Nehemiah 11:15

Commentary on Nehemiah 11:15 KJV

Nehemiah 11:15 is a specific entry within a detailed list of individuals who resettled in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. This verse names Shemaiah, a Levite, tracing his lineage through several generations: "Also of the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hashub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Bunni;"

Context

The book of Nehemiah chronicles the crucial period of Jerusalem's restoration following the return from Babylonian captivity. After the rebuilding of the walls (Nehemiah 6-7), a new challenge emerged: the city was "large and great: but the people therein were few, and the houses were not builded" (Nehemiah 7:4). Chapter 11 details the repopulation effort, where one-tenth of the people were chosen by lot to dwell in Jerusalem, while others settled in surrounding towns. This chapter lists the heads of families and specific individuals, including priests, Levites, gatekeepers, and other temple servants, highlighting the organized and intentional nature of the resettlement. These lists are not just dry genealogies but records of faithful individuals who committed to rebuilding their nation and spiritual life.

Key Themes

• Restoration and Repopulation: This verse underscores the strategic effort to make Jerusalem a vibrant, inhabited city once more. The physical walls were important, but the presence of people, especially those dedicated to temple service, was vital for the city's spiritual and civic life.
• Order and Organization: The meticulous listing of names and lineages demonstrates the importance of order, accountability, and tribal identity in the post-exilic community. God's work is often characterized by careful planning and structure.
• Faithful Service: As a Levite, Shemaiah belonged to the tribe designated for temple service, assisting the priests in various capacities, from music to maintaining the temple grounds. His presence in Jerusalem signified the re-establishment of organized worship and spiritual life in the capital.
• God's Providence: The very existence of these lists, and the successful return and resettlement, point to God's guiding hand, fulfilling His promises to bring His people back to their land (Ezra 2:1).

Linguistic Insights

The name Shemaiah (שְׁמַעְיָה - Shema'yah) is a common Hebrew name meaning "heard by Yahweh" or "Yahweh has heard." This name, like many biblical names, carries a theological meaning, reflecting the parents' faith or a significant event. The emphasis on lineage ("the son of...") is typical of Hebrew genealogies, establishing identity, tribal affiliation, and continuity, especially crucial for the Levites whose duties were hereditary (Numbers 3:6).

Practical Application

Even though Nehemiah 11:15 is part of a lengthy genealogical record, it offers several valuable insights:

• Every Person Matters: God's Word meticulously records individuals, reminding us that every person, even those seemingly just "a name in a list," is known and valued by God. Shemaiah, and others like him, played a vital role in the restoration of Israel.
• Faithfulness in Obscurity: Not everyone is called to lead like Nehemiah or Ezra, but faithfulness in one's assigned role, no matter how humble or administrative, is essential for the flourishing of God's work. Shemaiah's service as a Levite was crucial for the temple's operation.
• The Importance of Community: The repopulation of Jerusalem was a communal effort. Individuals, families, and tribes worked together to rebuild not just structures, but a society grounded in God's covenant. This highlights the ongoing need for believers to commit to and serve within their local communities.