Nehemiah 11:6
The descendants of Perez who settled in Jerusalem totaled 468 men of valor.
The descendants of Perez
The mention of "Perez" is significant in the biblical narrative. Perez was one of the twin sons of Judah and Tamar, and his lineage is crucial as it is through Perez that the line of David, and ultimately Jesus Christ, is traced. The Hebrew root for Perez means "breach" or "burst forth," symbolizing breakthrough and divine intervention. This lineage highlights God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises through generations, emphasizing the importance of heritage and divine purpose in the unfolding of biblical history.

who settled in Jerusalem
The act of settling in Jerusalem is laden with historical and theological significance. Jerusalem, the city of David, is central to Jewish identity and worship. It is the place where God chose to establish His name and presence. The Hebrew word for "settled" implies a sense of permanence and commitment. This settlement represents a return to the heart of worship and covenant relationship with God, reflecting the restoration and renewal of the community after the Babylonian exile.

totaled 468 men of valor
The specific number "468" underscores the precision and care in the biblical record, reflecting the importance of each individual in God's plan. "Men of valor" is a phrase that denotes courage, strength, and capability in battle. The Hebrew term for "valor" conveys not only physical strength but also moral integrity and bravery. These men were not just warriors; they were leaders and protectors of their community, embodying the qualities necessary to rebuild and defend Jerusalem. Their presence in the city signifies a commitment to uphold God's covenant and to ensure the safety and spiritual vitality of the people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Perez
Perez was the son of Judah and Tamar, and his descendants were part of the tribe of Judah. The lineage of Perez is significant in the history of Israel, as it is through this line that King David and ultimately Jesus Christ came.

2. Jerusalem
The capital city of Israel, Jerusalem holds a central place in Jewish history and theology. It was the political and spiritual center for the Israelites and the location of the Temple.

3. Men of Valor
This term refers to the courageous and capable men who were chosen to live in Jerusalem. Their role was crucial in the rebuilding and protection of the city during Nehemiah's time.

4. Nehemiah
A Jewish leader who played a pivotal role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls after the Babylonian exile. His leadership and dedication to God's work are central themes in the book of Nehemiah.

5. Repopulation of Jerusalem
This event involved the strategic resettling of people in Jerusalem to ensure its stability and security. It was a critical step in re-establishing the city as the heart of Jewish life and worship.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Lineage
The inclusion of Perez's descendants in the repopulation of Jerusalem underscores God's sovereign plan in using specific lineages to fulfill His purposes. This reminds us that God can use our family history and background for His glory.

The Importance of Community
The strategic repopulation of Jerusalem highlights the importance of community in God's work. We are called to be active participants in our faith communities, contributing to their growth and stability.

Courage and Commitment
The "men of valor" exemplify the courage and commitment required to serve God faithfully. We are encouraged to be bold and steadfast in our own spiritual journeys.

Restoration and Renewal
Just as Jerusalem needed to be repopulated and rebuilt, our lives may require restoration and renewal. God invites us to participate in His work of rebuilding and renewing our hearts and communities.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the account of Perez and his descendants illustrate God's ability to use unexpected circumstances for His purposes?

2. In what ways can we contribute to the strengthening and growth of our own faith communities, similar to the repopulation of Jerusalem?

3. What qualities do you think are necessary to be considered a "person of valor" in today's context, and how can we cultivate these qualities?

4. How does the concept of restoration in Nehemiah 11:6 relate to personal spiritual renewal, and what steps can we take to experience this renewal?

5. How can understanding the historical and genealogical context of biblical figures like Perez enhance our appreciation of God's overarching plan in Scripture?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 38
The account of Perez's birth, which highlights God's sovereignty and the unexpected ways He fulfills His promises.

Ruth 4
The genealogy of Perez leading to King David, showing the continuation of God's covenant promises.

1 Chronicles 9
A parallel account of the repopulation of Jerusalem, emphasizing the importance of the community's restoration.

Hebrews 11
The concept of "men of valor" can be connected to the "heroes of faith," who demonstrated courage and faithfulness in God's service.
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
468, Dwelling, Dwelt, Eight, Hundred, Jerusalem, Perez, Pherez, Position, Sixty, Sixty-eight, Sons, Threescore, Totaled, Valiant, Valour
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nehemiah 11:2

     5262   commendation

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

Links
Nehemiah 11:6 NIV
Nehemiah 11:6 NLT
Nehemiah 11:6 ESV
Nehemiah 11:6 NASB
Nehemiah 11:6 KJV

Nehemiah 11:6 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Nehemiah 11:5
Top of Page
Top of Page