Nehemiah 11:20

KJV

¶ And the residue of Israel, of the priests, [and] the Levites, [were] in all the cities of Judah, every one in his inheritance.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the residue {H7605} of Israel {H3478}, of the priests {H3548}, and the Levites {H3881}, were in all the cities {H5892} of Judah {H3063}, every one {H376} in his inheritance {H5159}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The rest of Isra'el, [the rest of] the cohanim and [the rest of] the L'vi'im were in all the cities of Y'hudah, each on his own property.

Berean Standard Bible

The rest of the Israelites, with the priests and Levites, were in all the villages of Judah, each on his own inheritance.

American Standard Version

And the residue of Israel, of the priests, the Levites, were in all the cities of Judah, every one in his inheritance.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 11:20 offers a succinct yet profound statement regarding the organized re-settlement of the post-exilic Jewish community throughout the territory of Judah. It highlights that the faithful remnant of Israel, including the vital priestly and Levitical classes, were strategically dispersed across various cities, each returning to their divinely allotted ancestral land. This verse underscores the meticulous administrative efforts undertaken by Nehemiah to re-establish a functioning society and spiritual infrastructure beyond the walls of Jerusalem, ensuring the restoration of both national identity and religious practice in the promised land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 11 forms a crucial bridge between the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls (Nehemiah 1-6) and the subsequent re-establishment of covenant life and worship (Nehemiah 12-13). Following the dedication of the wall and the reading of the Law, a significant challenge remained: Jerusalem was "large and spacious, but the people in it were few, and the houses were not rebuilt" ([Nehemiah 7:4](/nehemiah/7-4 "Nehemiah 7:4 - Jerusalem's Sparse Population")). Nehemiah 11 begins by detailing the repopulation of Jerusalem, listing those who volunteered or were chosen by lot to live within the capital's newly secured walls (Nehemiah 11:1-19). Verse 20 then broadens the scope, clarifying that while Jerusalem was being repopulated, the rest of the Israelite community, particularly the religious leaders, were settling throughout the other cities of Judah. This demonstrates a comprehensive, organized effort to re-inhabit and re-establish the entire land, not just the capital.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described is the post-exilic era, specifically the mid-5th century BCE, after the Jewish exiles had returned from their seventy-year captivity in Babylon. The return, initiated by Cyrus's decree, aimed to restore Jewish life in their homeland. A cornerstone of Israelite identity and societal structure was the concept of tribal land inheritance, rooted in the initial division of Canaan under Joshua ([Joshua 14:1](/joshua/14-1 "Joshua 14:1 - Division of the Land")). The phrase "every one in his inheritance" signifies a return to this ancient, divinely ordained system, re-establishing ancestral claims and territorial identity after the disruption of exile. The mention of "priests" and "Levites" is particularly significant; these were the religious functionaries responsible for Temple service, teaching the Law, and maintaining spiritual order. Their dispersion throughout Judah ensured that spiritual oversight and instruction were available to the broader community, not just concentrated in Jerusalem.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several major themes within Nehemiah and the broader post-exilic narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Restoration and Re-establishment**, showcasing God's faithfulness in bringing His people back to their land and enabling the rebuilding of their national and spiritual life after severe judgment. Secondly, it highlights the importance of **Order and Organization** in a functioning society, particularly one striving to live according to God's covenant. Nehemiah's meticulous attention to who lived where reflects a divine emphasis on proper administration and structure for communal well-being and spiritual health. Thirdly, the return to "his inheritance" represents a tangible, albeit partial, **Fulfillment of Promise**, connecting the post-exilic community to God's ancient covenant promises regarding the land of Israel, even after a period of divine discipline. Finally, it underscores **Community Responsibility and Participation**, demonstrating that the entire community, including its religious leadership, had a vital role to play in the rebuilding and spiritual renewal of the nation, each contributing in their appointed place.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Residue (Hebrew, _she'ar'_):** The Hebrew word שְׁאָר (_she'ar_) fundamentally means "remainder" or "rest." In a theological context, particularly in prophetic literature, it often carries the profound meaning of a "remnant"—a portion of God's people preserved through judgment or calamity, destined to continue His covenant purposes. This concept emphasizes God's enduring faithfulness and His sovereign plan to maintain a people for Himself, even when the majority may have fallen away or faced discipline. In Nehemiah 11:20, it refers to the bulk of the Jewish population who had returned from Babylonian exile, distinct from those specifically chosen to dwell in Jerusalem.
