Nehemiah 11:5

KJV

And Maaseiah the son of Baruch, the son of Colhozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, the son of Shiloni.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Maaseiah {H4641} the son {H1121} of Baruch {H1263}, the son {H1121} of Colhozeh {H3626}, the son {H1121} of Hazaiah {H2382}, the son {H1121} of Adaiah {H5718}, the son {H1121} of Joiarib {H3114}, the son {H1121} of Zechariah {H2148}, the son {H1121} of Shiloni {H8023}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and Ma'aseiyah the son of Barukh, the son of Kol-Hozeh, the son of Hazayah, the son of 'Adayah, the son of Yoyariv, the son of Z'kharyah, who belonged to the family of Shelah.

Berean Standard Bible

and Maaseiah son of Baruch, the son of Col-hozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, a descendant of Shelah.

American Standard Version

and Maaseiah the son of Baruch, the son of Col-hozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, the son of the Shilonite.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 11:5 meticulously records Maaseiah, a descendant of Judah, and his extensive lineage, as one of the individuals who courageously resettled in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. This verse is part of a larger roster detailing the families and leaders who committed to repopulating the holy city, underscoring the vital process of re-establishing Jerusalem as the spiritual and administrative heart of the post-exilic community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 11 serves as a pivotal chapter following the completion of Jerusalem's walls (as detailed in [Nehemiah 6:15](/nehemiah/6-15 "Nehemiah 6:15 - Completion of the Wall")) and the spiritual renewal initiated by the reading of the Law and the covenant ceremony (described in [Nehemiah 8](/nehemiah/8 "Nehemiah 8 - Reading of the Law") through [Nehemiah 10](/nehemiah/10 "Nehemiah 10 - The Covenant Sealed")). With the city now fortified and the people spiritually recommitted, the next crucial step was its repopulation. Jerusalem, though secure, remained largely uninhabited. This chapter lists those who were chosen by lot or volunteered to live within the city walls, transforming it from a mere fortress into a vibrant, living community. Maaseiah's inclusion here highlights the specific individuals from the tribe of Judah who played a foundational role in this critical phase of restoration, building upon the narrative of resettlement that begins in [Nehemiah 11:1](/nehemiah/11-1 "Nehemiah 11:1 - Repopulation of Jerusalem").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the post-exilic period, approximately the mid-5th century BC, under the suzerainty of the Persian Empire. After seventy years of Babylonian captivity, a remnant of Israel had returned to Judah, but Jerusalem remained sparsely populated and vulnerable. In ancient Israelite society, genealogical records were of paramount importance, serving not merely as family trees but as legal documents establishing tribal identity, land rights, priestly succession, and social standing. Living in Jerusalem at this time was not a privilege but a significant sacrifice; it meant leaving the relative security and established lives in surrounding villages to inhabit a city that was still developing, potentially facing economic hardship and external threats. The individuals listed, like Maaseiah, were pioneers, demonstrating a profound commitment to the restoration of their national and spiritual identity.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, embedded within a comprehensive list, powerfully illustrates several core themes. First, it underscores **Restoration and Repopulation**, showcasing God's faithfulness in bringing His people back from exile and re-establishing His chosen city as a functional center, not just a symbolic ruin. The detailed enumeration of names provides concrete evidence of this divine work, fulfilling ancient prophecies of return. Second, it highlights **Commitment and Sacrifice**, as those who moved to Jerusalem willingly embraced a challenging and potentially dangerous life for the sake of the community's future. Their presence was a tangible act of faith and obedience. Third, the meticulous record-keeping of genealogies reflects **Divine Providence and Order**, emphasizing God's hand in orchestrating the resettlement and ensuring the continuity of His people and their designated roles within the community. This also reinforces the **Importance of Lineage and Identity**, crucial for maintaining the distinctiveness of Israel and preserving the messianic line.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Maaseiah (Hebrew, _Ma'aseyah_):** This name means "work of Yahweh" or "act of Yahweh." The very name of the individual highlighted in this verse carries significant theological weight, suggesting that his presence and role in the repopulation of Jerusalem were not accidental but part of God's divine plan and active work in restoring His people and city. It subtly points to the providential hand of God in the seemingly mundane act of recording names.
* **Shiloni (Hebrew, _Shiloni_):** This name means "from Shiloh." Shiloh was an ancient Israelite city in Ephraim, famous as the site of the tabernacle before the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. While Maaseiah is identified as a descendant of Judah (Nehemiah 11:4), the inclusion of "Shiloni" in his lineage might indicate a family connection or origin from that region, or perhaps a symbolic link to the ancient center of worship, further emphasizing the continuity of Israel's sacred history within the new Jerusalem.
* **"Son of" (Hebrew, _ben_):** The repeated phrase "the son of" (Hebrew: _ben_) is a standard patronymic structure. In this context, its continuous repetition serves to meticulously trace Maaseiah's lineage through seven generations. This extended genealogy is not merely for identification but establishes his legitimate tribal affiliation (Judah) and historical continuity, reinforcing his right and responsibility to reside in the restored capital.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Maaseiah the son of Baruch, the son of Colhozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, the son of Shiloni.":** This verse presents a single, unbroken genealogical chain, tracing Maaseiah's ancestry back seven generations to an individual identified as "Shiloni." The primary function of this detailed breakdown is to establish the identity and legitimacy of Maaseiah as a prominent figure from the tribe of Judah who took up residence in Jerusalem. Each "son of" clause meticulously links him to his forebears, emphasizing the importance of heritage and tribal affiliation in the post-exilic community. This precise record-keeping underscores the divine meticulousness in the restoration process, ensuring that the right individuals, with their proper lineage, were accounted for in the re-establishment of the holy city.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Nehemiah 11:5, and indeed throughout much of [Nehemiah 11](/nehemiah/11 "Nehemiah 11 - Residents of Jerusalem"), is **Genealogy**. This detailed listing of ancestral lines serves multiple purposes: it authenticates the identity and tribal affiliation of the individuals, establishes their right to reside in Jerusalem, and ensures historical continuity. The **Repetition** of the phrase "the son of" creates a rhythmic and formal tone, characteristic of ancient administrative and historical records, lending an air of authority and precision to the text. Furthermore, the very act of meticulously listing these names, seemingly mundane to a modern reader, serves as a powerful form of **Emphasis**, highlighting the importance of each individual's contribution to the communal effort of repopulating Jerusalem. It transforms what could be a dry list into a testament to the personal commitment required for national restoration. The verse also functions as a direct **Historical Record**, documenting the specific individuals who participated in this crucial phase of Israelite history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 11:5, though a simple genealogical entry, powerfully illustrates God's meticulous care for His people and His faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises. The very act of recording these names, seemingly insignificant to the casual reader, speaks volumes about God's attention to detail and His providential orchestration of history. It underscores that every individual, even those whose primary contribution was simply their presence, played a vital role in God's larger plan for the restoration of Israel. This commitment to repopulating Jerusalem was not just a civic duty but a spiritual act, demonstrating trust in God's ongoing work and a willingness to participate in His redemptive narrative. It reminds us that God works through specific people in specific times, valuing each person's unique contribution to His kingdom.

