Nehemiah 10:34
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.]
Nehemiah 11:1
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.]
