Nehemiah 1:1--13:31
Nehemiah <05166> [Nehemiah.]
month <02320> [in the month.]
twentieth <06242> [in the twentieth.]
Susa <07800> [Shushan.]
Shushan, or Susa, was the capital of Susiana, a province of Persia, and the winter residence of the Persian monarchs; situated about 252 miles east of Babylon, and the same distance south-south-east of Ecbatana, in lat. 32 degrees, long. 49 degrees. The circumference of its walls was about 120 stadia. Shouster is supposed to occupy its site.
Hanani <02607> [Hanani.]
asked <07592> [I asked.]
escaped <06413> [that had escaped.]
province <04082> [the province.]
considerable <01419> [in great.]
reproach <02781> [reproach.]
wall <02346> [the wall.]
sat down <03427> [I sat down.]
God <0430> [the God.]
great <01419> [the great.]
keeps ........... obey <08104> [keepeth.]
ear <0241> [thine ear.]
day ... night <03119 03915> [day and night.]
confessing <03034> [confess.]
family <01> [both I.]
behaved corruptly against <02254> [dealt.]
behaved corruptly against <02254> [corruptly.]
commandments <04687> [the commandments.]
commanded <06680> [which thou.]
recall <02142> [Remember.]
unfaithfully <04603> [If ye transgress.]
repent <07725> [if ye turn.]
gather <06908> [yet will I.]
bring <0935> [will bring.]
place <04725> [the place.]
servants <05650> [Now these.]
redeemed <06299> [whom.]
mighty ...... powerful <02389> [thy strong.]
listen <0241> [Let now.]
take pleasure <02655> [who desire.]
show <05414> [grant.]
king <04428> [For I was.]
The office of cup-bearer was one of great trust, honour, and emolument, in the Persian court. To be in such a place of trust he must have been in the king's confidence; for no eastern potentate would have a cup-bearer to whom he could not trust his life, poison being often administered in that way. It was an office much desired, because it gave access to the king in those seasons of hilarity when men are most disposed to grant favours.
Nisan <05212> [Nisan.]
twentieth <06242> [the twentieth.]
took <05375> [I took up.]
appear <06440> [Why is thy.]
sadness <07455> [sorrow.]
very <03966> [Then I.]
Probably the king spoke as if he had some suspicion that Nehemiah harboured some bad design, and that his face indicated some conceived treachery, or remorse; and, indeed, the words rendered sad, and sorrow of heart, might be rendered evil, and wickedness of heart.
king ... king <04428> [Let the king.]
Far from wishing ill to my master, I wish him to live for ever.
city <05892> [the city.]
O .......... dejected <01004> [the place.]
seeking <01245> [For what.]
prayed <06419> [So I prayed.]
inclined <02895> [If it please.]
servant <05650> [and if thy.]
consort <07694> [the queen. Heb. the wife.]
It was probably Esther who was present at this time, and who seconded Nehemiah's request.
<03190> [So it pleased.]
gave .... time <02165 05414> [I set him a time.]
It is probable that this time was no more than six months, or a year; after which he either returned, or had his leave of absence lengthened, as we find he was twelve years governor of the Jews.
letters <0107> [let letters.]
travel <05674> [that they may.]
wall <02346> [the wall.]
temple .......... house <01004> [the house.]
king's ...................................... king <04428> [the king.]
governors <06346> [to the governors.]
king ... king <04428> [Now the.]
Sanballat <05571> [Sanballat.]
Horonite <02772> [Horonite.]
official <05650> [the servant.]
Ammonite <05984> [the Ammonite.]
<03415> [it grieved.]
come <0935> [there was come.]
got <06965> [I arose.]
tell .................. animals <05046 0929> [neither.]
God <0430> [my God.]
This pious and noble-minded man attributes every thing to God. If he purposed any good, it was because God put it into his heart; if he did or received any good, it was because the good hand of his God was upon him; if he expected any good, it was because he earnestly prayed God to remember him for good.
Gate ................ Gate ............. gates <08179> [the gate.]
Gate ............... Dung Gate ............. gates <08179 0830> [the dung port.]
This was the gate on the eastern side of the city, through which the filth was carried to the brook Kidron and valley of Hinnom.
walls <02346> [the walls.]
Gate <05869 08179> [the gate of the fountain.]
The gate leading either to the fountain of Siloam, on the east of the city, or to that of Gihon, on the west.
King's Pool <01295 04428> [the king's pool.]
Probably the aqueduct made by Hezekiah to bring the waters of Gihon to the city of David.
valley <05158> [the brook. The brook Kidron.]
Gate <08179> [the gate.]
The gate leading to the valley of Jehoshaphat, east of the city, through which the brook Kidron flows. It was by this gate he went out; so that he went round the whole of the city, and entered by the same gate.
officials .................................... officials <05461> [the rulers.]
see <07200> [Ye see.]
<03212> [come.]
reproach <02781> [a reproach.]
hand .......................... readied <03027> [the hand.]
<02388> [So they strengthened.]
Sanballat <05571> [Sanballat.]
Geshem <01654> [Geshem.]
[Gashmu. they.]
rebelling <04775> [will ye rebel.]
God <0430> [The God.]
just <02506> [ye have no.]
ancient <02146> [memorial.]
When Nehemiah had prayed for the relief of his countrymen, and perhaps in David's words, Ps 51:18, he did not sit still and say, "Let God now do his own work, for I have no more to do;" but set himself to do what he could towards it; and here we find that the people were of one heart with Nehemiah. Our prayers must be seconded with our serious endeavours, or else we mock God. Nearly four months had passed, namely, from Chisleu to Nisan (November to March), before Nehemiah made his application to the king for leave to go to Jerusalem; either because the winter was not a proper time for such a journey, and he would not make a motion till he could pursue it, or because it was so long before his month of waiting upon the king came, and there was no coming into his presence until called for, Es 4:11. We are not thus limited to certain moments in our addresses to the King of kings, but have liberty of access to him at all times; to the throne of grace we never come unseasonably.
Eliashib <0475> [Eliashib.]
Sheep Gate <06629 08179> [the sheep gate.]
This gate is supposed to have immediately communicated with the temple, and to have been called the sheep gate, because the sheep intended for sacrifice passed through it. But, after all which learned men have written on this subject, which is but of little interest, we scarcely know any thing about these gates: what they were, why called by these names, or in what part of the wall they were situated, beyond what may be learned from the parallel passages.
dedicated .... erected ......... Tower ....... Tower <06942 05975 04026> [sanctified it.]
Tower ....... Tower <04026> [the tower.]
adjacent .......... adjacent <03027> [next unto him. Heb. at his hand. the men.]
Zaccur <02139> [Zaccur.]
Fish Gate <08179 01709> [the fish gate.]
beams <07136> [the beams.]
doors <01817> [the doors.]
Meremoth <04822> [Meremoth.]
Uriah <0223> [Urijah.]
[Uriah. Meshullam.]
Tekoa <08621> [the Tekoites.]
town leaders <0117> [their nobles.]
assist <0935 06677> [put not.]
Gibeonite <01393> [the Gibeonite.]
Mizpah <04709> [Mizpah.]
jurisdiction <03678> [the throne.]
That is, probably, the palace of the Persian governor, west of the Euphrates; the term throne being used to signify any royal abode: for Sir J. Chardin, describing a splendid tent erected by the king of Persia, says "that there was an inscription wrought upon the cornice of the anti-chamber, which gave it the appellation of the throne of the second Solomon." Sitting upon a throne has, however, sometimes been granted to governors.
goldsmiths <06884> [the goldsmiths.]
perfumers <07546> [of the apothecaries.]
plastered <05800> [fortified. or, left. the broad wall.]
head <08269> [the ruler.]
house <01004> [even.]
Hattush <02407> [Hattush.]
Harim <02766> [Harim.]
Pahath-Moab <06355> [Pahath-moab.]
another section <04060 08145> [other piece. Heb. second measure. the tower.]
head <08269> [the ruler.]
daughters <01323> [he and his daughters.]
Valley Gate .............................. Gate <01516 08179> [the valley gate.]
Zanoah <02182> [Zanoah.]
