Nehemiah 11:36
And some divisions of the Levites of Judah settled in Benjamin.
And some of the divisions
The phrase "and some of the divisions" refers to the organized groups or courses of the Levites. In the Hebrew context, the word for "divisions" can be understood as "mishmarot," which implies a structured and orderly arrangement. Historically, the Levites were divided into groups to perform various duties in the temple, as outlined in 1 Chronicles 24. This division ensured that the worship and service in the temple were conducted with precision and reverence, reflecting the importance of order in worship and community life.

of the Levites
The Levites were a distinct tribe set apart for religious duties and temple service. Their role was crucial in maintaining the spiritual life of Israel. The Hebrew root "Levi" means "joined" or "attached," signifying their special relationship with God and their role in connecting the people to Him through worship and sacrifice. The Levites' dedication to service is a reminder of the call to serve God with devotion and humility, emphasizing the importance of spiritual leadership and commitment.

of Judah
Judah was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, known for its leadership and prominence. The tribe of Judah was prophesied to produce kings, including David and ultimately Jesus Christ, the Lion of the tribe of Judah. The mention of Judah here highlights the unity and cooperation between the tribes, as the Levites, though not originally from Judah, were serving within its territory. This cooperation is a testament to the unity that should exist among God's people, transcending tribal or denominational lines.

settled in Benjamin
The act of settling in Benjamin indicates a movement and integration of the Levites into the territory of another tribe. Benjamin, the smallest of the tribes, was strategically located near Jerusalem. This settlement reflects the post-exilic period's efforts to repopulate and restore the land, as described in the book of Nehemiah. It underscores the theme of restoration and rebuilding, both physically and spiritually, as the people of God returned to their homeland and reestablished their identity and worship practices. The cooperation between Judah and Benjamin also symbolizes the unity and shared purpose among the tribes in rebuilding their nation and faith.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nehemiah
A Jewish leader who played a crucial role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and the spiritual renewal of the people. His leadership is central to the events described in the book.

2. Levites
Members of the tribe of Levi, set apart for religious duties and service in the temple. They played a significant role in the spiritual life of Israel.

3. Judah
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, known for its leadership and prominence. Jerusalem, the capital city, is located within its territory.

4. Benjamin
Another tribe of Israel, located to the north of Judah. The Levites settling in Benjamin signifies cooperation and unity among the tribes.

5. Jerusalem
The central city of worship and the political heart of Israel. The rebuilding of its walls was a significant event in the restoration of the Jewish community.
Teaching Points
Unity Among God's People
The settlement of Levites from Judah in Benjamin illustrates the unity and cooperation necessary among God's people. We are called to work together across different backgrounds and roles for the common purpose of serving God.

The Role of the Levites
The Levites' presence in various regions underscores the importance of spiritual leadership and guidance. In our communities, we should support and value those who dedicate their lives to spiritual service.

Restoration and Renewal
The resettlement efforts in Nehemiah's time were part of a broader movement of restoration. Similarly, we are called to participate in God's work of renewal in our lives and communities.

Faithfulness in Service
The Levites' willingness to settle in different areas demonstrates faithfulness in their calling. We should be open to where God leads us, serving faithfully wherever we are placed.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the settlement of the Levites in Benjamin reflect the broader theme of unity in the body of Christ as seen in the New Testament?

2. In what ways can we support and encourage those who serve in spiritual leadership roles within our communities?

3. What lessons can we learn from the resettlement efforts in Nehemiah about participating in God's work of restoration today?

4. How can we apply the principle of faithfulness in service to our own lives, especially when faced with unexpected changes or challenges?

5. How does the cooperation between the tribes of Judah and Benjamin in Nehemiah 11:36 inspire us to work together with others in our faith communities?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Chronicles 9:2-3
This passage also discusses the resettlement of people in Jerusalem, including priests, Levites, and other Israelites, highlighting the importance of re-establishing the community.

Ezra 2:70
Describes the return of the exiles and the resettlement of priests, Levites, and others, emphasizing the restoration of religious and communal life.

Numbers 35:2-3
Provides instructions for the Levites to have cities to dwell in, showing the biblical precedent for their settlement among the tribes.
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
Belonged, Benjamin, Courses, Divisions, Dwelling, Joined, Judah, Levites, Settled
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nehemiah 11:31-35

     5272   craftsmen

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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