* [Ezra 2:1-70](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - List of Exiles Returning")
* [1 Chronicles 9:1-9](/1_chronicles/9-1 "1 Chronicles 9:1-9 - Residents of Jerusalem")
* [Romans 11:29](/romans/11-29 "Romans 11:29 - God's Irrevocable Gifts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a genealogical list might appear dry or irrelevant at first glance, Nehemiah 11:5 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God values every individual and every contribution, no matter how seemingly ordinary or unglamorous. The people listed here were not necessarily heroes of grand exploits, but ordinary individuals who answered a call to civic and spiritual responsibility, committing to live in a challenging environment for the sake of God's city. This challenges our modern tendency to seek prominence or overlook the quiet, consistent faithfulness that sustains communities and churches. It encourages us to embrace our own unique roles within the body of Christ, recognizing that our presence, commitment, and willingness to serve—even in unseen ways—are vital to God's ongoing work in the world. Just as Maaseiah's name was recorded, so too are our faithful acts known and valued by God, contributing to the larger narrative of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous listing of names in Nehemiah 11 challenge our modern tendency to overlook "ordinary" contributions in God's work?**
* **What "unseen" or "unglamorous" roles might God be calling us to embrace in our communities or churches today, similar to those who repopulated Jerusalem?**
* **In what ways can we cultivate a deeper appreciation for the historical continuity of God's people and His faithfulness through generations?**

