Nehemiah 11:4

And at Jerusalem dwelt [certain] of the children of Judah, and of the children of Benjamin. Of the children of Judah; Athaiah the son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalaleel, of the children of Perez;

And at Jerusalem {H3389} dwelt {H3427} certain of the children {H1121} of Judah {H3063}, and of the children {H1121} of Benjamin {H1144}. Of the children {H1121} of Judah {H3063}; Athaiah {H6265} the son {H1121} of Uzziah {H5818}, the son {H1121} of Zechariah {H2148}, the son {H1121} of Amariah {H568}, the son {H1121} of Shephatiah {H8203}, the son {H1121} of Mahalaleel {H4111}, of the children {H1121} of Perez {H6557};

Some of those living in Yerushalayim were from people of Y'hudah, and others were from people of Binyamin. Those from the people of Y'hudah were: 'Atayah the son of 'Uziyah, the son of Z'kharyah, the son of Amaryah, the son of Sh'fatyah, the son of Mahalal'el, from the descendants of Peretz;

while some of the descendants of Judah and Benjamin settled in Jerusalem.) From the descendants of Judah: Athaiah son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalalel, a descendant of Perez;

And in Jerusalem dwelt certain of the children of Judah, and of the children of Benjamin. Of the children of Judah: Athaiah the son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalalel, of the children of Perez;

Commentary

Nehemiah 11:4 KJV Commentary

Context of Nehemiah 11:4

Nehemiah 11 marks a crucial phase in the restoration of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. Following the successful completion of the city walls, the challenge shifted from construction to repopulation. Jerusalem, though fortified, remained sparsely inhabited, making it vulnerable and less vibrant. This chapter details the process by which a tenth of the people, chosen by lot, moved into the city, alongside those who voluntarily settled there. Nehemiah 11:4 begins the meticulous listing of prominent families and individuals, particularly from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, who took up residence in the holy city. This act of resettlement was vital for Jerusalem to reclaim its status as the spiritual and administrative heart of the returned Jewish community.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Repopulation and Restoration: The primary theme is the active effort to restore Jerusalem not just physically, but also demographically. This repopulation was essential for the city's long-term viability and its role as a center of worship and governance for the post-exilic community.
  • Commitment and Sacrifice: Moving into Jerusalem at this time likely involved personal sacrifice, as the city was still developing and potentially less secure or comfortable than surrounding towns. The individuals listed represent those who committed themselves to the vision of a thriving Jerusalem, demonstrating their faith and dedication to God's purposes.
  • Genealogy and Identity: The detailed genealogies, including lineages like "of the children of Perez," underscore the profound importance of tribal identity and heritage to the returning exiles. This meticulous record-keeping reinforced their connection to the promises made to their ancestors and their place within the covenant community. It served to validate their right to the land and their role in the renewed Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "children of Judah" and "children of Benjamin" highlights the two dominant tribes that formed the Southern Kingdom of Judah before the exile and were the primary groups returning from Babylon. The mention of "Perez" refers to one of the twin sons of Judah (see Genesis 38:29), indicating a specific and significant lineage within the tribe of Judah. The listing of names like Athaiah, Uzziah, and Zechariah, while perhaps obscure to modern readers, was crucial for the original audience, establishing the legitimacy and honorable standing of these families in the restored community.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 11:4 encourages us to consider the importance of commitment to God's work, even when it involves personal inconvenience or sacrifice. Just as these individuals stepped forward to inhabit and strengthen Jerusalem, believers today are called to contribute to the vitality of God's spiritual "city"—the church. This verse also reminds us of God's meticulous care for His people, recognizing individuals and families who play a part in His larger redemptive plan. It underscores the value of community and the willingness to take up responsibilities that serve the greater good of God's kingdom.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 38:29

    And it came to pass, as he drew back his hand, that, behold, his brother came out: and she said, How hast thou broken forth? [this] breach [be] upon thee: therefore his name was called Pharez.

  • Matthew 1:3

    And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;

  • Ruth 4:18

    Now these [are] the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron,

  • 1 Chronicles 9:3

    And in Jerusalem dwelt of the children of Judah, and of the children of Benjamin, and of the children of Ephraim, and Manasseh;

  • 1 Chronicles 9:9

    And their brethren, according to their generations, nine hundred and fifty and six. All these men [were] chief of the fathers in the house of their fathers.

  • Luke 3:33

    Which was [the son] of Aminadab, which was [the son] of Aram, which was [the son] of Esrom, which was [the son] of Phares, which was [the son] of Juda,
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