Nehemiah 11:26
in Jeshua, Moladah, and Beth-pelet;
in Jeshua
The name "Jeshua" is derived from the Hebrew root "Yeshua," meaning "salvation" or "the Lord saves." This name is significant in the biblical narrative as it is also the Hebrew name for Jesus. In the context of Nehemiah, Jeshua refers to a location where some of the people of Judah settled after the return from Babylonian exile. This settlement represents a place of restoration and hope, symbolizing the broader theme of God's salvation and faithfulness to His people. Historically, Jeshua was a town in the southern part of Judah, emphasizing the re-establishment of the Jewish community in their ancestral lands.

in Moladah
Moladah is another settlement mentioned in the allotment of the tribe of Judah. The name "Moladah" is believed to be derived from a root meaning "birth" or "to bring forth," which can be seen as a metaphor for new beginnings and the rebirth of the Jewish nation after exile. Archaeological evidence suggests that Moladah was an important site during various periods, including the time of Nehemiah. The mention of Moladah in this verse underscores the theme of renewal and the reoccupation of the land promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

in Beth-pelet
The name "Beth-pelet" translates to "house of escape" or "house of deliverance." This name is fitting within the context of Nehemiah, as it reflects the deliverance of the Jewish people from captivity and their return to their homeland. Beth-pelet is located in the Negev region, and its inclusion in this list of settlements highlights the extent of the resettlement efforts. Theologically, Beth-pelet serves as a reminder of God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises, as the people of Israel are once again able to inhabit the land given to them by God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeshua
A location in the southern part of Judah. It is one of the towns where the people of Judah settled after returning from the Babylonian exile. The name "Jeshua" is derived from the Hebrew root "Yeshua," meaning "salvation."

2. Moladah
Another town in the Negev region of Judah. It was originally allotted to the tribe of Simeon. The name "Moladah" is believed to mean "birth" or "generation."

3. Beth-pelet
A town in the southern part of Judah. The name "Beth-pelet" translates to "house of escape" or "house of deliverance," indicating a place of refuge or safety.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness in Restoration
The resettlement of towns like Jeshua, Moladah, and Beth-pelet demonstrates God's faithfulness in restoring His people to their land. Despite the exile, God preserved the identity and heritage of His people.

The Importance of Community
The repopulation of these towns underscores the importance of community and shared identity among God's people. It reminds us of the value of living in fellowship and supporting one another in faith.

Heritage and Inheritance
The mention of these towns connects the returning exiles to their ancestral heritage. It encourages believers to value their spiritual heritage and to pass it on to future generations.

God's Provision and Protection
The names and meanings of these towns, such as "house of escape," remind us of God's provision and protection. In times of trouble, God provides places of refuge and deliverance.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the resettlement of towns like Jeshua, Moladah, and Beth-pelet reflect God's faithfulness to His promises?

2. In what ways can we, as a church community, support each other in our spiritual journey, similar to the resettlement efforts in Nehemiah's time?

3. How can understanding our spiritual heritage strengthen our faith and commitment to God?

4. What are some modern-day "places of refuge" that God provides for us, and how can we recognize and utilize them?

5. How do the connections between Nehemiah 11:26 and other scriptures enhance our understanding of God's plan for His people throughout history?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Joshua 15:26
This verse lists the towns in the territory of Judah, including Moladah and Beth-pelet, showing the continuity of these locations from the time of Joshua to Nehemiah.

1 Chronicles 4:28
Chronicles the towns inhabited by the descendants of Simeon, including Moladah, highlighting the tribal inheritance and settlement patterns.

Ezra 2:1
Describes the return of the exiles to Judah and Jerusalem, providing context for the resettlement efforts seen in Nehemiah.
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
Beth, Beth-pelet, Bethphelet, Beth-phelet, Jeshua, Moladah, Mola'dah, Pelet
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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