### FAQ
**Why are these long lists of names important in the Bible?**

Answer: Genealogical lists in the Bible, like Nehemiah 11:5, serve multiple crucial purposes beyond mere historical record. They establish **legitimacy** for tribal identity, land inheritance, and priestly succession, which were vital for the social and religious structure of ancient Israel. They underscore **historical accuracy**, demonstrating the meticulous care with which God's people preserved their heritage. Theologically, they highlight God's **providential care** for His covenant people, showing how He faithfully preserves a remnant through generations. Furthermore, they provide a **continuity of identity**, linking the post-exilic community back to their patriarchal roots and the promises made to Abraham, emphasizing that despite exile, Israel remained God's chosen nation.

**What was the significance of living in Jerusalem at this time?**

Answer: Living in Jerusalem after the exile was a profound act of **commitment and sacrifice**. While the walls had been rebuilt, the city was still largely empty, vulnerable, and economically underdeveloped. Those who chose or were chosen to reside there left the relative comfort and stability of surrounding villages to face potential dangers, economic hardship, and the ongoing challenge of rebuilding a spiritual and political capital. It signified a willingness to prioritize God's city and the communal good over personal convenience, demonstrating a deep faith in God's plan for the restoration of Israel. It was a tangible step in re-establishing Jerusalem as the vibrant heart of the Jewish faith and nation, as envisioned in [Nehemiah 11:1-2](/nehemiah/11-1 "Nehemiah 11:1-2 - Repopulating Jerusalem").

**Does this verse have any relevance for Christians today?**

Answer: Absolutely. Nehemiah 11:5, and the chapter it belongs to, offers several enduring lessons for Christians. It teaches us to **value every contributor** within the body of Christ, recognizing that even seemingly small or unglamorous roles are essential to God's overall plan, echoing the New Testament teaching in [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ"). It encourages us to **respond to God's call** to serve, even when it requires sacrifice or leads us to uncomfortable places, just as the exiles volunteered to live in Jerusalem. Finally, it highlights the **importance of community** and shared responsibility in fulfilling God's purposes, reminding us that the church, like post-exilic Jerusalem, thrives when its members are united in purpose and commitment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Nehemiah 11:5 is a historical record of an Old Testament genealogy, it finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound significance in Jesus Christ. The meticulous preservation of lineages in the Old Testament, including this one, ultimately points to the faithfulness of God in preserving the line through which the Messiah would come. Jesus's own genealogies, as recorded in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"), demonstrate His legitimate claim to be the promised King from the tribe of Judah, the true "seed" of Abraham (as prophesied in [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Promise to Abraham's Seed")). Furthermore, the repopulation of earthly Jerusalem foreshadows the establishment of the spiritual "new Jerusalem," the church, which is the dwelling place of God's people in Christ (referenced in [Hebrews 12:22](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22 - The Heavenly Jerusalem") and [Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem Descends")). In Christ, every believer, regardless of earthly lineage, is "counted" and given a place in God's eternal city, becoming a vital member of His spiritual household, known and valued by God, who even knows the number of hairs on our head ([Matthew 10:30](/matthew/10-30 "Matthew 10:30 - God's Care for Individuals")). Thus, the individual commitment of Maaseiah and others to rebuilding the physical city finds its echo in the spiritual commitment of believers to build up the body of Christ, the true temple where God dwells.

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 3:15

But the gate of the fountain repaired Shallun the son of Colhozeh, the ruler of part of Mizpah; he built it, and covered it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and the wall of the pool of Siloah by the king's garden, and unto the stairs that go down from the city of David.

Numbers 26:20

And the sons of Judah after their families were; of Shelah, the family of the Shelanites: of Pharez, the family of the Pharzites: of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites.

Genesis 38:5

And she yet again conceived, and bare a son; and called his name Shelah: and he was at Chezib, when she bare him.

1 Chronicles 4:21

The sons of Shelah the son of Judah [were], Er the father of Lecah, and Laadah the father of Mareshah, and the families of the house of them that wrought fine linen, of the house of Ashbea,

1 Chronicles 9:5

And of the Shilonites; Asaiah the firstborn, and his sons.