Historical chapter commentary
Verse 1. Lots. Those who had a mind to fix their abode at Jerusalem, received every encouragement. But some were compelled, that the city might regain its ancient splendour, and become the bulwark of the nation. Josephus (xi. 5.) says, that Nehemias built at his own expense houses for the priest and Levites, who chose to reside there.
Verse 2. Blessed. Applauding their zeal and disinterestedness, as the city was yet only a heap of ruins. Calmet.—Some from the other ten tribes returned; but the transactions of three tribes are more particularly noticed. V. Bede. Worthington.
Verse 3. Solomon. See 1 Esdras 2:55 and 1 Chronicles 9:2.
Verse 4. Benjamin, as well as of Ephraim and Manasses. 1 Chronicles 9:3. The difference between this last record and the present, arises from Nehemias including many who returned with Esdras and with himself. Calmet.
Verse 5. Silonite. Of the son of Sela,. 1 Chronicles 9:5. Tirinus.
Verse 9. Second. Vicegerent of Joel, ( Calmet.) or commander of a second part of the city. Syr.
Verse 11. Achitob had the inspection over the Levites and treasures. Eliasib was then pontiff. Calmet.
Verse 13. Amassai. Or (1 Chronicles 9:12.) Maasai, the son of Adiel, the son of Jezra, the son of Mosollam, the son of Mosollamoth, the son of Emmer.
Verse 14. The mighty, for riches and power; on which account this family was conspicuous.
Verse 15. Semeia. The ancient Latin MSS. read Sebenia. Martinay.
Verse 16. Outward. For repairs of the temple, cultivation of the lands given by vow; also to buy provisions, sacred vestments, and so forth
Verse 17. Praise. Master of music. Calmet.—Hebrew “chief to begin the thanksgiving in prayer.” Syr. “leader of the Jews in prayer.” Bible.
Verse 21. Gaspha, were chiefs of the Nathinites. Calmet.—Hebrew “over the,” and so forth Ophel was their place of residence. Calmet. 3:26.
Verse 22. Overseer. Lit. “bishop.” Hebrew pekid, which has the same meaning. Bible.—Christians styled him who was at the head, bishop; as the Athenians did their chief justice. Grot. E. Calmet.
Verse 23. King’s. David’s, (Calmet. 12:24,) or perhaps the Persian monarch, who had appointed a maintenance for the priests, &chapter 1 Ezra 6 and 7. Calmet.—Order. Hebrew “that a certain portion should be for the singers, due for every day.” Prot.
Verse 24. People. They addressed themselves to him, ( Bible.) and he gave an exact account to the king ( Calmet.) of Persia. Menochius.
Verse 25. The houses. Hebrew “and for the dwellings, ( Calmet.) or villages.” Pagnin. Menochius.—Villages. Lit. “daughters,” which is often used in this sense. Bible.
Verse 26. Jesue. This, and many of the other critics, had changed names, or were not built in the time of Josue. Calmet.
Verse 30. Bersabee. The southern extremity of Juda, ( Menochius.) unto the valley on the east of Jerusalem. Adric. 186.
Verse 34–35. Lod. Built by Samad. 1 Chronicles 8:12. It is called Lod-Hadid. Calmet. 7:37.—Ono had the same founder, and stood in the valley of craftsmen. Calmet. 6:2, and 1 Chronicles 4:14.
Verse 36. Portions. The Levites dwelt in the cities assigned to these two tribes. Calmet.