Understanding Nehemiah 11:20

Bible Verse: Nehemiah 11:20 - "And the residue of Israel, of the priests, and the Levites, were in all the cities of Judah, every one in his inheritance." This verse highlights the distribution of the people of Israel following the return from exile and their settlement in their ancestral lands, emphasizing the importance of reestablishing their heritage.

Summary of Meaning

Nehemiah 11:20 serves as a crucial point in understanding the reestablishment of the Jewish community after the Babylonian exile. The verse indicates that among the Jews, priests, and Levites, there was a significant effort to restore their identities and maintain their connections to their ancestral inheritances.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry explains that this verse illustrates the organization of the returning exiles, focusing on the importance of tribal allotments and the need for proper governance. This structuring was crucial for maintaining order and ensuring that the rights of each tribe were respected in the rebuilt Jerusalem.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes points out that the mention of "the residue of Israel" indicates those who remained faithful during the exile and returned to rebuild their nation. This group was not only tasked with physical rebuilding but also re-establishing their spiritual lives in accordance with their inheritance.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke emphasizes the significance of inheritance in the context of Jewish identity, illustrating how each member of the community was connected to their land and heritage. The verse underlines the importance of remembering one's roots and maintaining continuity with the past.

Cross-References and Connections

To better understand Nehemiah 11:20, here are some related Bible verses that connect with its themes:

• Joshua 14:1-2: Highlights the allocation of land to the tribes of Israel.
• Ezra 2:1: Lists the returnees from exile, emphasizing their identities.
• Micah 2:12-13: Speaks to the gathering of remnant Israel, resonating with the themes of restoration.
• Romans 11:1: Paul discusses God's remnant of Israel, which connects to the concept of preserving the lineage.
• Revelation 21:12: Mentions the twelve tribes, linking heritage and identity to the New Jerusalem.
• 1 Peter 2:9: Refers to believers as a chosen people, drawing a parallel to Israel's chosen status.
• Psalm 37:29: Speaks about the righteous inheriting the land, resonating with the idea of inheritance in Nehemiah.

Thematic Connections

Nehemiah 11:20 highlights several themes pertinent to theological study:

• Heritage and Identity: The importance of tribal land and inheritance in shaping national and spiritual identity.
• Restoration: The return from exile as a theme of restoration and rebuilding both community and faith.
• Community Structure: The organization of society and the necessity of leadership roles in rebuilding efforts.

Methods for Understanding Biblical Texts

To gain a deeper understanding of passages like Nehemiah 11:20, consider using the following tools for cross-referencing:

• Bible Concordance: A comprehensive tool to find words and phrases across the scriptures.
• Bible Cross-Reference Guide: Resources that highlight relationships between different verses.
• Bible Study Methods: Utilized to explore interconnections between various texts.
• Annotation Tools: Digital or physical methods to make notes regarding thematic elements.

Conclusion

Through Nehemiah 11:20, we see the restoration of community and faith, underscored by the significance of heritage and inheritance. This verse not only connects us to the historical context of the Israelites but invites us to consider our own spiritual lineage and identity within the broader biblical narrative.