* **Inheritance (Hebrew, _nachalah'_):** The Hebrew term נַחֲלָה (_nachalah_) refers to a possession, an allotted portion, particularly land received as a permanent possession. For the tribes of Israel, their land inheritance was foundational to their identity, their socio-economic stability, and their relationship with God, as it was given by divine promise. While the Levites did not receive a tribal land inheritance in the same way as the other tribes, they were allotted specific cities throughout Israel ([Numbers 35:2](/numbers/35-2 "Numbers 35:2 - Cities for the Levites")), and their ultimate "inheritance" was often described as the Lord Himself and the offerings of Israel ([Deuteronomy 18:1](/deuteronomy/18-1 "Deuteronomy 18:1 - The Inheritance of Priests and Levites")). Thus, "every one in his inheritance" signifies a return to the established, divinely sanctioned order of land tenure and tribal identity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the residue of Israel":** This phrase identifies the main body of the Jewish population who had returned from Babylonian exile. It distinguishes them from the specific group mentioned in the preceding verses (Nehemiah 11:1-19) who had settled in Jerusalem. The use of "residue" or "remnant" carries theological weight, signifying those who survived the judgment of exile and were now being restored to their land, embodying God's faithfulness to His covenant promises despite Israel's sin.
* **"of the priests, [and] the Levites":** This specifies that the religious leadership—those responsible for Temple service, teaching the Law, and maintaining spiritual life—were included in this broader settlement. Their presence throughout the cities of Judah was crucial for the spiritual health and instruction of the wider community, ensuring that divine worship and covenant obedience could be practiced beyond the immediate vicinity of the rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem. It highlights the comprehensive nature of the restoration effort, encompassing both civil and spiritual dimensions.
* **"[were] in all the cities of Judah":** This indicates the geographical distribution of the returned exiles. Instead of concentrating solely in Jerusalem, the population was spread across the various towns and cities within the territory of Judah. This strategic dispersion was necessary for the full re-establishment of the land, providing a demographic base for agricultural production, trade, and defense, and ensuring that the entire region was re-inhabited by God's people.
* **"every one in his inheritance":** This deeply significant phrase refers to the return to the ancestral land allotments that were originally divided among the tribes of Israel by Joshua. It signifies a re-assertion of the divinely ordained tribal and familial land rights, which were central to Israelite identity, economic stability, and covenant faithfulness. For the Levites, their "inheritance" would refer to their allotted cities and their portion from the offerings of the people, as they did not receive a tribal land portion like the other tribes. This re-establishment of land tenure underscored the restoration of order, identity, and a sense of belonging to the promised land.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 11:20, though concise, employs several literary techniques. The verse functions as a form of **Census or Register**, a common literary device in biblical historical books (e.g., Numbers, Ezra, Nehemiah) used to establish identity, demonstrate divine ordering, and underscore the fulfillment of promises. By listing the "residue of Israel" and specifically mentioning "priests" and "Levites," the text uses **Synecdoche**, where a part (religious leaders) represents the whole (the re-established community), emphasizing their crucial role in the national restoration. The phrase "every one in his inheritance" carries strong **Symbolism**, representing not just physical land ownership but also the restoration of covenant relationship, identity, and divine order after the chaos of exile. It evokes the foundational promises of God regarding the land. Furthermore, the overall context of Nehemiah 11, moving from the repopulation of Jerusalem to the wider cities, demonstrates a **Progressive Disclosure** of the comprehensive nature of God's restorative work, moving from the core to the periphery.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 11:20 is a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His commitment to His covenant people. It illustrates that even after severe judgment and prolonged exile, God meticulously orchestrates the restoration of His people to their land, re-establishing their identity and purpose. The return to "his inheritance" signifies not merely a physical relocation but a profound act of divine re-ordering, echoing the original distribution of the land under Joshua and affirming God's enduring promises. This verse underscores the importance of a structured, ordered community for the flourishing of spiritual life, with the priests and Levites playing a vital role in ensuring spiritual instruction and oversight throughout the land. It speaks to the concept of the "remnant," a core theological idea throughout the Old Testament, indicating that God always preserves a faithful portion of His people through whom His redemptive purposes will continue.

