Nehemiah 11:34
Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat,
Hadid
The name "Hadid" is derived from the Hebrew root "חָדִיד" (Chadid), which means "sharp" or "pointed." This could metaphorically suggest a place of strength or resilience. Historically, Hadid was a town in the territory of Benjamin, mentioned in the context of the return from Babylonian exile. Its inclusion in Nehemiah 11 signifies the re-establishment of Jewish presence and governance in the land, highlighting the restoration of community and faithfulness to God's promises.

Zeboim
"Zeboim" comes from the Hebrew "צְבֹעִים" (Tzeboim), meaning "hyenas" or "gazelles." This name might reflect the wildlife or characteristics of the region. Zeboim is one of the towns mentioned in the Old Testament, located in the Benjaminite territory. Its mention here underscores the comprehensive nature of the repopulation efforts, as even smaller or less prominent towns were included in the restoration process. This reflects God's care for all parts of His creation and His people, no matter how seemingly insignificant.

Neballat
The name "Neballat" is derived from the Hebrew "נְבַלָּט" (Neballat), which is less clear in meaning but is thought to be a location within the tribal lands of Benjamin. The mention of Neballat in Nehemiah 11 is significant as it represents the meticulous record-keeping and organization of the returning exiles. This reflects the importance of community and identity in the post-exilic period, as the Israelites sought to re-establish their cultural and religious heritage in the land promised to their ancestors.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Hadid
A town mentioned in the context of the repopulation of Jerusalem and its surrounding areas. It is part of the list of places where the people of Israel settled after returning from exile.

2. Zeboim
Another town listed among the settlements. Its mention here signifies its importance in the re-establishment of the Jewish community in the land of Israel.

3. Neballat
A location included in the list of towns. Like Hadid and Zeboim, it represents the restoration and rebuilding efforts of the Jewish people during Nehemiah's time.
Teaching Points
Restoration and Community
The listing of towns like Hadid, Zeboim, and Neballat underscores the importance of community in God's plan. Just as the Israelites were called to rebuild and restore their community, Christians today are called to foster and strengthen their local church communities.

Faithfulness in Small Things
The mention of seemingly obscure towns reminds us that every place and person has significance in God's eyes. We are encouraged to be faithful in the small tasks and roles we are given, trusting that God sees and values our contributions.

God's Sovereignty in History
The repopulation of these towns is a testament to God's sovereignty and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Believers can take comfort in knowing that God is in control of history and is working all things for His purposes.

The Importance of Place
The specific mention of these towns highlights the importance of place in God's redemptive plan. Christians are reminded to value their own communities and seek to be a positive influence where God has placed them.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the inclusion of towns like Hadid, Zeboim, and Neballat in Nehemiah 11 teach us about the importance of community in God's plan?

2. How can we apply the principle of faithfulness in small things to our daily lives, as seen in the mention of these seemingly minor towns?

3. In what ways does the repopulation of these towns demonstrate God's sovereignty and faithfulness? How can this encourage us in our current circumstances?

4. How does the historical context of these towns, as seen in other scriptures like Joshua 18, enhance our understanding of their significance in Nehemiah 11?

5. Reflect on your own community. How can you contribute to its restoration and strengthening, following the example of the Israelites in Nehemiah's time?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 2
This chapter provides a list of the exiles who returned to Jerusalem and Judah, similar to the list in Nehemiah 11. It highlights the continuity of God's promise to restore His people.

Nehemiah 7
This chapter also contains a census of the people who returned, emphasizing the importance of community and identity in the restoration process.

Joshua 18
The division of the land among the tribes of Israel, which provides historical context for the significance of these towns in the tribal allotments.
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
Hadid, Neballat, Nebal'lat, Zeboim, Zebo'im
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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