring that its spiritual and civic life could be fully restored, particularly through the re-establishment of essential temple services by dedicated individuals like Shemaiah and his family.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 11 follows the successful rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls (Nehemiah 1-6) and a census of the returning exiles (Nehemiah 7). With the physical defenses in place, the narrative pivots to the crucial need for repopulation. Jerusalem was "large and great: but the people therein were few, and the houses were not builded" [Nehemiah 7:4](/nehemiah/7-4 "Nehemiah 7:4 - Jerusalem's Sparse Population"). Chapter 11 details the organized effort to address this, where one-tenth of the people were chosen by lot to dwell in the capital, while others settled in surrounding towns. The chapter then meticulously lists the heads of families and specific individuals—including priests, Levites, gatekeepers, and other temple servants—who committed to this vital resettlement. These lists are not merely dry genealogies but serve as a testament to the community's commitment to rebuilding their nation and spiritual life, establishing legitimacy and continuity for those fulfilling specific roles.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The post-exilic period, spanning from the decree of Cyrus (538 BC) to the reforms of Ezra and Nehemiah (mid-5th century BC), was a time of immense challenge and rebuilding for the Jewish people. Having returned from seventy years of Babylonian captivity, they faced a ruined homeland, hostile neighbors, and the daunting task of re-establishing their national and religious identity under Persian imperial oversight. Jerusalem, as the historical and spiritual capital, needed to be more than just a walled city; it required a vibrant population to function as a center of worship and governance. The Levites, as a hereditary class dedicated to temple service, were indispensable for the proper functioning of the restored sanctuary. Their presence in Jerusalem, as documented in this chapter, signified the re-establishment of organized worship and the fulfillment of divine promises to restore His people to their land, as seen in passages like [Ezra 2:1](/ezra/2-1 "Ezra 2:1 - The Return from Exile").
* **Key Themes:** This verse, embedded within the larger list, contributes to several overarching themes in Nehemiah. Firstly, **Restoration and Repopulation** is paramount, emphasizing that the physical rebuilding of walls was incomplete without the spiritual and civic vitality brought by an inhabited city. Secondly, the meticulous listing highlights **Order and Organization**, demonstrating the importance of structure, accountability, and tribal identity in the post-exilic community, reflecting God's character in careful planning. Thirdly, **Faithful Service** is underscored, as individuals like Shemaiah, a Levite, committed to their ancestral duties, assisting priests in various capacities from music to temple maintenance, thereby signifying the re-establishment of organized worship. Finally, the very success of this return and resettlement, including the preservation of lineages, points powerfully to **God's Providence**, fulfilling His covenant promises to His people, a theme echoed throughout the historical books of the Old Testament.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shemaiah (Hebrew, _Shema'yah'_):** This common Hebrew name means "heard by Yahweh" or "Yahweh has heard." In the context of a list of those returning to serve in Jerusalem, the name carries a subtle theological resonance, perhaps reflecting the community's belief that God had heard their prayers for restoration and was now orchestrating their return and resettlement. It signifies divine attentiveness and responsiveness.
* **Levites (Hebrew, _Ləwiyyim'_):** The Levites were members of the tribe of Levi, designated by God for sacred service in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Their duties were hereditary and multifaceted, including assisting the priests, maintaining the temple, overseeing finances, serving as musicians, gatekeepers, and scribes. Their inclusion in this list is crucial, as their presence in Jerusalem was essential for the proper functioning of the restored temple worship, as outlined in texts like [Numbers 3:6](/numbers/3-6 "Numbers 3:6 - The Levites' Duties").
* **Son of (Hebrew, _ben'_):** This phrase, repeated throughout the lineage, is fundamental to Hebrew genealogies. It establishes not only biological descent but also legal identity, tribal affiliation, and continuity. For Levites, a verified lineage was critical for validating their right to perform hereditary duties in the temple, ensuring the purity and legitimacy of their service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Also of the Levites:":** This introductory phrase immediately categorizes Shemaiah, distinguishing him as belonging to the tribe set apart for religious service. It emphasizes the specific and vital role this group played in the repopulation and spiritual restoration of Jerusalem, distinct from other families or tribal groups listed.
* **"Shemaiah the son of Hashub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Bunni;":** This clause meticulously traces Shemaiah's patrilineal descent through four generations. This detailed genealogy serves several purposes: it authenticates Shemaiah's identity and his right to serve as a Levite, establishes his family's place within the post-exilic community, and underscores the meticulous record-keeping that was vital for maintaining tribal purity and order, especially concerning those involved in sacred duties. It highlights the importance of individual identity within the larger communal restoration.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Nehemiah 11:15, and indeed throughout much of the chapter, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a dry listing of names but a purposeful literary and historical tool. Genealogies serve to establish legitimacy, particularly for those holding hereditary religious offices like the Levites. They demonstrate continuity from past generations, connecting the present post-exilic community to their covenantal heritage. Furthermore, the meticulous preservation of these family lines highlights God's faithfulness in preserving His people and their identity even through exile. The **Repetition** of "the son of" emphasizes the unbroken chain of lineage, reinforcing the authenticity and historical grounding of each individual's place within the restored community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 11:15, though a single line in a long list, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous care for His people and His plan for their restoration. It reminds us that God's grand redemptive narrative is built not just on sweeping historical movements, but on the faithful participation of countless individuals, each known and valued by Him. The emphasis on lineage for the Levites underscores the importance of order, identity, and the continuity of God's covenant promises, ensuring that the sacred duties of worship could be properly re-established. This verse points to a God who orchestrates details, calls individuals to specific roles, and values every member's contribution to the flourishing of His kingdom, whether in prominent leadership or faithful, behind-the-scenes service.

