Nehemiah 11:7
From the descendants of Benjamin: Sallu son of Meshullam, the son of Joed, the son of Pedaiah, the son of Kolaiah, the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ithiel, the son of Jeshaiah;
From the descendants of Benjamin
The tribe of Benjamin holds a significant place in Israel's history. As one of the twelve tribes, Benjamin was known for its warriors and its strategic location near Jerusalem. The tribe's loyalty to the house of David and its role in the Southern Kingdom of Judah are noteworthy. The Hebrew root for Benjamin, "Binyamin," means "son of the right hand," symbolizing strength and favor. This lineage highlights the continuity of God's promises to His people and the importance of each tribe in the restoration of Jerusalem.

Sallu son of Meshullam
The name "Sallu" is derived from the Hebrew root "salah," meaning "to be weighed" or "to be light." This could imply a person of integrity or one who is balanced in judgment. "Meshullam" means "friend" or "ally," suggesting a person who is supportive and trustworthy. The mention of these names in the genealogical record underscores the importance of family heritage and the role of individuals in the collective mission of rebuilding and restoring the community.

the son of Joed
"Joed" means "Jehovah is witness" in Hebrew. This name reflects a deep spiritual truth that God is always present and aware of His people's actions and intentions. The inclusion of Joed in this lineage serves as a reminder of God's omnipresence and His role as a witness to the faithfulness of His people throughout generations.

the son of Pedaiah
"Pedaiah" means "Jehovah has ransomed" or "Jehovah redeems." This name is a powerful testament to God's redemptive power and His ability to deliver His people from bondage. In the context of Nehemiah, it serves as a reminder of the Israelites' return from exile and the ongoing work of restoration that God is orchestrating in their midst.

the son of Kolaiah
The name "Kolaiah" means "voice of Jehovah" or "Jehovah has voiced." This suggests a prophetic or communicative role, emphasizing the importance of hearing and responding to God's word. In the rebuilding of Jerusalem, the voice of God, as communicated through His prophets and leaders, was crucial in guiding the people and ensuring their alignment with His will.

the son of Maaseiah
"Maaseiah" means "work of Jehovah" or "the Lord's work." This name highlights the divine initiative and involvement in the affairs of His people. It serves as a reminder that the rebuilding of Jerusalem was not merely a human endeavor but a divinely orchestrated mission, with God actively working through His chosen individuals.

the son of Ithiel
"Ithiel" means "God is with me." This name is a profound declaration of God's presence and support. In the context of Nehemiah, it reassures the people of God's unwavering presence as they undertake the daunting task of rebuilding their city and their lives. It is a reminder of the Emmanuel principle, that God is always with His people.

the son of Jeshaiah
"Jeshaiah" means "Jehovah has saved" or "salvation of the Lord." This name encapsulates the overarching theme of deliverance and salvation that runs throughout the Bible. It is a fitting conclusion to this genealogical record, emphasizing that the ultimate purpose of the restoration efforts in Nehemiah's time was to bring about God's salvation and to prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah, who would bring eternal salvation to all who believe.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Sallu
A descendant of Benjamin, Sallu is listed as a leader among those who resettled in Jerusalem. His lineage is significant in establishing his heritage and role.

2. Meshullam
The father of Sallu, Meshullam is part of the genealogical record that traces the lineage of the Benjamites who returned to Jerusalem.

3. Benjamin
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, the tribe of Benjamin had a significant role in the history of Israel, with Jerusalem being part of their allotted territory.

4. Jerusalem
The central city of worship and governance for the Israelites, Jerusalem's resettlement was crucial for the restoration of the Jewish community post-exile.

5. Resettlement Event
The return of the exiles to Jerusalem and the re-establishment of the city as a center of Jewish life and worship.
Teaching Points
Importance of Heritage and Identity
Understanding one's heritage and identity can provide a sense of belonging and purpose. The genealogies in Nehemiah remind us of the importance of knowing where we come from and how it shapes our role in God's plan.

Faithfulness in Restoration
The resettlement of Jerusalem required faithfulness and commitment. We are called to be faithful in the tasks God sets before us, contributing to the restoration and building of His kingdom.

Community and Leadership
The leaders listed in Nehemiah were crucial for the community's success. In our own lives, we should recognize and support godly leadership and strive to be leaders who guide others in faithfulness.

God's Sovereignty in History
The detailed genealogies show God's hand in history, orchestrating events and people for His purposes. Trusting in God's sovereignty can give us peace and confidence in uncertain times.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding your own heritage and identity in Christ influence your daily walk with God?

2. In what ways can you contribute to the "restoration" of your community or church, similar to the resettlement efforts in Nehemiah?

3. What qualities do you see in the leaders listed in Nehemiah that are important for leadership today?

4. How can you support and encourage the leaders in your church or community, following the example of the Israelites in Nehemiah?

5. Reflect on a time when you saw God's sovereignty at work in your life. How does this assurance affect your trust in Him for the future?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 2
This chapter provides a list of the exiles who returned to Jerusalem, similar to the genealogical records in Nehemiah, emphasizing the importance of lineage and heritage in the restoration process.

1 Chronicles 9
Chronicles also lists the inhabitants of Jerusalem, showing the continuity and importance of these genealogies in the post-exilic community.

Philippians 3
Paul speaks of his own heritage as a Benjamite, which connects to the importance of tribal identity and heritage seen in Nehemiah.
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
Benjamin, Isaiah, Ithiel, I'thi-el, Jesaiah, Jeshaiah, Jeshai'ah, Joed, Jo'ed, Kolaiah, Kolai'ah, Maaseiah, Ma-asei'ah, Meshullam, Meshul'lam, Pedaiah, Pedai'ah, Sallu, Sons
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nehemiah 11:2

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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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