There were two towns of the name of Zanoah in the tribe of Judah: see the parallel passages.
Dung Gate <08179 0830> [the dung gate.]
head <08269> [the ruler.]
Beth Hakkerem <01021> [Beth-haccerem.]
Beth-haccerem was a town of Judah, situated on a mountain, between Jerusalem and Tekoa, according to Jerome on Jer. ch. 6. Dr. Pococke conjectures that the Mountain of the Franks, called also the Mount of Bethulia, from a village of that name near it, west-north-west of Tekoa, is the ancient Beth-haccerem; the position of which seems to agree with the citadel of Herodium, built by Herod, on a moderate-sized hill, sixty furlongs from Jerusalem.
Gate <08179> [the gate.]
head <08269> [the ruler.]
Mizpah <04709> [Mizpah.]
[Mizpeh.]
Siloam <07975> [Siloah.]
Siloah was situated under the eastern wall of Jerusalem, between that city and the brook Kedron, and is described by Chateaubriand as lying at the foot of Mount Zion. Dr. Richardson represents the pool of Siloam as occurring higher up the valley of Jehoshaphat, towards the north, than the well of Nehemiah, a little beyond the village of Siloa, and nearly opposite the tombs of Jehoshaphat and Zechariah.
[Shiloah.]
[Siloam. the stairs.]
head <08269> [the ruler.]
Beth Zur <01049> [Beth-zur.]
tombs <06913> [the sepulchres.]
artificial pool <01295> [the pool.]
House <01004> [the house.]
head <08269> [the ruler.]
Keilah <07084> [Keilah.]
Jeshua <03442> [Jeshua.]
Mizpah <04709> [Mizpah.]
buttress <04740> [the turning.]
Zabbai <02079> [Zabbai. or, Zaccai. earnestly.]
Eliashib <0475> [Eliashib.]
Meremoth <04822> [Meremoth.]
Hakkoz <06976> [Koz.]
district <0582 03603> [the men of the plain.]
house ............... house <01004> [over against.]
Azariah <05838> [Azariah.]
Maaseiah <04641> [Maaseiah.]
Binnui <01131> [Binnui.]
another ... from <08145 04060> [another piece.]
That which had been left by Azariah, after he had repaired the wall by his own house. It is probable that some of the principal people were either obliged, or voluntarily offered, to repair those parts of the wall which were opposite, or adjacent, to their own houses. The names of those who repaired the walls are commemorated, because it was an undertaking of piety, virtue, and courage, to restore the holy city.
buttress <04740> [the turning.]
<04428> [the king's.]
court <02691> [by the court.]
Pedaiah <06305> [Pedaiah.]
Parosh <06551> [Parosh.]
temple servants <05411> [Nethinims.]
who ... living <03427> [dwelt, etc. or, which dwelt in Ophel, repaired unto. Ophel. or, the tower.]
Water <04325> [the water.]
The water gate is supposed to have been that by which the Nethinim brought in water for the use of the temple.
Tekoa <08621> [the Tekoites.]
wall <02346> [the wall.]
Horse <05483> [the horse.]
each <0376> [every one.]
son ............ son <01121> [the son.]
Shecaniah <07935> [Shechaniah.]
East Gate <08179 04217> [the east gate.]
another section <08145 04060> [another piece.]
Meshullam <04918> [Meshullam.]
goldsmiths <06885> [the goldsmith's.]
room above ... corner <06438 05944> [going up of the corner. or, corner-chamber.]
Sheep Gate <08179 06629> [the sheep gate.]
Thus the whole city was surrounded with a wall; for Eliashib began at the sheep gate.
goldsmiths <06884> [the goldsmiths.]
The word {tzeraphim} may denote smiths, or refiners, or persons that worked in metals of any kind; but it is generally understood of those who worked in gold. From the remotest period of the history of the Jews, they had artists in all the elegant and ornamental trades; and it appears that goldsmiths, apothecaries, and merchants were formed into companies in the time of Nehemiah.
Sanballat <05571> [Sanballat.]
derided <03932> [mocked.]
<02428> [the army.]
feeble <0537> [feeble.]
left ....... offer sacrifice <05800 02076> [fortify themselves. Heb. leave to themselves. sacrifice.]
life <02421> [revive.]
Tobiah <02900> [Tobiah.]
Hear <08085> [Hear.]
despised <0939> [despised. Heb. despite. turn.]
cover ... iniquity <03680 05771> [cover not.]
sin <02403> [their sin.]
builders <01129> [before the builders.]
wall ..... wall <02346> [and all the wall.]
That is, the whole circuit of the wall was completed unto half the intended height.
people <05971> [for the people.]
The original is very emphatic, {wyhee laiv l‰ƒm l„ƒsoth,} "for the people had a heart to work." Their heart was engaged in it, and they went about it cheerfully and vigorously.
<03820> [had a mind.]
Sanballat <05571> [Sanballat.]
Ammonites <05984> [the Ammonites.]
Ashdod <0796> [Ashdodites.]
When <08085> [heard.]
restoration <0724> [were made up. Heb. ascended. then.]
together <03162> [all.]
create <06213> [hinder it. Heb. make an error to it.]
prayed <06419> [Nevertheless.]
stationed ... guard <04929 05975> [set a watch.]
strength <03581> [The strength.]
laborers <05449> [bearers.]
aware <03045> [They shall not.]
repeatedly <06471 06235> [ten times.]
schemes <04725> [From all places, etc. or, That from all places ye must return to us. ye shall return.]
Houbigant, Michaelis, and Dathe contend, that instead of {tashoovoo,} "ye shall return," we should read {chashevoo,} "they designed."
So ... stationed ............... stationed <05975> [Therefore.]
lower places <04725 08482> [in the lower places. Heb. from the lower parts of the place, etc. their swords.]
[Be ye not afraid.]
Remember <02142> [remember.]
great <01419> [great.]
fight <03898> [fight.]
God <0430> [God.]
each <0376> [every one.]
men <05288> [my servants.]
half .......... half <02677> [and the other half.]
This is no unusual thing in Palestine, even at the present day; people sowing their seed are often attended by armed men, to prevent the Arabs from robbing them of it.
body armor <08302> [habergeons.]
{Habergeon,} from the Teutonic {hals,} the neck, and {bergen,} to cover, defend, may be considered as signifying a breast-plate, though the Franco-Gallic {hautbergon} signifies a coat of mail; the original {shiryon,} we have already seen, denotes a corslet.
carrying loads <05447 05375> [bare burdens.]
one ........ other <0259> [every one.]
That is, he had his arms at hand; and was as fully prepared to fight as to work. The builders could not possibly have made any progress, if they had literally held a weapon in one of their hands; but the expression is evidently figurative, implying that every man was a much a soldier as a builder.
one ........ other <0259> [with one.]
sides <04975> [by his side. Heb. on his loins. he that sounded.]
God <0430> [our God.]
<06213> [So we.]
man <0376> [every one.]
relatives <0251> [So neither I.]
Each <0376> [saving that, etc. or, every one went with his weapon for water.]
The original of this obscure clause is {ish shilcho hammayim,} which is rendered by Montanus, {vir missile suum aquas,} "a man his dart to the waters," of which it is difficult to make sense. It is wholly omitted by the LXX.; and one of De Rossi's MSS. reads, {meshallachah Æ’l hammayim,} "in order to send them to the water."
great outcry <06818 01419> [a great cry.]
fellow <0251> [their brethren.]
sons <01121> [We, our sons.]
must obtain grain <01715 03947> [we take up corn.]
putting up .......... collateral <06148> [mortgaged.]
famine <07458> [because.]
taxes .... king <04060 04428> [the king's tribute.]
flesh ... blood <01320> [our flesh.]
found ... necessary to subject .............. subjected to slavery <03533> [we.]
considered .... carefully <03820 04427> [I consulted with myself. Heb. my heart consulted in me.]
registered a complaint <07378> [I rebuked.]
seizing the collateral <04855 05378> [Ye exact usury.]
called .... great ... assembly <01419 06952 05414> [I set a great assembly.]
<01767> [We after.]
bought <07069> [redeemed.]
fellow ...... sold ........... sell .... countrymen <04376 0251> [sell your.]
sold ........... sell <04376> [shall they.]
silent <02790> [held.]
<02896> [It is not.]
<03212> [walk.]
reproach <02781> [reproach.]
relatives <0251> [I likewise.]
But .... abandon <05800> [I pray you.]
But .... abandon <05800> [leave.]
return <07725> [Restore.]
fields <07704> [their lands.]
interest <03967> [the hundredth.]
This was probably the rate of interest which they obliged their poor debtors to pay each month, which would amount to about 12 per cent. Another author states that this is the lowest rate of interest in Syria: the usual rate is 20; and it is sometimes as high as 30 per cent.
return <07725> [We will restore.]
called <07121> [I called.]
shook out ... garment .......... shake out ....................... shaken out <02684 05287> [I shook my lap.]
So "when the Roman ambassadors entered the senate of Carthage, they had their toga gathered up in their bosom, and said, We carry here peace and war; you may have which you will. The senate answered, You may give which you please. They then shook their toga, and said, We bring you war."--Livy.
God <0430> [So God.]
emptied <07386> [emptied. Heb. empty, or void. Amen.]
praised <01984> [praised.]
people <05971> [the people.]
twentieth <06242> [from the twentieth.]
relatives <0251> [I and my.]
food <03899> [the bread.]
associates ... also <01571 05288> [even their.]
behave <06213> [so did.]
preceded ...................................... due to <06440> [because.]
purchasing <02388> [I continued.]
purchasing <07069> [neither bought.]
associates <05288> [all my.]
dined <07979> [Moreover.]
He kept open house, and entertained all comers; besides having 150 Jews, who had their food constantly at his table, and at his expense.
dined <07979> [at my table.]
150 <03967> [an hundred.]
prepared <06213> [Now that.]
This was food sufficient for more than two hundred men. Bp. Pococke says that the bey of Tunis had daily twelve sheep, with fish and fowls, soups, oranges, eggs, onions, boiled rice, etc., etc. His nobles dined with him; after they had done, the servants sat down; and when they had finished, the poor took what was left. Here the bey's twelve sheep are equal to Nehemiah's one ox and six choice sheep; and probably the mode of living between the two was nearly alike. It is still the practice in the East to calculate the expenses of the table, not by the money paid, but by the provisions consumed by the guests.
require <01245> [required.]
work <05656> [because the bondage.]
remember <02142> [Think.]
done <06213> [according to.]
Sanballat <05571> [when Sanballat.]
Geshem <01654> [Geshem.]
[Gashmu. no breach.]
time <06256> [at that time.]
<03212> [Come.]
They wished to get him out of Jerusalem, from his friends, that they might either carry him off or murder him.
Ono <0207> [Ono.]
intended <02803> [they thought.]
sent <07971> [And I sent.]
<06213> [I am doing.]
four times <06471 0702> [four times.]
responded <07725> [and I answered.]
open letter <06605 0107> [with an open letter.]
This was a gross insult to a person of Nehemiah's quality; as the letters sent to chiefs and governors in the East are always carefully folded up, put in silk bags, and then sealed.
rumored <08085> [It is reported.]
Geshem <01654> [Gashmu.]
[Geshem. that thou and.]
become <01933> [that thou mayest.]
established <05975> [appointed.]
king ...... king <04428> [a king.]
talk about this <03212 03289> [Come now.]
engaged <01961> [There are.]
imagination <0908> [thou feignest.]
were .... scare <03372> [For they.]
hands ................. hands <03027> [Their hands.]
strengthen <02388> [Now therefore.]
Shemaiah <08098> [Shemaiah.]
confined ......... up ... time <06113> [shut up.]
meet <03259> [Let us meet.]
house ............................ house <01004> [the house.]
close <05462> [let us shut.]
night <03915> [in the night.]
like ....... like me <03644> [Should such.]
flee .............. go <0935> [would go.]
recognized <05234> [I perceived.]
God .... sent <0430 07971> [God had.]
agent <07936> [hired him.]
scare <03372> [that I should.]
sin <02398> [and sin.]
reproach <07451> [and that they.]
discredited <08034 02778> [report, that.]
God <0430> [My God.]
Remember ..... Tobiah <02142 02900> [think thou.]
prophetess <05031> [on the prophetess.]
wall <02346> [wall.]
fifty-two <02572> [fifty.]
enemies <0341> [when all our enemies.]
knew <03045> [for they perceived.]
aristocrats <02715> [the nobles.]
letters ... Tobiah ... responses ... Tobiah <01980 07235 0107 02900> [sent many letters unto Tobiah. Heb. multiplied their letters passing to Tobiah.]
Arah <0733> [Arah.]
Meshullam <04918> [Meshullam.]
said <0559> [they reported.]
things <01697> [words. or, matters. to put.]
wall <02346> [the wall.]
positioned <05975> [I had set up.]
gatekeepers <07778> [the porters.]
brother <0251> [my brother.]
Hananiah <02608> [Hananiah.]
chief <08269> [the ruler.]
faithful man <0376 0571> [a faithful man.]
feared God <0430 03372> [feared God.]
gates <08179> [Let not the gates.]
This is, the gates were not to be opened till sun-rise, and to be shut at sun-set; which is still the custom in many cities of the East. If a traveller arrives after sun-set, he finds the gates shut, and on no consideration will they open them till morning.
some ....... some .... homes <0376 01004> [every one to be.]
spread .... large <01419 07342> [large and great. Heb. broad in spaces. the houses.]
God <0430> [my God.]
placed ..... heart <05414 03820> [put into mine.]
Whatever good motion is in our minds, whether prudent or pious, we must acknowledge it to come from God; for every good gift and every good work are from above; he gives knowledge, he gives grace. What is commonly called human prudence, ought to be ascribed to the direction of Divine Providence. He who teaches the husbandman discretion, Isa 28:26, as certainly over-rules the deliberations of senators.
enrolled on the basis of genealogy <03187> [that.]
people <01121> [the children.]
Nebuchadnezzar <05019> [whom Nebuchadnezzar.]
Zerubbabel <02216> [Zerubbabel.]
[Sheshbazzar.]
[Zorobabel. Jeshua.]
[Joshua. Azariah.]
One of Dr. Kennicott's codices has Seraiah, as in the parallel passage.
[Seraiah, Reelaiah. Mispereth.]
[Mizpar. Nehum.]
Three MSS. in the parallel place have Nehum, and four have here Rehum.
[Rehum.]
Parosh <06551> [Parosh.]
[Pharosh.]
Shephatiah <08203> [Shephatiah.]
Arah <0733> [Arah.]
[775.]
Pahath-Moab <06355> [Pahath-moab.]
[2,812.]
Elam <05867> [Elam.]
Zattu <02240> [Zattu.]
[945.]
Zaccai <02140> [Zaccai.]
Binnui <01131> [Binnui.]
[Bani. 642.]
Bebai <0893> [Bebai.]
[623.]
Azgad <05803> [Azgad.]
[1,222.]
Adonikam <0140> [Adonikam.]
[666.]
Bigvai <0902> [Bigvai.]
[2,056. two thousand.]
One MS. of Dr. Kennicott's reads "two thousand sixty and six;" but no doubt "two thousand and fifty-six," is the true reading, as in the parallel passage.
Adin <05720> [Adin.]
[454. six hundred.]
One of Dr. Kennicott's codices has "six hundred fifty and four."
Ater <0333> [Ater.]
Hashum <02828> [Hashum.]
[223.]
Bezai <01209> [Bezai.]
[323.]
Harif <02756> [Hariph.]
Hariph and Jorah were probably two distinct names of this person.
[Jorah.]
Gibeon <01391> [Gibeon.]
Gibeon is probably a mistake for Gibbar, or the contrary; though this person may have been called by both names.
[Gibbar.]
men <0582> [The men.]
The Septuagint reads here the same as in the parallel place, [Huioi Baithalem, hekaton eikositris; huioi Atopha (Alex. Anetopha) pentekontaex;] "The children of Bethlehem, one hundred twenty and three; the children of Netophah, fifty and six." Though this reading is not found in any Hebrew MS. yet collated, it is doubtless the true one.
Bethlehem <01035> [Bethlehem.]
[179.]
Anathoth <06068> [Anathoth.]
family of Azmaveth <01041> [Beth-azmaveth.]
[Azmaveth.]
Kiriath Jearim <07157> [Kirjath-jearim.]
Instead of Kirjath-arim, in the parallel place of Ezra, many MSS. read Kirjath-jearim, as here.
[Kirjath-arim.]
Ramah <07414> [Ramah.]
Micmash <04363> [Michmas.]
The variation between [Mikmƒsh <\\See definition 04363\\>,] {Michmash,} and [Mikmƒc <\\See definition 04363\\>,] {Michmas,} arises from the mutation of [ShŒyn,] {sheen,} and [€ƒmek,] {samech;} though several MSS. have the former reading here also.
[Michmash.]
Bethel <01008> [Beth-el.]
[223.]
Nebo <05015> [Nebo.]
52 <02572 08147> [fifty and two.]
The Alexandrian MS. of the Septuagint adds, [Huioi Magabos hekaton pentekontaex,] "The children of Magbish an hundred fifty and six," as in Ezr 2:30.
other Elam <05867 0312> [the other Elam.]
Harim <02766> [Harim.]
Jericho <03405> [Jericho.]
Lod <03850> [Lod.]
[725.]
Senaah <05570> [Senaah.]
[3,630.]
Jedaiah <03048> [Jedaiah.]
Immer <0564> [Immer.]
Pashhur <06583> [Pashur.]
Harim <02766> [Harim.]
Hodaviah <01937> [Hodevah.]
[Hodaviah.]
[Judah.]
singers <07891> [The singers.]
[128. an hundred.]
One of Dr. Kennicott's MSS. reads in the parallel place of Ezra, "an hundred and forty and eight," as here.
gatekeepers <07778> [The porters.]
[130.]
temple servants <05411> [Nethinims.]
Hasupha <02817> [Hashupha.]
[Hasupha.]
Sia <05517> [Sia.]
[Siaha.]
Hagabah <02286> [Hagaba.]
[Hagabah, or Hagab.]
The Alexandrian MS. of the Septuagint inserts here, [uioi Akoud, uioi Outa, weoi Ketar, weoi Agab] "the children of Akoud, the children of Outa, the children of Ketar, the children of Agab," or Hagab: see the parallel passages.
Shalmai <08014> [Shalmai.]
In the parallel passage not only the Keri and Septuagint, but many of Dr. Kennicott's MSS. read Shalmai, as here. A more extensive collation of MSS. would doubtless tend still more to harmonize both the names and numbers.
[Shamlai.]
Paseah <06454> [Phaseah.]
This variation only exists in the translation; the original being uniformly Pas‰ah.
[Paseah.]
Meunim <04586> [Meunim.]
The first of these variations is attributable to the translation, the original being uniformly, [Me–wnŒy <\\See definition 04586\\>,] {Me–nim;} and the latter arises from the mutation of, [Vƒv,] {wav,} and, [Y“wd,] {yood,} and insertion of, [ShŒyn,] {sheen,} though in the parallel passage the Kethiv is [NephŒycŒym <\\See definition 05304\\>,] {Nephisim;} and here the Keri and many MSS. have [Neph–whsecŒym <\\See definition 05300\\>,] {Nephishesim.}
[Mehunim, Nephusim.]
Bazluth <01213> [Bazlith.]
Instead of Bazlith, many MSS. and the LXX. have Bazluth, as in the parallel place.
[Bazluth.]
Temah <08547> [Tamah.]
Here there is no variation in the original; it being uniformly Tamah.
[Thamah.]
Solomon <08010> [Solomon's.]
Perida <06514> [Perida.]
Three MSS. have Peruda, instead of Perida, as in Ezra.
[Peruda.]
Jaala <03279> [Jaala.]
The variation of [Yaalƒ <\\See definition 03279\\>,] {Jaalah,} and [Yaalƒh <\\See definition 03279\\>,} {Jaala,} merely arises from the mutation of [Hˆ,] {hay,} into ['Aleph,] {aleph,} according to the Chaldee dialect.
[Jaalah.]
Amon <0526> [Amon.]
Instead of Amon, two of De Rossi's MSS. have Amin, and the LXX. have [Emim,] Emim; which nearly approaches the Ami of Ezra.
[Ami.]
temple servants <05411> [the Nethinims.]
Tel Harsha <08521> [Tel-haresha.]
The first of these variations only exists in the translation; the original being uniformly [Tˆl Charshƒ <\\See definition 08521\\>,] {Tel-harsha:} the latter simply arises from the insertion of a [Vƒv,] {wav;} being written ['Addƒn <\\See definition 0135\\>,] {Addan,} in the parallel passage, and ['Add“wn <\\See definition 0114\\>,] {Addon,} here.
[Tel-harsa, Addan. seed. or, pedigree.]
642 <08337 03967> [six hundred.]
[652.]
priests <03548> [of the priests.]
Barzillai ........... Barzillai <01271> [Barzillai.]
searched <01245> [These sought.]
genealogical materials <03187> [those that were.]
found <04672> [but it was.]
excluded <01351> [as polluted.]
governor <08660> [the Tirshatha. or, the governor.]
eat <0398> [that they should.]
consult <05975> [till there.]
male .... servants <05650> [their man-servants.]
7,337 ......... 245 <03967> [two hundred.]
[200.]
Here Jerome adds, in the Vulgate, {Hucusque refertur quid in commentario scriptum fuerit; exin Nehemi‘ historia texitur:} "Thus far do the words extend which were written in the register; what follows belongs to the history of Nehemiah." This addition is not found in the Hebrew, or any ancient version: it is also wanting in the Paris and Complutensian Polyglotts; but is found in the Editio Prima of the Vulgate. What follows, however, seems to relate to a distinct oblation from that recorded in Ezra; and was probably made after the people were registered by Nehemiah, who was the Tirshatha, or governor, at this time, as Zerubbabel had been at the first return of the Jews from captivity. Blessed be God that our faith and hope are not built upon the niceties of names and numbers, genealogy and chronology, but on the great things of the law and gospel. Whatever is given to the work of God and his cause will surely be remembered by him (Heb 6:10).
Some <07117> [some. Heb. part.]
leaders <07218> [the chief.]
governor <08660> [The Tirshatha.]
drachmas <01871> [drams.]
Darkemonim, or darics; a Persian gold coin, worth about 1Å“. 5s.
bowls <04219> [basons.]
leaders <07218> [chief.]
minas <04488> [pound. Manim, manehs or minas.]
As a weight, the maneh was equal to 100 shekels; but as a coin, equal to 60 shekels, or about 9Å“.
Israel ............. Israelites <03478> [all Israel.]
It was for the purpose of ascertaining the different families, and consequently the different cities, villages, etc., which belonged to them, according to the ancient division of the land, that the public registers were examined.
seventh <07637> [when the seventh.]
people <05971> [A.M. 3559. B.C. 445. all the people.]
together <0259 0376> [as one man.]
front <06440> [before.]
Ezra <05830> [Ezra.]
bring <0935> [bring.]
priest <03548> [priest.]
assembly <06951> [congregation.]
understand .... heard <0995 08085> [could hear with understanding. Heb. understood in hearing.]
first <0259> [the first.]
read <07121> [he read.]
dawn <0216> [morning. Heb. light.]
understand <0241> [ears.]
towering ... platform <04026> [pulpit. Heb. tower. Maaseiah.]
Malkijah <04441> [Malchiah.]
Hashum <02828> [Hashum.]
Meshullam <04918> [Meshullam.]
opened ..................... opened <06605> [opened.]
view <05869> [sight. Heb. eyes. stood up.]
blessed <01288> [blessed.]
Amen Amen <0543> [Amen.]
lifted <04607> [with lifting.]
bowed <06915> [bowed.]
faces <0639> [with their faces.]
Jeshua <03442> [Jeshua.]
Bani <01137> [Bani.]
Sherebiah <08274> [Sherebiah.]
Akkub <06126> [Akkub.]
Hodiah <01941> [Hodijah.]
Maaseiah <04641> [Maaseiah.]
Kelita <07042> [Kelita.]
Azariah <05838> [Azariah.]
Jozabad <03107> [Jozabad.]
Hanan <02605> [Hanan.]
Pelaiah <06411> [Pelaiah.]
people ...... people <05971> [caused.]
imparting insight <07760 07922> [and gave the sense.]
Nehemiah <05166> [Nehemiah.]
governor <08660> [Tirshatha. or, governor. Ezra.]
Levites <03881> [the Levites.]
day <03117> [This day.]
mourn ... weep ........ weeping <056 01058> [mourn not.]
people ...... them ................... people <05971> [all the people.]
<03212> [Go your way.]
eat <0398> [eat.]
send <07971> [send.]
joy <02304> [the joy.]
quieted <02814> [stilled.]
tremendous <07971> [to send.]
<06213> [to make.]
insight <0995> [because.]
second <08145> [the second.]
consider ... words .... law <01697 08451 07919> [to understand the words of the law. or, that they might instruct in the words of the law.]
through <03027> [by. Heb. by the hand of. dwell.]
shelters <05521> [booths.]
festival <02282> [the feast.]
That is, the feast of tabernacles, which was held in the month {Tisri,} the seventh of the ecclesiastical year, in commemoration of the sojourning of the Israelites in the wilderness after they had been delivered from Egyptian bondage. For other particulars see the parallel passages.
make a proclamation <08085> [And that.]
Jerusalem <03389> [in Jerusalem.]
hill country <02022> [the mount.]
bring back <0935> [fetch.]
olive <02132> [olive.]
date palms <08558> [palm.]
roof <01406> [the roof.]
courtyard ..... courtyards <02691> [the courts.]
plaza .... Water Gate .... plaza ..... Gate <04325 08179 07339> [the street of the water gate.]
Gate ....... Ephraim Gate <08179 0669> [gate of Ephraim.]
temporary shelters ... lived <03427 05521> [sat under.]
Joshua <03442> [Jeshua.]
[Joshua.]
[Jesus. had not.]
So ...................... done <06213> [done so.]
very <03966> [there was.]
day ... day ..... day ........... days ... on .... day <03117> [day by day.]
assembly <06116> [a solemn assembly. Heb. a restraint. according.]
twenty-fourth <06242> [Now.]
On the first of this month was the feast of trumpets; on the tenth, the day of atonement; on the fourteenth began the feast of tabernacles, which lasted seven days, ending on the twenty- second; on the twenty-third, they separated themselves from their illegitimate wives; and on the twenty-fourth, they held a solemn day of fasting and confession of sin, and reading the law; the whole of which they closed by renewing their covenants.
twenty-fourth <06242> [twenty.]
month <02320> [of this month.]
Israelites <01121> [children.]
dust <0127> [earth.]
descent <02233> [the seed.]
foreigners <01121> [strangers. Heb. strange children.]
confessing <03034> [confessed.]
<06965> [they stood.]
fourth <07243> [one fourth.]
steps <04608> [stairs. or, scaffold. Jeshua.]
called out <02199> [cried.]
Stand up <06965> [Stand up.]
bless ....................... blessed <01288> [bless.]
glorious <03519> [thy glorious.]
lifted up <07311> [exalted.]
LORD <03068> [even thou.]
made <06213> [thou hast.]
heavens .... highest heavens ................................... heaven <08064> [the heaven.]
life <02421> [preservest.]
stars .......................... multitudes <06635> [the host.]
chose <0977> [choose.]
Ur <0218> [Ur.]
changed <07760> [gavest.]
perceived <04672> [foundest.]
established <03772> [madest.]
Canaanites <03669> [the Canaanites.]
fulfilled <06965> [hast performed.]
righteous <06662> [righteous.]
saw <07200> [didst see.]
heard <08085> [heardest.]
performed <05414> [shewedst.]
acted presumptuously <02102> [they.]
made <06213> [didst.]
split <01234> [divide.]
pursuers <07291> [their persecutors.]
stone <068> [as a stone.]
guided <05148> [thou leddest.]
path <01870> [in the way.]
down <03381> [camest.]
spoke <01696> [spakest.]
provided them <05414> [gavest.]
true laws <08451 0571> [true laws. Heb. laws of truth.]
known <03045> [madest.]
issued ....... them <06680> [commandedst.]
Moses <04872> [Moses.]
provided ............. you ............................... give <05414> [gavest.]
forth <03318> [broughtest.]
enter <0935> [go.]
<03027> [sworn. Heb. lift up thine hand.]
presumptuously <02102> [dealt.]
<07185> [hardened.]
obey <08085> [hearkened.]
There were two things to which the Israelites did not duly give heed, else they had not done as they did. The word of God they heard, but they gave no heed to God's commandments: and the works of God they saw, but were not mindful of his wonders. Had they really considered them as miracles, they would have obeyed from a principle of faith and holy fear: had they duly considered them as mercies, they would have obeyed from a principle of gratitude and holy love.
refused <03985> [refused.]
recall <02142> [mindful.]
rebelled <04805> [in their rebellion.]
Instead of {bemiryam,} "in their rebellion," seven MSS., one edition, and the LXX., have {bemitzrayim,} "in Egypt:" "appointed a captain to return to their bondage in Egypt."
appointed <05414> [appointed.]
God <0433> [a God.]
forgiveness <05547> [ready to pardon. Heb. of pardons. gracious.]
abandon <05800> [forsookest.]
great <07227> [in thy.]
pillar ................. pillar <05982> [the pillar.]
imparted .................. provided <05414> [gavest.]
good <02896> [good.]
withhold <04513> [withheldest.]
imparted .................. provided <05414> [gavest.]
forty <0705> [forty.]
clothes ........ feet <08008 07272> [their.]
gave <05414> [thou.]
allocated <02505> [divide.]
Sihon <05511> [Sihon.]
multiplied <07235> [multipliedst.]
brought ............ enter <0935> [broughtest.]
told <0559> [which thou.]
descendants <01121> [So the.]
subdued <03665> [thou subduedst.]
pleased <07522> [as they would. Heb. according to their will.]
fortified <01219> [strong.]
fertile land <0127 08082> [a fat land.]
wells <0953> [wells. or, cisterns. fruit trees. Heb. trees of food. did eat.]
fat <08080> [and became fat.]
They became effeminate, fell under the power of luxury, got totally corrupted in their manners, sinned against all the mercies of God, and then were destroyed by His judgments.
enjoyed <05727> [delighted.]
disobedient <04784> [they were.]
disregarded ... law <08451 07993> [cast thy law.]
killed <02026> [slew.]
committed <06213> [wrought.]
delivered ................................. provided <05414> [thou deliveredst.]
time <06256> [in the time.]
deliverers ... rescue <03467> [saviours.]
back ... doing evil ................... again <07451 07725 06213> [did evil again. Heb. returned to do evil.]
heard <08085> [heardest.]
time <06256 07227> [many times.]
solemnly admonished <05749> [testifiedst.]
behaved presumptuously <02102> [yet they.]
individual <0120> [which.]
boldly turned from <03802 05414> [withdrew the shoulder. Heb. gave a withdrawing shoulder.]
rebelled <07185> [and hardened.]
many years <08141 07227> [many years.]
prolonged ............ admonished <04900 05749> [forbear them. Heb. protract over them. testifiedst.]
Spirit <07307> [by thy spirit.]
prophets <05030> [thy prophets. Heb. the hand of thy prophets. therefore.]
abundant <07227> [for thy great.]
merciful <02587> [gracious.]
God <0430> [our God.]
keeps <08104> [keepest.]
hardship <08513> [trouble. Heb. weariness. little before thee.]
befallen .... kings ................... kings <04672 04428> [come upon us. Heb. found us. on our kings.]
days .......... day <03117> [since the time.]
righteous <06662> [Howbeit.]
wrong <07561> [but we.]
attention <07181> [nor hearkened.]
testimonies <05715> [thy testimonies.]
admonished <05749> [thou didst.]
serve <05647> [For they.]
kingdom <04438> [in their kingdom.]
Instead of {bemalkuthom,} "in their kingdom," {bemalkuthecha,} "in thy kingdom," is the reading of two of Dr. Kennicott's MSS., LXX., Syriac, and Arabic.
incredible <07227> [thy great.]
fertile land <0776 08082> [fat land.]
abundant <07235> [it yieldeth.]
rule <04910> [dominion.]
<03772> [we make.]
sealed <02856> [seal unto it. Heb. are at the sealing, or sealed.]
sealed <02856> [those that sealed. Heb. at the sealings.]
Nehemiah <05166> [Nehemiah.]
governor <08660> [Tirshatha. or, governor.]
son ... Hacaliah <02446 01121> [son of Hachaliah.]
Seraiah <08304> [Seraiah.]
Pashhur <06583> [Pashur.]
Amariah <0568> [Amariah.]
Malkijah <04441> [Malchijah.]
The original is uniformly Malchijah, or rather, Malkeeyah.
[Malchiah.]
Hattush <02407> [Hattush.]
Shebaniah <07645> [Shebaniah.]
Malluch <04409> [Malluch.]
Harim <02766> [Harim.]
Meremoth <04822> [Meremoth.]
Ginnethon <01599> [Ginnethon.]
[Ginnetho. Baruch.]
Meshullam <04918> [Meshullam.]
Abijah <029> [Abijah.]
Mijamin <04326> [Mijamin.]
Mijamin and Miamin are the same in the original, [MÅ’yÆ’mÅ’n <\\See definition 04326\\>,] which is a defective form of [MinyÆ’mÅ’n <\\See definition 04509\\>,] Miniamin.
[Miamin.]
[Miniamin.]
Bilgai <01084> [Bilgai.]
[Bilgah. Shemaiah.]
Jeshua <03442> [Jeshua.]
Henadad <02582> [Henadad.]
Shebaniah <07645> [Shebaniah.]
Hashabiah <02811> [Hashabiah.]
Sherebiah <08274> [Sherebiah.]
Parosh <06551> [Parosh.]
[Zattu.]
The original is uniformly Zattu.
Bani <01137> [Bani.]
[Binnui.]
Azgad <05803> [Azgad.]
Bigvai <0902> [Bigvai.]
Hashum <02828> [Hashum.]
rest <07605> [the rest.]
separated <0914> [all they.]
law <08451> [unto the law.]
<03045> [every one.]
participate <02388> [clave.]
enter into <0935> [entered.]
<03212> [to walk.]
given <05414> [given.]
through <03027> [by. Heb. by the hand of. to observe.]
LORD <03068> [the Lord.]
peoples <05971> [the people.]
holy day .................... day <03117 06944> [on the holy day.]
fallow <05203> [and that we.]
<04853> [the exaction.]
loan <03027> [debt. Heb. band.]
give <05414> [to charge.]
one third <07992> [the third part.]
According to the law, every one above twenty years of age was to give half a shekel to the sanctuary for a ransom for their souls. But, on account of the general poverty of the people, occasioned by their wars, and captivity, and by heavy tributes, etc., in the land of their captivity, this sum was reduced to the third part of a shekel.
presentation <04635> [the shewbread.]
regular ..... regular burnt offerings <08548 05930> [the continual burnt.]
work <04399> [all the work.]
cast <05307> [cast.]
wood offerings <07133 06086> [the wood offering.]
It was the business of the Nethinim to procure the wood for the fires of the temple: but it is probable few of them returned to their former masters after the captivity; and therefore they found it necessary to cast lots among the priests, Levites, and people, who should furnish the wood at appointed times. This bringing of the wood to the temple at last became a great day; and was constituted into a feast, called by Josephus, [Xylophoria,] "the carrying of the wood" (Bell. 1. ii. c. 17. sec.6).
times <06256> [at times.]
written <03789> [as it is written.]
firstborn .......... firstborn <01060> [the first-born.]
priests <03548> [unto.]
first <07225> [the first-fruits.]
storerooms <03957> [to the chambers.]
tenth <04643> [and the tithes.]
Levites .... Levites ....... Levites <03881> [when the Levites.]
tenth .... tithes <04643> [the tithe.]
The tithes of all the produce of the fields were brought to the Levites; and out of these a tenth part was given to the priests, which is here called the tithe of the tithes: see the parallel passages.
temple .......... treasury <01004 0214> [the treasure house.]
Israelites .... Levites <01121> [For the children.]
Israelites .... Levites <01121> [the children.]
neglect <05800> [we will not.]
leaders <08269> [the rulers.]
cast lots <01486 05307> [cast lots.]
Jerusalem certainly had many inhabitants at this time, but not sufficient to preserve the city, which was now encompassed with a wall, the building of which was going on fast. Nehemiah, therefore, obliged one-tenth of the country people to come and dwell in it, that the population might be sufficient for the defence of the city. Some volunteered their services, which was at that time considered a sacrifice to patriotism; as Jerusalem then afforded very few advantages, and was a place of considerable danger: hence "the people blessed them that willingly offered themselves."
one ..... ten <0259 06235> [one of ten.]
holy <06944> [the holy.]
blessing <01288> [blessed.]
volunteered <05068> [willingly.]
leaders <07218> [Now.]
There is a good deal of difference between this enumeration and that in Chronicles; as this comprehends not only those who came first with Zerubbabel, but also those who came with Ezra and Nehemiah: see on 1 Ch 9:18.
leaders <07218> [the chief.]
Israelites <03478> [Israel.]
temple attendants <05411> [Nethinims.]
sons <01121> [the children.]
settled <03427> [dwelt.]
Perez <06557> [Perez.]
The variation of Pharez and Perez is only found in the translation; the original being uniformly [Perets <\\See definition 06557\\>.]
[Pharez.]
[Phares.]
Col-Hozeh <03626> [Col-hozeh.]
Shelah <08023> [Shiloni.]
Some suppose Shiloni to be the name of a man; others derive it from Shiloh, the city so called; and others derive it from Shelah, son of Judah.
[Shelah.]
[Shelanites.]
descendants ..... son ..... son ..... son ..... son ..... son ..... son ..... son <01121> [the sons.]
Joed <03133> [Joed.]
It is probable that Joed was also called Hodaviah, and that Pedaiah had also the name of Hasenuah.
Judah <03063> [Judah.]
[Hodaviah. Hasenuah.]
Jedaiah <03048> [Jedaiah.]
One of Dr. Kennicott's MSS. omits, [bˆn <\\See definition 01121\\>,] {ben,} "son of," and reads "Jedaiah, Joiarib, Jachin:" which is nearly that of the parallel place. Joiarib, [Y“wyƒrŒyb <\\See definition 03114\\>,] is merely a contracted form of [Yeh“wyƒrŒyb <\\See definition 03080\\>,] Jehoiarib, by the elision of [Hˆ',] {hay.}
[Jehoiarib.]
Joiarib <03114> [Joiarib.]
Seraiah <08304> [Seraiah.]
Seraiah probably had also the name of Azariah.
[Azariah.]
supervisor <05057> [the ruler.]
He had the command over all secular matters; as the high priest had over all those which were spiritual.
Adaiah <05718> [Adaiah.]
Haggedolim <01419> [of one of the great men. or, of Haggedolim.]
Shemaiah <08098> [Shemaiah.]
Shabbethai <07678> [Shabbethai.]
external <02435> [had the oversight of. Heb. were over.]
external <02435> [outward.]
Calmet supposes they provided the victuals for the priests, the victims for the sacrifices, the sacerdotal vestments, the sacred vessels, and other necessaries for the service of the temple.
Zabdi <02067> [Zabdi.]
In the parallel passage, instead of Zichri, many manuscripts have Zabdi, as here: he is also called Zaccur.
[Zichri. to begin.]
thanksgiving <03034> [thanksgiving.]
Bakbukiah <01229> [Bakbukiah.]
holy <06944> [the holy.]
Akkub <06126> [Akkub.]
guarding <08104> [that kept.]
gates <08179> [the gates. Heb. at the gates.]
temple attendants ............ them <05411> [the.]
Ophel <06077> [Ophel. or, the tower.]
overseer <06496> [overseer.]
Uzzi <05813> [Uzzi.]
Bani <01137> [Bani.]
Hashabiah <02811> [Hashabiah.]
