And of the Levites were divisions in Judah, and in Benjamin. They were scattered about, some here and some there, in both these tribes, for the better instruction of the people. read more
And of the Levites were divisions - The Levites had their dwellings in the divisions of Judah and Benjamin. This is probably the meaning: the Syriac says, They had the half of Judah and Benjamin; which is not likely. That the people whose hearts were now turned towards the Lord, would make the best provision for the support of God's work, and all those engaged in it, we may naturally suppose; but this could not be very great, as the complete service was not yet established, and... read more
PART III . ENLARGEMENT OF THE POPULATION OF JERUSALEM , WITH THE NUMBER OF THE ADULT MALES , AND THE NAMES OF THE CHIEFS . VARIOUS LISTS OF PRIESTS AND LEVITES AT DIFFERENT PERIODS ( Nehemiah 11:1-36 ; Nehemiah 12:1-26 ). Having been led, in speaking of this matter, to give a sort of catalogue of the chief dwellers at Jerusalem (verses 4-19), and another of the country towns and villages occupied at this time by those... read more
Town and country. Variety in unity. Nehemiah had been some time before (see Nehemiah 7:4 , Nehemiah 7:5 ) impressed with the necessity of increasing the population of Jerusalem, and had taken preliminary steps; but other more pressing matters had intervened. He now proceeded with his design. His purpose was, that of the whole population one-tenth should inhabit the metropolis, and he arranged that the additional families to dwell there should be determined by lot. First, however,... read more
The true centralisation. We separate the nation from the world not to surround it with a false patriotism which means self-interest, but that in the fulfilment of the Divine purpose and law we may be the greater blessing to mankind. I. The true centre of the life of the community is THE RELIGIOUS CENTRE . Jerusalem as the sacred city. The secular and religious are not opposed. The man of God is the true man. There is no true strength and prosperity where there is an inversion of... read more
Three elements in the Church of Christ. In the first verse of this chapter Jerusalem is called "the holy city;" as such it was the type of the Church of Christ. In three respects it bore to the Christian Church a real and close resemblance. 1. It was a separated city; separated and fenced from surrounding idolatries and immoralities. 2. It was a distinguished city; distinguished by 3. It was a commissioned city; charged to hold and preserve a certain deposit of sacred truth... read more
Of the Levites were divisions in Judah and Benjamin . The exact sense is obscure, but we may gather from the passage that a certain number of Levites were dispersed among the Benjamite cities. They were not now numerous enough to have any cities to themselves. read more
Of the Levites were divisions - i. e., “the Levites were scattered among various towns both in Judah and Benjamin.” read more
Nehemiah 11:36. Of the Levites were divisions Or, for the Levites (those who were not settled in Jerusalem) there were divisions; places appointed for them and distributed among them. Thus were they settled free and easy, though few and poor. And they might have been happy but for that general lukewarmness with which they are charged by the Prophet Malachi, who prophesied about this time, and in whom prophecy ceased for some ages, till it revived in the great prophet. read more
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Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Nehemiah 11:20-36
Having given an account of the principal persons that dwelt in Jerusalem (a larger account of whom he had before, 1 Chron. 9:2-34), Nehemiah, in these verses, gives us some account of the other cities, in which dwelt the residue of Israel, Neh. 11:20. It was requisite that Jerusalem should be replenished, yet not so as to drain the country. The king himself is served of the field, which will do little service if there be not hands to manage it. Let there therefore be no strife, no envy, no... read more