Nehemiah 11:1

← Nehemiah 11:2 →

Nehemiah 11:1 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Now the leaders of the people settled in Jerusalem, and the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of ten to live in the holy city of Jerusalem, while the remaining nine were to dwell in their own towns.

King James Version KJV

And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities.

American Standard Version ASV

And the princes of the people dwelt in Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts in the other cities.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the rulers of the people were living in Jerusalem: the rest of the people made selection, by the decision of chance, of one out of every ten to be living in Jerusalem, the holy town; the other nine to go to the other towns.

Free Bible Version FBV

The leaders of the people were already living in Jerusalem. The rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of ten to come and live in Jerusalem, the holy city, while the other nine would stay in their own cities.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And the rulers of the people dwelt in Ierusalem: the other people also cast lottes, to bring one out of ten to dwel in Ierusalem the holy citie, and nine partes to be in the cities.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And the heads of the people dwell in Jerusalem, and the rest of the people have caused to fall lots to bring in one out of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts in the cities,

World English Bible WEB

The princes of the people lived in Jerusalem. The rest of the people also cast lots to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem, the holy city, and nine parts in the other cities.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the princes of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: but the rest of the people cast lots, to take one part in ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts in the other cities.

Translation for Translators T4T

The Israeli leaders and their families settled in the sacred city, Jerusalem. The other people ◄cast lots/threw marked stones► to determine which family from each ten families would live in Jerusalem. The other people continued to live in the other towns and cities in Judea.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 11:1

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Nehemiah 11:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֵּשְׁב֥וּ שָׂרֵֽי הָ/עָ֖ם בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם וּ/שְׁאָ֣ר הָ֠/עָם הִפִּ֨ילוּ גוֹרָל֜וֹת לְ/הָבִ֣יא אֶחָ֣ד מִן הָ/עֲשָׂרָ֗ה לָ/שֶׁ֨בֶת֙ בִּֽ/ירוּשָׁלִַ֨ם֙ עִ֣יר הַ/קֹּ֔דֶשׁ וְ/תֵ֥שַׁע הַ/יָּד֖וֹת בֶּ/עָרִֽים

וַ/יֵּשְׁב֥וּ yâshab H3427 to dwell Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

שָׂרֵֽי sar H8269 ruler N-mp

הָ/עָ֖ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms

בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 Jerusalem Prep | N-proper

וּ/שְׁאָ֣ר shᵉʼâr H7605 remnant Conj | N-ms

הָ֠/עָם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms

הִפִּ֨ילוּ nâphal H5307 to fall V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp

גוֹרָל֜וֹת gôwrâl H1486 allotted N-mp

לְ/הָבִ֣יא bôwʼ H935 Lebo Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a

אֶחָ֣ד ʼechâd H259 one Adj

מִן min H4480 from Prep

הָ/עֲשָׂרָ֗ה ʻeser H6235 ten Art | Adj

לָ/שֶׁ֨בֶת֙ yâshab H3427 to dwell Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

בִּֽ/ירוּשָׁלִַ֨ם֙ Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 Jerusalem Prep | N-proper

עִ֣יר ʻîyr H5892 excitement N-fs

הַ/קֹּ֔דֶשׁ qôdesh H6944 Holy Place Art | N-ms

וְ/תֵ֥שַׁע têshaʻ H8672 nine Conj | Adj

הַ/יָּד֖וֹת yâd H3027 hand Art | N-cp

בֶּ/עָרִֽים ʻîyr H5892 excitement Prep | N-fp

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 11:1

וַ/יֵּשְׁב֥וּ yâshab H3427 "to dwell" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.

Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)

Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.

שָׂרֵֽי sar H8269 "ruler" N-mp

A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.

Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden

Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.

הָ/עָ֖ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 "Jerusalem" Prep | N-proper

Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.

Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split

Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.

וּ/שְׁאָ֣ר shᵉʼâr H7605 "remnant" Conj | N-ms

A remnant or remainder, like the surviving Israelites in 2 Kings 19:4. It represents what is left after a disaster or judgment, as seen in Isaiah 10:20. This word is used to describe the faithful few.

Definition: rest, residue, remnant, remainder Aramaic equivalent: she.ar (שְׁאָר "remainder" H7606)

Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] other, remnant, residue, rest. See also: 1 Chronicles 11:8; Isaiah 10:19; Isaiah 10:20.

הָ֠/עָם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

הִפִּ֨ילוּ nâphal H5307 "to fall" V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.

Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall

Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.

גוֹרָל֜וֹת gôwrâl H1486 "allotted" N-mp

In the Bible, this word means a pebble or small stone used for making decisions by casting lots. It symbolizes a portion or destiny assigned by chance, like the drawing of lots to determine an outcome. This concept is central to ancient Israelite decision-making practices.

Definition: 1) lot 1a) lot-pebbles used for systematically making decisions 2) portion 2a) lot, portion (thing assigned by casting lots) 2b) recompense, retribution

Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: lot. See also: Leviticus 16:8; Judges 1:3; Psalms 16:5.

לְ/הָבִ֣יא bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

אֶחָ֣ד ʼechâd H259 "one" Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.

Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)

Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.

מִן min H4480 "from" Prep

This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.

Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)

Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.

הָ/עֲשָׂרָ֗ה ʻeser H6235 "ten" Art | Adj

This Hebrew word means the number ten, often used in combination with other numbers to describe larger quantities, such as in the story of the ten commandments in Exodus 20. It is commonly translated as 'ten' in the KJV.

Definition: 1) ten 1a) ten 1b) with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: a.sar (עֲשַׂר "ten" H6236)

Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ten, (fif-, seven-) teen. See also: Genesis 5:14; 1 Kings 6:3; Isaiah 5:10.

לָ/שֶׁ֨בֶת֙ yâshab H3427 "to dwell" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.

בִּֽ/ירוּשָׁלִַ֨ם֙ Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 "Jerusalem" Prep | N-proper

Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.

Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split

Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.

עִ֣יר ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" N-fs

In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.

Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.

הַ/קֹּ֔דֶשׁ qôdesh H6944 "Holy Place" Art | N-ms

The Holy Place refers to a sacred or set-apart area, like the temple in Jerusalem. It is a place of sanctity and holiness, where God is worshipped. The Bible describes it as a place of reverence and awe.

Definition: This name means apartness, holiness, sacredness Also named: hagion (ἅγιον "Holy Place" G0039)

Usage: Occurs in 380 OT verses. KJV: consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, ([idiom] most) holy ([idiom] day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 3:5; Leviticus 23:4; 1 Chronicles 26:26.

וְ/תֵ֥שַׁע têshaʻ H8672 "nine" Conj | Adj

This Hebrew word means the number nine, used for counting or describing quantities. It can also mean ninth when describing order or sequence.

Definition: 1) nine, nonad 1a) nine (as cardinal number) 1b) ninth (as ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers

Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: nine ([phrase] -teen, [phrase] -teenth, -th). See also: Genesis 5:5; Judges 4:13; Jeremiah 39:2.

הַ/יָּד֖וֹת yâd H3027 "hand" Art | N-cp

In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.

Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists

Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.

בֶּ/עָרִֽים ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" Prep | N-fp

Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.

Study Notes — Nehemiah 11:1

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Nehemiah 11:1 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 11:1
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 11:1
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:1
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:1
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:1
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:1
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 11:1
Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 11:1
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:1
Sermons on Nehemiah 11:1

Context — Jerusalem’s New Settlers

1Now the leaders of the people settled in Jerusalem, and the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of ten to live in the holy city of Jerusalem, while the remaining nine were to dwell in their own towns.

2And the people blessed all the men who volunteered to live in Jerusalem. 3These 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—

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Isaiah 48:2	who indeed call yourselves after the holy city and lean on the God of Israel; the LORD of Hosts is His name.
2	Isaiah 52:1	Awake, awake, clothe yourself with strength, O Zion! Put on your garments of splendor, O Jerusalem, holy city! For the uncircumcised and unclean will no longer enter you.
3	Nehemiah 11:18	The Levites in the holy city totaled 284.
4	Nehemiah 10:34	We have cast lots among the priests, Levites, and people for the donation of wood by our families at the appointed times each year. They are to bring it to the house of our God to burn on the altar of the LORD our God, as it is written in the Law.
5	Matthew 4:5	Then the devil took Him to the holy city and set Him on the pinnacle of the temple.
6	Nehemiah 7:4–5	Now the city was large and spacious, but there were few people in it, and the houses had not yet been rebuilt. Then my God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles, the officials, and the people to be enrolled by genealogy. I found the genealogical register of those who had first returned, and I found the following written in it:
7	1 Chronicles 26:13	They cast lots for each gate, according to their families, young and old alike.
8	Judges 20:9–10	Now this is what we will do to Gibeah: We will go against it as the lot dictates. We will take ten men out of every hundred from all the tribes of Israel, and a hundred out of every thousand, and a thousand out of every ten thousand, to supply provisions for the army when they go to Gibeah in Benjamin to punish them for the atrocity they have committed in Israel.”
9	Matthew 27:53	After Jesus’ resurrection, when they had come out of the tombs, they entered the holy city and appeared to many people.
10	Deuteronomy 17:8–9	If a case is too difficult for you to judge, whether the controversy within your gates is regarding bloodshed, lawsuits, or assaults, you must go up to the place the LORD your God will choose. You are to go to the Levitical priests and to the judge who presides at that time. Inquire of them, and they will give you a verdict in the case.

