Nehemiah 11:29
in En-rimmon, Zorah, Jarmuth,
in En-rimmon
The name "En-rimmon" is a combination of two Hebrew words: "En," meaning "spring" or "fountain," and "Rimmon," which can refer to a deity or a pomegranate. This location is significant as it represents a place of sustenance and life, symbolized by the spring. Historically, En-rimmon is identified with a site in the Negev region, which was part of the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah. The mention of En-rimmon in this context highlights the restoration and repopulation efforts during Nehemiah's time, as the Israelites sought to reclaim and inhabit their ancestral lands.

Zorah
Zorah is a town with deep historical roots, known as the birthplace of Samson, one of the judges of Israel (Judges 13:2). The name "Zorah" is derived from the Hebrew word "Tzara," meaning "hornet" or "wasp," which may symbolize strength and resilience. Located in the Shephelah, the lowland region of Judah, Zorah's inclusion in this list underscores the strategic importance of re-establishing communities in key locations. The historical and biblical significance of Zorah serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in raising leaders and delivering His people.

and Jarmuth
Jarmuth is another ancient city mentioned in the Bible, located in the territory of Judah. The name "Jarmuth" is believed to be derived from the Hebrew root "Yaram," meaning "to be high" or "to rise," possibly indicating its elevated position or prominence. Jarmuth was one of the cities that joined the coalition against Joshua during the conquest of Canaan (Joshua 10:3). Its mention in Nehemiah 11:29 signifies the re-establishment of a once-hostile city as part of the restored community of Israel. This transformation from opposition to inclusion reflects the overarching theme of redemption and restoration found throughout the book of Nehemiah.

Persons / Places / Events
1. En-rimmon
A location mentioned in the context of the repopulation of Jerusalem and its surrounding areas. It is a place where some of the people of Judah settled.

2. Zorah
Another town in the region of Judah. Historically, it is known as the birthplace of Samson, one of the judges of Israel.

3. Jarmuth
A town in the Shephelah region of Judah. It was one of the cities conquered by Joshua during the Israelite conquest of Canaan.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Community and Place
The repopulation of these towns signifies the importance of community and the restoration of God's people to their land. It reminds us of the value of being rooted in a community of faith.

God's Faithfulness in Restoration
The mention of these towns in Nehemiah reflects God's faithfulness in restoring His people to their inheritance. It encourages believers to trust in God's promises of restoration and renewal.

Historical and Spiritual Legacy
Understanding the historical significance of these places helps us appreciate the spiritual legacy we inherit. It challenges us to consider how we contribute to the legacy of faith in our own communities.

The Role of Leadership in Community Building
Nehemiah's leadership in organizing the repopulation effort underscores the importance of godly leadership in building and sustaining communities.
Bible Study Questions
1. What significance do the towns of En-rimmon, Zorah, and Jarmuth hold in the broader account of Israel's history, and how does this inform our understanding of God's work in our lives today?

2. How does the repopulation of these towns reflect God's faithfulness to His promises, and what promises of God can we hold onto in our current circumstances?

3. In what ways can we contribute to the building and strengthening of our own faith communities, drawing inspiration from Nehemiah's leadership?

4. How does the historical context of these towns enhance our understanding of the spiritual legacy we are part of, and how can we actively participate in passing this legacy on to future generations?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's restoration in your life. How can the account of Nehemiah and the repopulation of these towns encourage you in your journey of faith?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Joshua 15:33-35
This passage lists the towns in the territory of Judah, including Zorah and Jarmuth, providing historical context to their significance.

Judges 13:2
This verse introduces Manoah, Samson's father, who was from Zorah, highlighting the town's connection to significant biblical accounts.

Joshua 10:3-5
Jarmuth is mentioned as part of a coalition of Amorite kings who opposed Joshua, illustrating its strategic importance in biblical history.
The True CentralisationR.A. Redford Nehemiah 11:1-36
Three Elements in the Church of ChristW. Clarkson Nehemiah 11:3-36
People
Abda, Adaiah, Ahitub, Akkub, Amariah, Amashai, Amzi, Ananiah, Anathoth, Arba, Asaph, Athaiah, Azareel, Azrikam, Bakbukiah, Bani, Baruch, Benjamin, Benjamites, Bunni, Colhozeh, Gabbai, Galal, Gispa, Hashabiah, Hashub, Hasshub, Hazaiah, Hilkiah, Immer, Isaiah, Israelites, Ithiel, Jachin, Jedaiah, Jeduthun, Jeroham, Jesaiah, Jeshaiah, Jeshua, Joed, Joel, Joiarib, Jozabad, Kolaiah, Levites, Maaseiah, Malchiah, Malchijah, Mattaniah, Meraioth, Meshezabeel, Meshillemoth, Meshullam, Micha, Pashur, Pedaiah, Pelaliah, Pelet, Perez, Pethahiah, Sallai, Sallu, Senuah, Seraiah, Shabbethai, Shammua, Shelah, Shemaiah, Shephatiah, Shiloni, Shual, Solomon, Talmon, Uzzi, Uzziah, Zabdi, Zabdiel, Zadok, Zechariah, Zerah, Zichri, Ziha
Places
Adullam, Aija, Ananiah, Anathoth, Azekah, Beersheba, Bethel, Beth-pelet, Dibon, En-rimmon, Geba, Gittaim, Hadid, Hazar-shual, Hazor, Jarmuth, Jekabzeel, Jerusalem, Jeshua, Kiriath-arba, Lachish, Lod, Meconah, Michmash, Moladah, Neballat, Nob, Ono, Ophel, Ramah, Valley of Hinnom, Zanoah, Zeboim, Ziklag, Zorah
Topics
En, Enrimmon, En-rimmon, En-rim'mon, Jarmuth, Rimmon, Zareah, Zorah
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nehemiah 11:22-23

     7960   singing

Library
Lydda
"Lydda was a village, not yielding to a city in greatness." Concerning its situation, and distance from Jerusalem, the Misna hath these words: "The vineyard of four years" (that is, the fruit of a vineyard now of four years' growth; for, for the first three years, they were trees, as it were, not circumcised) "was brought to Jerusalem, in the space of a day's journey on every side. Now these were the bounds of it; Elath on the south; Acrabatta on the north; Lydda on the west; and Jordan on the east."
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah
"And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall come forth unto Me (one) [Pg 480] to be Ruler in Israel; and His goings forth are the times of old, the days of eternity." The close connection of this verse with what immediately precedes (Caspari is wrong in considering iv. 9-14 as an episode) is evident, not only from the [Hebrew: v] copulative, and from the analogy of the near relation of the announcement of salvation to the prophecy of disaster
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Ezra-Nehemiah
Some of the most complicated problems in Hebrew history as well as in the literary criticism of the Old Testament gather about the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Apart from these books, all that we know of the origin and early history of Judaism is inferential. They are our only historical sources for that period; and if in them we have, as we seem to have, authentic memoirs, fragmentary though they be, written by the two men who, more than any other, gave permanent shape and direction to Judaism, then
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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