Why was repopulating Jerusalem so important after the walls were rebuilt?

While the completion of the walls (as described in Nehemiah 6:15) provided physical security, a city without sufficient inhabitants is vulnerable and cannot function effectively. Repopulating Jerusalem was crucial for several reasons: 1.

A larger population was needed to man the walls and defend the city against potential threats from surrounding adversaries. 2.

A thriving city requires a workforce and consumers. Repopulation stimulated economic activity, trade, and the provision of essential services. 3.

Administrative Center:

As the capital of the province, Jerusalem needed a robust population to support its role as the administrative and judicial hub for the returning exiles. 4.

Spiritual Significance:

Jerusalem was the spiritual heart of Israel, the location of the rebuilt temple. A vibrant population was essential for the full re-establishment of temple worship, festivals, and religious life, as well as for the city to serve as a beacon for the Jewish people. The strategic repopulation was thus a vital step in solidifying the restored Jewish commonwealth.

Who were the "Nethinims" and "children of Solomon's servants," and what was their role?

These two groups were distinct but served similar, vital supporting roles in the temple and community life. *

The term (Hebrew: Netinim) literally means "given ones" or "dedicated ones." They were likely descendants of non-Israelites who had been assigned to serve the temple, performing menial tasks such as gathering wood, drawing water, and other manual labor that assisted the Levites and priests. The most well-known example of their origin is the Gibeonites, who were made "woodcutters and water carriers" for the congregation and the altar (see Joshua 9:27). Their inclusion in the census highlights their recognized and necessary contribution to the functioning of the re-established worship system. *

11:2 11:2

Nehemiah 11:3

Q: Children of Solomon's Servants:

This group comprised the descendants of non-Israelite servants whom King Solomon had conscripted for various labor projects, including those related to the temple and royal building programs (see 1 Kings 9:20-21). Like the Nethinims, they were integrated into the post-exilic community and continued to provide essential support services, ensuring the smooth operation of the temple and the broader societal infrastructure. Their presence underscores the diverse composition of the restored community, where various groups contributed to the common good.

11:4 11:4

Bible Versions

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.

Now these are the chief {H7218} of the province {H4082} that dwelt {H3427} in Jerusalem {H3389}: but in the cities {H5892} of Judah {H3063} dwelt {H3427} every one {H376} in his possession {H272} in their cities {H5892}, to wit, Israel {H3478}, the priests {H3548}, and the Levites {H3881}, and the Nethinims {H5411}, and the children {H1121} of Solomon's {H8010} servants {H5650}.

In the cities of Y'hudah, everyone lived on his own property - the people of Isra'el, the cohanim, the L'vi'im, the temple servants and the descendants of Shlomo's servants. But the leaders of the province lived in Yerushalayim.

These are the heads of the provinces who settled in Jerusalem. (In the villages of Judah, however, each lived on his own property in their towns—the Israelites, priests, Levites, temple servants, and descendants of Solomon’s servants—

Now these are the chiefs 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 Nethinim, and the children of Solomon’s servants.

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.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

Nehemiah 7:73

So the priests, and the Levites, and the porters, and the singers, and [some] of the people, and the Nethinims, and all Israel, dwelt in their cities; and when the seventh month came, the children of Israel [were] in their cities.
Ezra 2:1

¶ Now these [are] the children of the province that went up out of the captivity, of those which had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away unto Babylon, and came again unto Jerusalem and Judah, every one unto his city;
Ezra 2:43

The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth,
1 Chronicles 9:1

¶ So all Israel were reckoned by genealogies; and, behold, they [were] written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah, [who] were carried away to Babylon for their transgression.
1 Chronicles 9:34

These chief fathers of the Levites [were] chief throughout their generations; these dwelt at Jerusalem.
Ezra 2:55

The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Peruda,
Ezra 2:58

All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants, [were] three hundred ninety and two.

Bible Versions

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