* [Psalm 139:1-4](/psalms/139-1-4 "Psalm 139:1-4 - God's Omniscience and Intimate Knowledge")
* [1 Corinthians 12:27](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - Many Members, One Body")
* [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4-5 "Romans 12:4-5 - Gifts in the Body of Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly obscure verse offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that every person, even those who appear as just "a name in a list," is known, valued, and purposed by God. Shemaiah, a Levite, contributed to the restoration of Israel not through grand acts of leadership but through faithful service in his assigned role. This highlights the vital truth that faithfulness in obscurity, whether in administrative tasks, quiet prayer, or consistent service, is indispensable for the flourishing of God's work. The repopulation of Jerusalem was a communal effort, emphasizing that the body of Christ thrives when individuals commit to and serve within their local communities, using their unique gifts and callings to build up the whole. We are all part of a larger divine narrative, and our individual faithfulness contributes to God's ongoing work in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous listing of individuals like Shemaiah challenge our perception of what is "important" in God's kingdom?**
* **In what ways might we be called to faithful service in "obscure" or less visible roles within our own communities or churches?**
* **How does the communal effort of repopulating Jerusalem inform our understanding of the church as the body of Christ, where every member is essential?**
* **What does Shemaiah's lineage, traced back through generations, teach us about the continuity of God's plan and our place within it?**

### FAQ
**Why are these detailed lists of names and genealogies so important in biblical texts like Nehemiah?**

Answer: These lists, while seemingly dry, serve several critical purposes. First, they establish **legitimacy and identity**, particularly for those holding hereditary roles like priests and Levites, ensuring they were indeed qualified for sacred service. Second, they demonstrate **continuity**, connecting the post-exilic community to their ancestral heritage and the covenant promises God made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Third, they highlight **God's faithfulness** in preserving a remnant of His people through exile and bringing them back to their land. Finally, they underscore **God's meticulous care**, showing that He knows and values every individual involved in His redemptive plan, even down to the specific families and lineages, as seen in the repopulation effort of Jerusalem described in [Nehemiah 11](/nehemiah/11 "Nehemiah 11 - Repopulation of Jerusalem").

**What was the specific role of a Levite like Shemaiah in the restored Jerusalem?**

Answer: Levites were the hereditary assistants to the priests in the temple. Their duties were diverse and essential for the proper functioning of the worship system. These roles included maintaining the temple grounds, preparing sacrifices, overseeing temple finances, serving as gatekeepers, musicians, singers, and scribes. In the restored Jerusalem, the presence of dedicated Levites like Shemaiah was crucial for re-establishing the full scope of temple worship and ensuring that the community could properly honor God according to the Law. Their service was foundational to the spiritual life of the city, supporting the priests and facilitating the communal worship of God, as detailed in various Old Testament passages concerning their duties.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous listing of individuals like Shemaiah, a Levite dedicated to temple service in the restored Jerusalem, points forward to the ultimate fulfillment found in Jesus Christ and His new covenant community. The Old Testament Levites served as mediators and facilitators of worship, but their work was a shadow of the perfect and eternal ministry of Christ. Jesus is our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus Our Great High Priest"), who entered the true tabernacle not made with hands, offering Himself as the perfect and final sacrifice, thereby fulfilling all the Levitical requirements. Furthermore, in the New Covenant, the emphasis shifts from a hereditary priesthood to a spiritual one: all believers are now part of a "[royal priesthood](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")," called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and service. The repopulation of Jerusalem with faithful individuals foreshadows the building of the Church, the spiritual temple of God, composed of believers from every tribe and nation, where Christ Himself is the cornerstone and the dwelling place of God's Spirit ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - The Church as God's Dwelling")). Thus, Shemaiah's faithful service, though vital in its time, ultimately finds its meaning and completion in the all-encompassing work of Christ and the living temple of His body, the Church.

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.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 9:14

¶ And of the Levites; Shemaiah the son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, of the sons of Merari;

1 Chronicles 9:19

And Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brethren, of the house of his father, the Korahites, [were] over the work of the service, keepers of the gates of the tabernacle: and their fathers, [being] over the host of the LORD, [were] keepers of the entry.