Jerusalem: The Chosen City and its Honorable Residents

Nehemiah 11 underscores the significance of collective effort and sacrifice in achieving a noble purpose. As followers of God, the people mentioned displayed incredible faith and commitment, setting an example of how shared responsibility can lead to collective success. This chapter reminds us that God's work often calls for personal sacrifices and the willingness to step forward for the collective good of the community.

A Voluntary Gathering (Verses 1-2)

In these opening verses, we see the Jewish people deciding who will live in Jerusalem. Lots are cast to move one out of every ten people from rural areas into the city. Those who volunteer to relocate are commended for their noble sacrifice.

Jerusalem's Inhabitants (Verses 3-9)

The descendants of Judah and Benjamin, two of Israel’s tribes, are then listed. They were among the first to return from the Babylonian exile and are now accounted for their place in the reestablished Jerusalem.

Levites and Priests (Verses 10-19)

The descendants of the priests, the Levites, are next described. They have essential roles in the religious functioning of the community.

Outside Jerusalem (Verses 20-36)

The chapter concludes with a list of populations in towns and villages outside Jerusalem, indicating that while the city's repopulation was important, communities elsewhere in Judah also thrived.

Nehemiah 11 presents the critical period in Jerusalem’s history where leaders and faithful people gather to repopulate the city. It meticulously accounts for the individuals, leaders, and Levites who committed themselves to live in Jerusalem, highlighting the communal spirit and selflessness of those who chose to reside within its walls.

Sacrifice
Leadership
Commitment to Community
Divine Providence
FaithfulnessPopulation of Jerusalem
Listing of Inhabitants
The Duty of the Levites
Commitment of the LeadersNehemiah
Judah
Benjamin
Zadok
Shemaiah
Joel
Judah
Hassenuah
Various Levites and PriestsJerusalem
Judah
Benjamin

1. What can we learn about community from the process of populating Jerusalem?

2. How does the act of casting lots reflect the trust in God's sovereignty?

3. What does the willingness of some to move to Jerusalem teach us about sacrifice?

4. How do you think the leaders chosen to live in Jerusalem felt about their new responsibility?

5. How can we apply the principles of collective responsibility in our modern communities?

6. What similarities can you find between the duties of the Levites and the role of spiritual leaders today?

7. How does Nehemiah 11 relate to the concept of obedience to God's calling?

8. How might the sacrifices made by the people in Nehemiah 11 inspire you in your life today?

9. How can we apply the selflessness shown by those who relocated to our personal lives?

10. What does the careful cataloging of people's names and roles tell us about the importance of every individual in God's plan?

11. How does the chapter highlight the significance of both urban and rural populations in fulfilling God's purpose?

12. How does the faith of the people of Jerusalem manifest in their willingness to change their place of living?

13. What could have been the challenges faced by those who relocated to Jerusalem, and how might they have overcome them with faith?

14. In what ways does Nehemiah 11 challenge our modern understanding of sacrifice and comfort?

15. How might the principles from this chapter guide our decisions when facing significant life changes?

16. How does the community spirit reflected in Nehemiah 11 compare to our societal values today?

17. What role does divine providence play in the repopulation of Jerusalem, and how can we see God's hand in our communities today?

18. How can this chapter inspire us to be more active and sacrificial members of our churches or communities?

19. What does it mean for us today to be "chosen" like those who were selected to live in Jerusalem?

20. In your personal life, how have you or can you demonstrate the same type of commitment shown by the people of Nehemiah 11?