Mattaniah <04983> [Mattaniah.]
son ..... son ..... son ..... son ......... descendants <01121> [Of the sons.]
responsible <05048> [were over.]
royal <04428> [the king's.]
determined their activity <0548> [a certain portion. or, a sure ordinance.]
Meshezabel <04898> [Meshezabeel.]
Zerah <02226> [Zerah.]
[Zarah.]
[Zara. at the king's.]
Kiriath Arba <07153> [Kirjath-arba.]
Dibon <01769> [Dibon.]
[Dimonah. Jekabzeel.]
[Kabzeel.]
Moladah <04137> [Moladah.]
Beth Pelet <01046> [Beth-phelet.]
[Beth-palet.]
[Hazar-shua.]
[Beth-sheba.]
Ziklag <06860> [Ziklag.]
Meconah <04368> [Mekonah.]
Probably the Mechanam which Jerome (in Beth-macha) places eight miles from Eleutheropolis, towards Jerusalem.
En Rimmon <05884> [En-rimmon.]
Rimmon is placed by Eusebius in the south of Judah, 16 miles south of Eleutheropolis.
[Rimmon. Zareah.]
These variations are only chargeable to the translator; the original being uniformly ZorÆ’h.
[Zoreah.]
[Zorah. Jarmuth.]
Zanoah <02182> [Zanoah.]
Adullam <05725> [Adullam.]
Lachish <03923> [Lachish.]
Azekah <05825> [Azekah.]
Valley <01516> [the valley.]
Geba <01387> [from Geba. or, of Geba.]
[Gaba.]
Micmash <04363> [at Michmash. or, to Michmash.]
[Michmas.]
Aija <05857> [Aija.]
[Ai.]
[Hai.]
[Ai. Beth-el.]
Anathoth <06068> [Anathoth.]
Nob <05011> [Nob.]
Ramah <07414> [Ramah.]
[Rama. Gittaim.]
Zeboim <06650> [Zeboim.]
Lod <03850> [Lod.]
Valley <01516> [the valley.]
Levites <03881> [And of.]
divisions <04256> [divisions.]
We have in this chapter a record of little more than the names of a great many priests and Levites, that were eminent in their day among the returned Jews. It is good to know what our godly ancestors and predecessors were, that we may learn thereby what we should be.
priests <03548> [the priests.]
Zerubbabel <02216> [Zerubbabel.]
[Zorobabel. Salathiel. Jeshua.]
[Joshua. Seraiah.]
Malluch <04409> [Malluch.]
[Melicu.]
Shecaniah <07935> [Shechaniah.]
[Shebaniah. Rehum.]
[Harim. Meremoth.]
[Meraioth.]
Ginnethon <01599> [Ginnetho.]
Instead of Ginnetho, many MSS., and Vulgate have Ginnethon.
[Ginnethon. Abijah.]
[Abia.]
Mijamin <04326> [Miamin.]
[Miniamin. Maadiah.]
The variation between Moadiah, [M“wadyƒh <\\See definition 04153\\>,] and Maadiah, [Maadyƒh <\\See definition 04573\\>,] merely arises from the elision of [Vƒv,] {wav;} the LXX., however, in ver. 17, have [Maasai.]
[Moadiah.]
Joiarib <03114> [Joiarib.]
[Jehoiarib.]
Sallu <05543> [Sallu.]
The variation of [Call–w <\\See definition 05543\\>,] Sallu, and [Callay <\\See definition 05543\\>,] Sallai, is simply caused by the mutation of [Vƒv,] {wav} and [Y“wd,] {yood.}
[Sallai. the chief.]
"The chief of the priests" seem to have been the heads of the courses established by David.
Jeshua <03442> [of Jeshua.]
Jeshua <03442> [Jeshua.]
Mattaniah <04983> [Mattaniah.]
thanksgiving <01960> [the thanksgiving. that is, The psalms of thanksgiving.]
services <04931> [over against.]
Jeshua <03442> [Jeshua.]
Eliashib Eliashib <0475> [Eliashib.]
Jonathan ... Jonathan <03129> [Jonathan.]
Jaddua is supposed to be Jaddus the high priest, who went in his pontifical robes to meet Alexander the Great, when advancing to destroy Jerusalem; who was so struck with his appearance, that he forbore all hostilities, and granted many privileges to the Jews. According to Eusebius, he was high priest from A.M. 3665 to 3982.
leaders <07218> [the chief.]
Seraiah <08304> [Seraiah.]
Malluch <04409> [Melicu.]
[Malluch. Shebaniah.]
Two MSS., and Vulgate in ver. 3, have Shebaniah; and here many MSS. have Shechaniah.
[Shechaniah.]
Harim <02766> [Harim.]
[Rehum. Meraioth.]
[Meremoth.]
Iddo <05714> [Iddo.]
Ginnethon <01599> [Ginnethon.]
[Ginnetho.]
Miniamin <04509> [Miniamin.]
The LXX., and Vulgate have here [Miamin,] Miamin.
[Miamin. Moadiah.]
[Maadiah.]
Shemaiah <08098> [Shemaiah.]
Sallu <05543> [Sallai.]
[Sallu.]
Eliashib <0475> [Eliashib.]
recorded <03789> [recorded.]
Book <05612> [the book.]
Hashabiah <02811> [Hashabiah.]
<04687> [according.]
man <0376> [the man.]
contingent <04929> [ward.]
Mattaniah <04983> [Mattaniah.]
guarding <08104> [keeping.]
storerooms <0624> [thresholds. or, treasuries, or assemblies.]
Joiakim <03113> [Joiakim.]
Nehemiah <05166> [Nehemiah.]
dedication .......................... dedication <02598> [A.M. 3559. B.C. 445. the dedication.]
Jerusalem was the holy city, and the wall was built under the immediate superintendence and blessing of Jehovah: it was therefore proper that it should be dedicated to that God who was there worshipped by solemn praises, prayers, and sacrifices. The dedication seems to have consisted in processions of the most eminent persons around the walls, with thanksgivings to God, who had enabled them to bring the work to so happy a conclusion; and, no doubt, to all this were added a particular consecration of the city to God, and the most earnest invocation that He would take it under His guardianship, and defend it and its inhabitants against their enemies.
places <04725> [out.]
joyfully <08057> [gladness.]
thanksgiving <08426> [thanksgivings.]
district <03603> [plain.]
Netophathites <05200> [Netophathi.]
Beth <01004> [the house.]
Or, Beth-Gilgal, a village erected where the Israelites encamped after they had crossed the Jordan.
Geba <01387> [Geba.]
Azmaveth <05820> [Azmaveth.]
purified .... purified <02891> [themselves.]
leaders <08269> [the princes.]
two large <08147 01419> [two great.]
Dung Gate <08179 0830> [dung gate.]
Azariah <05838> [Azariah.]
trumpets <02689> [with trumpets.]
Zechariah <02148> [Zechariah.]
musical instruments <03627 07892> [musical instruments.]
Ezra <05830> [Ezra.]
Fountain Gate ............................... Gate <08179 05869> [the fountain gate.]
steps <04609> [the stairs.]
Jerusalem was built on very uneven ground, some hills being enclosed within the walls, there was a necessity, therefore, for steps, by which to ascend and descend; probably similar to what is seen in the city of Bristol.
Gate .............................. Water Gate <08179 04325> [water gate.]
second <08145> [other.]
Tower <04026> [tower.]
Broad <07342> [broad.]
Ephraim Gate .... Gate .... Gate ............... Gate ...... Gate <0669 08179> [the gate of Ephraim.]
<03465> [the old.]
Gate .... Gate ... Fish Gate ............... Gate ...... Gate <08179 01709> [the fish gate.]
Tower ...... Tower <04026> [the tower.]
Sheep <06629> [the sheep.]
Guard <04307> [the prison.]
trumpets <02689> [with trumpets.]
loudly <08085> [sang loud. Heb. made their voice to be heard.]
under the direction <06496> [overseer.]
offered <02076> [offered.]
God <0430> [God.]
women ... children <0802 03206> [the wives also.]
joy ......... rejoicing <08057> [the joy.]
<0582> [some.]
storerooms <05393> [chambers.]
law <08451> [of the law. that is, appointed by the law. Judah rejoiced.]