* [Ezra 2:1](/ezra/2-1 "Ezra 2:1 - The First Return from Exile")
* [Joshua 14:1](/joshua/14-1 "Joshua 14:1 - Division of the Land of Canaan")
* [Deuteronomy 18:1](/deuteronomy/18-1 "The Inheritance of Priests and Levites")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 11:20 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of restoration, who faithfully brings His people back from periods of spiritual or physical displacement, rebuilding what was broken. Just as the Israelites were called to re-inhabit their ancestral lands, we too are called to occupy and steward the "inheritance" God has given us—our unique gifts, callings, and spheres of influence within His kingdom. This verse challenges us to consider where God has placed us, whether in specific ministries, professions, or communities, and how we can faithfully contribute to His work of rebuilding and spiritual renewal in our own context. The organized dispersion of priests and Levites highlights the importance of spiritual leadership and instruction being accessible throughout the community, not just centralized. This encourages us to support and participate in local church communities, recognizing that every member has a vital role in building up the body of Christ and extending His presence into the world. It calls us to embrace our individual "inheritance" with a spirit of order, intentionality, and communal responsibility, trusting in God's overarching plan for restoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I see God actively restoring or rebuilding in my life or community today?**
* **What "inheritance" (gifts, calling, sphere of influence) has God given me, and how am I faithfully occupying and stewarding it for His glory?**
* **How can I contribute to the spiritual health and order of my local church or community, following the example of the priests and Levites dispersed throughout Judah?**

### FAQ
**Why was it important for the "residue of Israel" to be in all the cities of Judah, not just Jerusalem?**

Answer: While Jerusalem was the spiritual and political capital, its repopulation was only one part of the broader restoration. For the nation of Judah to truly be re-established, the entire land needed to be inhabited and productive. Dispersing the population, including priests and Levites, across all cities ensured several things: economic viability through agriculture and trade in various regions; defense against potential enemies throughout the territory; and, crucially, the re-establishment of spiritual oversight and instruction in local communities, not just at the central Temple. It reflected a comprehensive vision for national and spiritual renewal, ensuring that the covenant life could flourish throughout the land, not just in one concentrated area.

**What does "every one in his inheritance" mean for the Levites, since they didn't receive a tribal land inheritance?**

Answer: The phrase "every one in his inheritance" primarily refers to the return to the ancestral land allotments for the other tribes of Israel, which were central to their identity and economic life. For the Levites, their inheritance was distinct. According to Mosaic Law, the Levites were not given a tribal land inheritance like the other tribes (e.g., [Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance")). Instead, the Lord Himself was their inheritance, meaning they were sustained by the tithes and offerings of the other tribes, and they were given specific cities to dwell in throughout Israel ([Numbers 35:2](/numbers/35-2 "Numbers 35:2 - Cities for the Levites")). Therefore, for the Levites in Nehemiah 11:20, "his inheritance" would refer to their return to these designated Levitical cities or towns where they would carry out their priestly and teaching duties, supported by the community's offerings.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 11:20, with its emphasis on the remnant, restoration, and the return to an inheritance, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant. The "residue of Israel" points to the faithful remnant through whom God's purposes are carried forward; this remnant culminates in Christ, who is the true Israel, and then extends to all who are "in Christ" by faith, whether Jew or Gentile ([Romans 9:6-8](/romans/9-6 "Romans 9:6-8 - Not All Israel Is Israel")). The physical return to the land and "every one in his inheritance" foreshadows the spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ—an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). Christ Himself is our true inheritance and portion, far surpassing any earthly land allotment ([Psalm 16:5](/psalm/16-5 "Psalm 16:5 - The Lord is My Inheritance")). Furthermore, the re-establishment of order and the dispersion of priests and Levites throughout Judah prefigure the new spiritual temple, the Church, where every believer is a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), called to live out their unique calling and serve within the body of Christ, extending the knowledge of God's glory throughout the world, not confined to a single geographical location. Jesus is the ultimate restorer, rebuilding not just walls and cities, but human hearts and lives, bringing us into a new covenant relationship and a spiritual inheritance that will endure for eternity.

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

Nehemiah 11:3

Now these [are] the chief of the province that dwelt in Jerusalem: but in the cities of Judah dwelt every one in his possession in their cities, [to wit], Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants.