Nehemiah 11:27

in Hazar-shual; in Beersheba and its villages;

Study Bible

in Hazar-shual
The name "Hazar-shual" can be translated from Hebrew as "village of the fox." This location is mentioned several times in the Old Testament, indicating its significance in the tribal allotments of Judah (Joshua 15:28). The mention of Hazar-shual in Nehemiah signifies the restoration and repopulation efforts during Nehemiah's time. Historically, this area was part of the Negev, a semi-arid region, which required resilience and faith from its inhabitants. The reference to Hazar-shual in this context underscores the commitment of the Jewish people to reclaim and inhabit their ancestral lands, despite the challenges posed by the environment.

in Beersheba
Beersheba holds a prominent place in biblical history, often associated with the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The name "Beersheba" means "well of the oath" or "well of seven," referring to the covenant made between Abraham and Abimelech (Genesis 21:31). As a southernmost city in ancient Israel, Beersheba symbolized the extent of the Promised Land, often mentioned in the phrase "from Dan to Beersheba." In Nehemiah's time, the inclusion of Beersheba in the list of resettled areas highlights the restoration of Israel's historical and spiritual heritage. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises and the importance of covenantal relationships.

and its villages
The phrase "and its villages" indicates the broader scope of Nehemiah's restoration efforts, extending beyond major cities to include surrounding rural areas. This reflects the comprehensive nature of the repopulation strategy, ensuring that the land was fully inhabited and cultivated. The villages represent the everyday lives of the people, their agricultural activities, and community interactions. In a spiritual sense, this phrase can inspire believers to recognize the importance of both significant and seemingly minor aspects of life in fulfilling God's purposes. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of communities and the collective effort required to rebuild and sustain a nation.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Hazar-shual
A town in the southern part of Judah, mentioned in the context of the resettlement of the people after the Babylonian exile. The name means "village of the fox" in Hebrew, indicating a rural settlement.

2. Beersheba
A significant city in the southern region of Judah, often associated with the patriarchs Abraham and Isaac. It served as a boundary marker for the land of Israel, from "Dan to Beersheba."

3. Resettlement of Judah
This event refers to the repopulation of Jerusalem and surrounding areas by the Israelites returning from Babylonian exile. Nehemiah organized this resettlement to restore the community and religious life in the land.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Place in God's Plan
The mention of specific towns like Hazar-shual and Beersheba underscores the significance of geographical locations in God's redemptive history. Each place has a role in the unfolding of His promises.

Restoration and Renewal
The resettlement of these towns symbolizes God's faithfulness in restoring His people. It serves as a reminder that God is committed to renewing and rebuilding what has been broken.

Community and Heritage
The repopulation of these areas highlights the importance of community and heritage in the life of God's people. It encourages believers to value their spiritual heritage and contribute to the community's well-being.

Faithfulness in Small Things
Even seemingly insignificant places like Hazar-shual are part of God's grand account. This teaches us that faithfulness in small, everyday matters is crucial in God's eyes.

Bible Study Questions

1. What significance do the towns of Hazar-shual and Beersheba hold in the broader account of the Bible, and how does this impact our understanding of God's promises?

2. How does the resettlement of Judah after the exile reflect God's faithfulness, and what can we learn from this about His character?

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

4. How does the concept of geographical and spiritual heritage influence our identity as believers today?

5. Reflect on a "small" area of your life where God might be calling you to be faithful. How can you apply the lesson of faithfulness in small things from this passage?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 21
Beersheba is first mentioned in the context of Abraham, who made a covenant with Abimelech there. This connection highlights the historical and spiritual significance of the location.

Joshua 15
Hazar-shual is listed among the towns in the inheritance of the tribe of Judah, emphasizing its role in the tribal allotments of the Promised Land.

1 Samuel 8
Beersheba is mentioned as a place where Samuel's sons served as judges, indicating its continued importance in Israel's history.