Heb. the joy of Judah. Levites.
who ... ministering <05975> [waited. Heb. stood.]
singers <07891> [the singers.]
service ....... service <04931> [the ward.]
That is, they suffered no unclean person to enter the temple.
Asaph <0623> [and Asaph.]
Zerubbabel <02216> [Zerubbabel.]
contributing <05414> [gave.]
set aside the portion ........ set aside the portion <06942> [and they.]
That is, the people separated, or set apart, the tenth of the produce of their lands for the use of the Levites; and the Levites separated the tenth of their tithes for the priests.
set aside the portion ........ set aside the portion <06942> [sanctified. that is, set apart.]
day <03117> [that day.]
Some suppose that the events recorded in these verses took place several years after those related in the preceding chapter, while Nehemiah was absent at the Persian court; but the introductory language, on that day, seems rather to imply that they occurred immediately, or at least about that time.
read <07121> [they read. Heb. there was read.]
hearing <0241> [audience. Heb. ears. the Ammonite.]
Moabite <04125> [Moabite.]
met <06923> [Because.]
hired Balaam <01109 07936> [hired Balaam.]
God <0430> [our God.]
heard <08085> [when they.]
removed from <0914> [that they.]
mixed ancestry <06154> [the mixed.]
Eliashib <0475> [Eliashib.]
appointed over ... storerooms <05414 03957> [having the oversight of. Heb. being set over.]
relative <07138> [allied.]
large <01419> [a great.]
commanded .... Levites <04687 03881> [which was commanded to be given to the. Heb. the commandment of the.]
Jerusalem <03389> [But.]
Jerusalem <03389> [was.]
Nehemiah came to Jerusalem in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes, and remained there till the thirty-second, being twelve years; then returned to Babylon; and probably, after about a year, got leave to revisit his brethren, and found matters as here stated.
thirty-second <08147> [the two.]
After ... time <03117 07093> [after certain days. Heb. at the end of days.]
requested <07592> [obtained I. or, I earnestly requested.]
Then ... discovered <0995> [understood.]
done ..... supplying <06213> [in preparing.]
<03415> [it grieved.]
threw <07993> [I cast.]
purified <02891> [they cleansed.]
grain offerings <04521> [the portions.]
fields <07704> [to his field.]
[contend.]
temple <01004> [Why is the house.]
positions <05977> [place. Heb. standing.]
brought <0935> [brought.]
storerooms <0214> [treasuries. or, storehouses.]
gave instructions <0686> [I made.]
Shelemiah <08018> [Shelemiah.]
Pedaiah <06305> [Pedaiah.]
assistant <03027> [next to them. Heb. at their hand. Zaccur.]
Mattaniah <04983> [Mattaniah.]
regarded <02803> [counted.]
distribution <02505> [their office. Heb. it was upon them. to distribute.]
remember ....... God .................. God <02142 0430> [Remember me.]
wipe out <04229> [wipe not.]
If thou wert strict to mark what is done amiss, even my good deeds must be wiped out: but, Lord, remember me in thy mercy, and let my upright conduct be acceptable to Thee! By some, Nehemiah has been thought to deal too much with God on the principle of merit. That he wished God to remember him for good is sufficiently evident, and who does not wish the same? But that he expected heaven for his good deeds does not appear; for it is perfectly clear that he expected nothing from God but through the greatness of his mercy.
kindness ..... done <02617 06213> [good deeds. Heb. kindnesses. house.]
services <04929> [offices. or, observations.]
treading winepresses <01869 01660> [treading wine.]
loads <04853> [burdens.]
warned <05749> [I testified.]
Tyre <06876> [men of Tyre.]
So ... registered <07378> [I contended.]
ancestors acted <06213 01> [Did not your.]
causing ..... bring ............... causing <0935 03254> [ye bring more.]
evening shadows began to fall <06751> [began to be.]
ordered ......... directed <0559> [I commanded.]
warned <05749> [I testified.]
by ... wall <02346 05048> [about the wall. Heb. before the wall. I will lay.]
<0559> [I commanded.]
purify <02891> [cleanse.]
holy <06942> [sanctify.]
remember <02142> [Remember.]
pity ........ great <02347 07230> [spare me.]
great <07230> [greatness. or, multitude.]
Ammon <03427> [married. Heb. made to dwell with them.]
Ashdod <0796> [Ashdod.]
Ammon <05984> [Ammon.]
spoke .................. unable ... speak <01696 05234> [could not speak. Heb. they discerned not to speak. each people. Heb. people and people.]
So ..... complaint <07378> [I contended.]
curse <07043> [cursed. or, reviled.]
struck <05221> [smote.]
pulled <04803> [plucked.]
swear <07650> [made them.]
you will <05414> [Ye shall not.]
Solomon <08010> [Did not Solomon.]
many <07227> [yet among.]
loved <0157> [who was beloved.]
hear <08085> [Shall we then.]
unfaithful <04603> [to transgress.]
sons .... son <01121> [And one.]
Josephus relates, that this young man was named Manasseh; and that at his request, Sanballat and the Samaritans built their temple upon mount Gerizim, in opposition to that at Jerusalem, at which he officiated, in some measure, according to the Mosaic ritual.
Joiada <03111> [Joiada.]
Eliashib <0475> [Eliashib.]
son-in-law <02860> [son in law.]
Sanballat <05571> [Sanballat.]
banished ... from <01272> [I chased.]
remember <02142> [Remember.]
defiled <01352> [because they have defiled. Heb. for the defilings of.]
covenant <01285> [the covenant.]
purified <02891> [cleansed.]
assigned <05975> [appointed.]
wood <06086> [the wood.]
remember <02142> [Remember.]
CONCLUDING REMARKS ON THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH. Of Nehemiah, the author and principal actor in the events recorded in this book, the Jews speak as one of the greatest men of their nation. His concern for his country entitles him to the character of the first patriot that ever lived. Descended, according to some, of the family of Aaron, or according to others, of the tribe of Judah and allied to the royal family of David, in the course of Divine Providence, he was a captive in Babylon: but there his excellences were so apparent, that he was chosen by the Persian king to fill an office the most respectable and the most confidential in the whole court. Here he lived in ease and affluence: he lacked no good thing; and here he might have continued to live, in the same affluence, and in the same confidence; but he could enjoy neither, so long as he knew his people distressed, the sepulchres of his fathers trodden under foot, the altars of his God overturned, and his worship either totally neglected or corrupted. He sought the peace of Jerusalem; prayed for it; and was willing to sacrifice wealth, ease, safety, and even life itself, if he might be the instrument of restoring the desolations of Israel. And God, who saw the desire of his heart, and knew the excellences with which he had endowed him, granted his request, and gave him the high honour of restoring the desolated city of his ancestors, and the pure worship of their God. The opposition of Sanballat and the Samaritans, and the firmness and zeal with which he repelled their insults and ineffectual efforts cannot be read without the liveliest emotions; and will afford to the latest times, a noble and animating example of distinguished patriotism, united with the sincerest devotion to the interests of religion. The virtue and piety of this great and good man, appear with equal lustre in the numerous and important reformations he effected. He relieved the people from their hardships and oppressions, by abolishing the harsh and usurious practices of the nobles and rulers; gave up his own revenue, as governor of the province, for the benefit of the people; and, as a further means of conciliating their affections, exhibited an example of the most princely hospitality. As the best security for good morals, and the better observance of the laws of God, he re-established the offices of public worship, and prevented the profanation of the sabbath, which had arrived at a shameful excess; he furnished the returned captives with authentic registers, and enabled them, in the best manner possible, after so long and calamitous an interval, to trace the genealogies, and claim the inheritance of their respective families; and further, he accomplished the separation of the Jewish people from the mixed multitude, with which they had been incorporated, and annulled the numerous marriages which they had made with heathens and idolaters of every description. For disinterestedness, philanthropy, patriotism, prudence, courage, zeal, humanity, and every virtue that constitutes a great mind, and proves a soul in deep communion with God, Nehemiah will ever stand conspicuous among the greatest men of the Jewish nation; and an exemplar worthy of being copied by the first patriots in every nation under heaven.
