FocusSettlement, dedication, and correction
Nehemiah 11:12
KJVAnd their brethren that did the work of the house were eight hundred twenty and two: and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashur, the son of Malchiah,
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. Lists, dedication, and later reforms show that rebuilding the wall did not remove the need for continuing faithfulness.
- 11:1 And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities.
- 11:2 And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem.
- 11:3 Now these are the chief of the province that dwelt in Jerusalem: but in the cities of Judah dwelt every one in his possession in their cities, to wit, Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants.
- 11:4 And at Jerusalem dwelt certain of the children of Judah, and of the children of Benjamin. Of the children of Judah; Athaiah the son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalaleel, of the children of Perez;
- 11:5 And Maaseiah the son of Baruch, the son of Colhozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, the son of Shiloni.
- 11:6 All the sons of Perez that dwelt at Jerusalem were four hundred threescore and eight valiant men.
- 11:7 And these are the sons of Benjamin; Sallu the 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 Jesaiah.
- 11:8 And after him Gabbai, Sallai, nine hundred twenty and eight.
- 11:9 And Joel the son of Zichri was their overseer: and Judah the son of Senuah was second over the city.
- 11:10 Of the priests: Jedaiah the son of Joiarib, Jachin.
- 11:11 Seraiah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, was the ruler of the house of God.
- 11:12 And their brethren that did the work of the house were eight hundred twenty and two: and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashur, the son of Malchiah,
- 11:13 And his brethren, chief of the fathers, two hundred forty and two: and Amashai the son of Azareel, the son of Ahasai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Immer,
- 11:14 And their brethren, mighty men of valour, an hundred twenty and eight: and their overseer was Zabdiel, the son of one of the great men.
- 11:15 Also of the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hashub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Bunni;
- 11:16 And Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the chief of the Levites, had the oversight of the outward business of the house of God.
- 11:17 And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, was the principal to begin the thanksgiving in prayer: and Bakbukiah the second among his brethren, and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.
- 11:18 All the Levites in the holy city were two hundred fourscore and four.
- 11:19 Moreover the porters, Akkub, Talmon, and their brethren that kept the gates, were an hundred seventy and two.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Nehemiah son of Hachaliah is the named memoir writer. His account was preserved within the larger Ezra–Nehemiah historical collection, which includes additional material. Biblical references: Nehemiah 1:1; Nehemiah 2:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Nehemiah 11:1–12:47): Jerusalem's residents, other settlements, priests, Levites, and worship leaders are listed, and the community participates in the wall dedication. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The restored Jewish community centered on Jerusalem and later readers concerned with its rebuilding, covenant obligations, and worship. Biblical references: Nehemiah 2:17; Nehemiah 8:1; Nehemiah 10:29. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Jerusalem’s New Settlers. Read Nehemiah 11:1 through Nehemiah 11:19 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. Lists, dedication, and later reforms show that rebuilding the wall did not remove the need for continuing faithfulness. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The narrative dates Nehemiah's commission by Artaxerxes' reign and later describes his return to the king and subsequent visit to Jerusalem. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? It opens in Shushan and moves to Jerusalem and the surrounding communities, focusing on the wall and the life of the restored people. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Jerusalem’s New Settlers (Nehemiah 11:1 to Nehemiah 11:19). Start reading at Nehemiah 11:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The New Testament also joins hearing God's word with doing it and building up a community. This is a canonical comparison, not a claim that Nehemiah's wall directly symbolizes a particular Christian institution. See Nehemiah 8:8, Luke 11:28, Ephesians 4:16. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Combine prayer with responsible action, truthful leadership, and care for people harmed by injustice. Building a project does not remove the continuing need for reform and faithfulness. interpretation
Cited: Nehemiah 11:1, Nehemiah 11:19, Nehemiah 8:8, Luke 11:28, Ephesians 4:16
Who wrote it, and how we know
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Nehemiah 11
Nehemiah 1:1 Nehemiah 2:1 Nehemiah 8:1
Residents Outside Jerusalem
Nehemiah 11:20–36FocusSettlement, dedication, and correction
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Nehemiah
Nehemiah 1:1 Nehemiah 2:1 Nehemiah 8:1
The burden and commission
Nehemiah 1:1–2:20FocusPrayer and permission to rebuild
The wall rebuilt
Nehemiah 3:1–6:19FocusShared work and persistent opposition
The people hear and renew the covenant
Nehemiah 7:1–10:39FocusIdentity, Scripture, and confession
FocusSettlement, dedication, and correction
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.