Nehemiah 11:1 Summary

[Nehemiah 11:1 tells us that the leaders of the people settled in Jerusalem, and then the rest of the people cast lots to decide who would join them, with one out of every ten people moving to the city. This shows that the people were willing to make sacrifices and trust in God's plan for their lives, just like we're called to do in Romans 12:1-2. By living in Jerusalem, the people were able to rebuild and restore the city, and to worship and serve God together. This verse reminds us that our decisions and actions can have a big impact on our communities and our relationship with God.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the people cast lots to decide who would live in Jerusalem?

The people cast lots to determine who would live in Jerusalem, as described in Nehemiah 11:1, because they wanted to ensure that the decision was made in a fair and random manner, trusting in God's sovereignty, similar to the method used in Joshua 18:10 to divide the land among the tribes of Israel.

What was the significance of the ratio of one out of ten living in Jerusalem?

The ratio of one out of ten living in Jerusalem, as mentioned in Nehemiah 11:1, may have been significant because it represented a tithe, or a tenth, of the population, which was a common biblical practice of giving to God, as seen in Leviticus 27:30-32 and Deuteronomy 14:22-29.

How did the leaders of the people influence the decision to live in Jerusalem?

The leaders of the people, as mentioned in Nehemiah 11:1, were already settled in Jerusalem, and their presence may have encouraged others to volunteer to live there as well, as seen in Nehemiah 11:2, where the people blessed those who volunteered to live in the city.

What can we learn from the example of the people volunteering to live in Jerusalem?

The example of the people volunteering to live in Jerusalem, as seen in Nehemiah 11:1-2, teaches us about the importance of sacrifice, obedience, and trust in God's plan, as encouraged in Romans 12:1-2 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-7.

Reflection Questions

What would it mean for me to 'live in Jerusalem' in my own life, and how can I take steps to prioritize my spiritual growth and community?
How can I trust in God's sovereignty, like the people in Nehemiah 11:1, when faced with difficult decisions or uncertain circumstances?
What are some ways that I can volunteer or give of myself to serve others, just like the people who volunteered to live in Jerusalem?
How can I balance my own needs and desires with the needs of my community, like the people in Nehemiah 11:1 who had to decide whether to live in Jerusalem or in their own towns?

Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 11:1

And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem,.... Where it was proper they should, being the metropolis of the nation, both for the performance of their offices, and to protect and defend it, as

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 11:1

And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities. The rulers ... dwelt at Jerusalem.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:1

CHAPTER 11 The rulers and the tenth man chosen by lot dwell at Jerusalem, ,2. A catalogue of their names, numbers, and families, . The residue of the people dwell in other cities, . The rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem, which their very office in some sort obliged them to do. To bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem; that the buildings of the city might be completed, and the honour and safety of it better provided for.

Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:1

Nehemiah 11:1 And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts [to dwell] in [other] cities.Ver. 1. And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem] This city, being before repaired, beginneth now to be repeopled. See Nehemiah 7:4. The rulers there took up their seat (as was fit, and as in all chief cities is usual), so that thither the tribes went up, the tribes of the Lord, &c. And there were set the thrones of judgment, Psalms 122:5. The rest of the people also cast lots] The dispose whereof is wholly of the Lord; and therefore none could reasonably repine. To bring one of ten] This shadowed out the paucity of those that shall inhabit the heavenly Jerusalem; according to Isaiah 6:13 Jeremiah 3:14. Christ at the last day will do as Joshua did (saith a divine) to find out who had stolen the Babylonish garment: there were many brought together, and all to find out one, Joshua 7:21. So all shall then appear; out of them a final number seducted, that have heard of Christ; out of them those that have professed him; and out of them, those that have professed in sincerity; and these, - Numero vix sunt totidem, quot Thebarum portae, vel divitis ostia Nili. (Juvenal, Sat. 13.) How many, think you, shall be saved in this city? (said Chrysostom to the people of Antioch, where he had long preached, and was much admired). It will be a hard speech to you, but I will speak it; though there be so many thousands of you, yet there cannot be found a hundred that shall be saved; and I doubt of them too; for what villany is there in youth! what sloth in old age! and so he goes on. The holy city] Jerusalem is so called, because God had chosen it to set his name there. The heathen God haters had always an edge against it, and this made people so unwilling to inhabit it. Our Edward I had too high a conceit of it, when he charged his son upon his death bed to carry his heart there, and left 32,000 pounds for that purpose.

Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:1

XI.(1, 2) The history reverts to Nehemiah 7:5; lots are cast for the transfer of one-tenth of the people to the capital. (1) And the rulers.—The narrative joins on to Nehemiah 7:4. The festival month had prevented the immediate carrying out of the governor’s purpose. The rest of the people.—The rulers being already in the capital, Nehemiah ordered that one man in ten should be chosen by lot to transfer his family. Jerusalem the holy city.—Remembering the “separation” that had taken place (Nehemiah 9), and the recent covenant (Nehemiah 10), we see the solemnity of this epithet, now first used, and repeated in Nehemiah 11:18. “Then shall Jerusalem be holy, and no strangers shall pass through her any more (Joe 3:17). But the New Testament brings another comment on the phrase. (2) The people blessed all the men that willingly offered themselves.—We are not told that any compensation was made to them; and these words seem to indicate that the chosen ones freely submitted, their patriotism being applauded by all.—Jerusalem was the post of danger, and in any case it was a hardship to leave their country possessions (Nehemiah 11:3).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:1

CHAPTER XI Lots are cast that a tenth of the people may constantly dwell at Jerusalem, and the other nine parts in the other cities and villages, 1. Some willingly offer themselves to dwell in Jerusalem, and the people bless them, 2. An enumeration of the families that dwell in Jerusalem, of Judah, and Benjamin, 3-9; of those of the priests, 10-12; of the chiefs of the fathers, 13; of the mighty men, 14; of the Levites, 15-18; of the porters, 19; of the residue of Israel and the officers, 20-24. The villages at which they dwelt, 25-35. Certain divisions of the Levites were in Judah and Benjamin, 36. NOTES ON CHAP. XI Verse 1. To bring one of ten] Jerusalem certainly had many inhabitants at this time; but not sufficient to preserve the city, which was now encompassed with a wall, and the rebuilding of which was going on fast. Nehemiah therefore obliged one tenth of the country people to come and dwell in it, that the population might be sufficient for the preservation and defence of the city. Ten were set apart, and the lot cast among them to see which one of the ten should take up his residence in the city.

Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 11:1

Nehemiah 11:1 to Nehemiah 12:26. Extracts from Registers and Public Lists1, 2. Measures taken to increase the number of dwellers in Jerusalem. This passage seems to take up the thread which had been dropped at Nehemiah 7:4. Nehemiah had been rendered anxious by the fewness of the inhabitants in proportion to the size of the area of the city. The census which he undertook reminded him of the old register which had come to his notice (Nehemiah 7:6-73); the memoirs of Nehemiah were then interrupted by a description of the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles, and the Solemn Covenant (8–10). The Compiler returning to the subject of the paucity of dwellers in Jerusalem, briefly describes the method adopted of increasing their number, probably epitomizing the account which Nehemiah’s own Memoirs contained.

Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 11:1

To bring one of ten - Artificial enlargements of capitals by forcible transfers of population to them, were not unusual in ancient times. About 500 B.C., Syracuse became a great city in this way.

Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:1

THE OF , Nehemiah 11:1-2.According to Nehemiah 7:4-5, the nation had assembled at Jerusalem to reckon its numbers and devise some plan for increasing the population of the city, which was large and but thinly peopled.

Sermons on Nehemiah 11:1

	Sermon	Description
	From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Nehemiah) ch.11 - ch.13 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenges Nehemiah faced in getting people to live in Jerusalem. The city was in a state of disrepair and lacked opportunities for financ
	A Peculiar Treasure by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of being a 'peculiar treasure' to God, drawing parallels between the voluntary commitment of the people in Nehemiah's time to dwell in
	The Revival Hymn by Compilations	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the mission to spread the word of God. He shares a story about the Moravian missions and how their purpose was for the land
	(Awake! Series): Two Kinds of Sleeping People by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being alert and responsive to the call of God. He compares it to a person who suddenly wakes up and reacts quickly when th
	Awake and Shake by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God loves even his most disobedient children and is focused on delivering them rather than condemning them. The preacher uses the examp
	(Re-Mix) the Revival Hymn by Compilations	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the mission to spread the word of God. He shares a story about the Moravian missions and how their purpose was for the land
	Shall the Dust Praise Thee? by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that many people in the body of Christ have misplaced focus and pursuit. They fail to live for the glory of God and do not understand the va