Nehemiah 11:31

The children also of Benjamin from Geba [dwelt] at Michmash, and Aija, and Bethel, and [in] their villages,

The children {H1121} also of Benjamin {H1144} from Geba {H1387} dwelt at Michmash {H4363}, and Aija {H5857}, and Bethel {H1008}, and in their villages {H1323},

The people of Binyamin lived from Geva onward, in Mikhmas and 'Ayah, in Beit-El and its villages,

The descendants of Benjamin from Geba lived in Michmash, Aija, and Bethel with its villages;

The children of Benjamin also dwelt from Geba onward, at Michmash and Aija, and at Beth-el and the towns thereof,

Commentary

Nehemiah 11:31 is part of a detailed census in the book of Nehemiah, outlining which families and tribes resettled specific towns and villages around Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. This particular verse focuses on the re-establishment of the tribe of Benjamin in their ancestral territory.

Historical and Cultural Context

Following the seventy years of captivity in Babylon, Jewish exiles began to return to Judah, first under Zerubbabel and later under Ezra and Nehemiah. While the primary focus of Nehemiah's mission was to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, the repopulation of the surrounding towns was equally vital for the long-term viability and security of the community. Chapter 11 provides a meticulously organized list, highlighting the commitment of various families to inhabit these often-desolate areas. The towns mentioned for Benjamin—Geba, Michmash, Aija, and Bethel—were all historically significant locations within the traditional inheritance of the tribe of Benjamin, situated strategically north of Jerusalem.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Restoration and Repopulation: The verse underscores the divine work of restoring the land and its people after a period of desolation. It's a testament to God's faithfulness in bringing His people back to their heritage.
  • Order and Organization: The detailed nature of this list reflects the meticulous planning and effort involved in rebuilding society. It wasn't just about physical structures but also about re-establishing community life and order.
  • Tribal Continuity: The specific mention of "the children of Benjamin" settling in their ancestral lands emphasizes the enduring importance of tribal identity and the fulfillment of ancient promises regarding their territory.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV's use of bracketed words like "[dwelt]" and "[in]" indicates that these words were supplied by the translators for clarity, making the Hebrew text flow more naturally in English. The original Hebrew simply lists the places, implying their habitation by the Benjaminites. This precise, almost terse, listing style is characteristic of ancient administrative records, highlighting the factual and official nature of the repopulation effort.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 11:31, though seemingly a dry list of names and places, carries profound significance. It reminds us that God's plans for restoration often involve the diligent, sometimes mundane, efforts of His people. It highlights the importance of re-establishing foundations—whether physical, spiritual, or communal—after periods of disruption or decline. It encourages us to find our place in God's larger narrative of rebuilding and to contribute to the flourishing of our communities, trusting in God's overarching faithfulness to His promises.

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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

  • Joshua 18:13 (2 votes)

    And the border went over from thence toward Luz, to the side of Luz, which [is] Bethel, southward; and the border descended to Atarothadar, near the hill that [lieth] on the south side of the nether Bethhoron.

  • Joshua 18:24 (2 votes)

    And Chepharhaammonai, and Ophni, and Gaba; twelve cities with their villages:

  • Genesis 28:19 (2 votes)

    And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city [was called] Luz at the first.

  • Genesis 12:8 (2 votes)

    And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, [having] Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD.

  • Isaiah 10:28 (2 votes)

    He is come to Aiath, he is passed to Migron; at Michmash he hath laid up his carriages:

  • Joshua 8:9 (2 votes)

    Joshua therefore sent them forth: and they went to lie in ambush, and abode between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of Ai: but Joshua lodged that night among the people.

  • 1 Samuel 13:11 (2 votes)

    And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and [that] thou camest not within the days appointed, and [that] the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash;