Nehemiah 11:17
Mattaniah son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, who led in thanksgiving and prayer; Bakbukiah, second among his associates; and Abda son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.
Mattaniah son of Mica
The name "Mattaniah" means "gift of Yahweh" in Hebrew, reflecting a deep-seated tradition of naming that acknowledges God's providence and blessings. The lineage "son of Mica" situates Mattaniah within a specific family, emphasizing the importance of heritage and continuity in the Jewish faith. This lineage underscores the role of family in maintaining religious and cultural traditions, a theme prevalent throughout the Old Testament.

the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph
"Asaph" is a significant figure, known as a leader of one of the temple choirs during King David's reign. The mention of Asaph connects Mattaniah to a rich legacy of worship and music in Israel's history. Asaph's descendants were entrusted with the sacred duty of leading worship, highlighting the importance of music and praise in the spiritual life of the community.

the director who led in thanksgiving and prayer
The role of "director" indicates a position of leadership and responsibility in worship. Leading "in thanksgiving and prayer" suggests a focus on gratitude and communication with God, central elements of Jewish worship. This role is crucial in guiding the community in expressing their devotion and reliance on God, fostering a spirit of unity and reverence.

Bakbukiah, second among his relatives
"Bakbukiah" is noted as "second," indicating a hierarchical structure within the worship leaders. This structure ensures order and continuity in worship practices. The mention of "relatives" emphasizes the communal and familial nature of worship, where roles and responsibilities are often shared among family members, reinforcing bonds and shared faith.

Abda son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun
"Abda" is another figure in this lineage, with "Shammua" and "Galal" further establishing his heritage. "Jeduthun" is another prominent name, associated with temple music and worship. This lineage highlights the continuity of worship practices across generations, with each name representing a link in the chain of faithful service to God. The mention of these names serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of worship and the importance of passing down faith traditions.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Mattaniah
A leader in the temple worship, specifically tasked with leading thanksgiving and prayer. His lineage traces back to Asaph, a prominent figure in the musical worship of Israel.

2. Mica, Zabdi, Asaph
Ancestors of Mattaniah. Asaph was a significant Levite musician appointed by King David, known for his role in temple worship and for authoring several Psalms.

3. Bakbukiah
A Levite who served as an assistant or second to Mattaniah, indicating a structured order in temple worship.

4. Abda, Shammua, Galal, Jeduthun
Abda is another Levite, with his lineage tracing back to Jeduthun, another key figure in the musical worship during King David's time.

5. Jerusalem
The city where these events and roles are taking place, specifically during the time of Nehemiah's leadership in rebuilding the city and its spiritual life.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Heritage in Worship
Understanding our spiritual heritage can deepen our worship experience. Just as Mattaniah's lineage connected him to Asaph, our spiritual lineage connects us to the broader history of faith.

The Role of Thanksgiving and Prayer
Thanksgiving and prayer are central to worship and community life. Mattaniah's role emphasizes the need for dedicated leaders in these areas.

Structured Worship and Leadership
The organization of worship roles, as seen with Mattaniah and Bakbukiah, highlights the importance of structure and leadership in church settings today.

Continuity of Worship Practices
The practices established by David and continued by Nehemiah show the value of maintaining continuity in worship traditions that honor God.

Community and Support in Ministry
Bakbukiah's role as second to Mattaniah illustrates the importance of support and teamwork in ministry, reminding us that effective ministry often requires collaboration.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the lineage of worship leaders like Mattaniah enhance our appreciation for the role of music and prayer in worship today?

2. In what ways can we incorporate structured thanksgiving and prayer into our personal and communal worship practices?

3. How does the continuity of worship practices from David's time to Nehemiah's inspire us to maintain and cherish our own worship traditions?

4. What can we learn from the roles of Mattaniah and Bakbukiah about the importance of leadership and support in church ministries?

5. How can we ensure that our worship practices today remain rooted in biblical principles and the heritage of faith passed down through generations?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Chronicles 25
This chapter details the organization of temple musicians under King David, including Asaph and Jeduthun, highlighting the continuity of worship practices from David's time to Nehemiah's.

Psalm 73-83
These Psalms are attributed to Asaph, providing insight into the spiritual and musical heritage that Mattaniah would have been part of.

Nehemiah 12
Further elaborates on the roles of Levites and the importance of thanksgiving and worship in the restored Jerusalem.
Repeopling the CapitalT. Campbell Finlayson.Nehemiah 11:1-19
The Holy CityW. F. Adeney, M. A.Nehemiah 11:1-19
The Holy City ReplenishedMatthew Henry.Nehemiah 11:1-19
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
Abda, Asaph, Associates, Bakbukiah, Bakbuki'ah, Begin, Beginning, Brethren, Brothers, Chief, Commencement, Director, Galal, Giveth, Jeduthun, Jedu'thun, Leader, Led, Mattaniah, Mattani'ah, Mica, Micha, Note, Praise, Prayer, Principal, Shammua, Sham'mua, Song, Thanks, Thanksgiving, Zabdi
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nehemiah 11:17

     8352   thankfulness
     8676   thanksgiving

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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