Nehemiah · Chapter 7

Verses 1, 2. And the Levites were appointed — When I had given orders that the Levites should be summoned from all places to celebrate the dedication of the wall, as was done, Nehemiah 12:27. I gave my brother Hanani — Of whom see Nehemiah 1:1, 2. And Hananiah, the ruler of the palace — Of Nehemiah’s court, justly called a palace, because he lived in great splendour, like a viceroy, though it was wholly at his own cost. Charge over Jerusalem — To preserve its peace and safety, and to take particular care of shutting the gates of the city. For he was a faithful man — Namely, Hananiah, last mentioned: for it was needless to say any thing in commendation of Hanani, who had shown his piety and zeal for God and his country in taking a tedious journey from Jerusalem to Shushan, to inform Nehemiah of the sad state of Jerusalem, and to implore his helping hand to relieve it, chap. 1. And feared God above many — More than most men did, or above the common pitch of piety. This is added as the ground and reason, both why he was faithful, and why Nehemiah put such confidence in him, because he knew that the fear of God would keep him from yielding to those temptations to perfidiousness which he was likely to meet with when Nehemiah was departed, and against which a man destitute of God’s fear had no sufficient defence. Thus Nehemiah chose magistrates and officers, not out of any partial and carnal respects to his own kindred, or acquaintance, or favourites, but from true piety and prudence, fixing on such as were most fit for, and would be most faithful in their employments.

THE GUARDING OF THE GATES, 1-3.

1. Porters… singers… Levites were appointed — To what specific service these persons were appointed is not said, but the context clearly indicates that it was to guard the doors and various quarters of the now enclosed and fortified Jerusalem. The appointed work of the porters formerly had been to guard the gates of the temple. They were reckoned by genealogies and separated into various divisions. See 1 Chronicles 9:17-27; 26:1-12. The singers had charge of the service of song, (1 Chronicles 6:31,) and “their brethren the Levites were appointed unto all manner of service of the tabernacle of the house of God.” 1 Chronicles 6:48. But amid the special dangers of the time Nehemiah may have seen fit to appoint them all to serve by turns in guarding the newly-fortified city.

Verse 2. My brother Hanani] This was the person who gave Nehemiah the account of the desolate state of the Jews, Nehemiah 1:2. He is now made ruler of Jerusalem, probably because Nehemiah was about to return to the Persian court. And he found this man to be one in whom he could trust: 1. Because he was a faithful man-one who had a proper belief in God, his government, and his protection; and being devoted to the interests of his people, would be faithful in the discharge of his office. 2. Because he feared God above many-was the most religious person in the congregation; would govern according to the laws; would take care of the interests of pure religion; would not oppress, take bribes, nor abuse his authority; but act in all things as one who had the fear of God continually before his eyes. These are the proper qualifications of a governor.

Verses 1, 2. And the Levites were appointed — When I had given orders that the Levites should be summoned from all places to celebrate the dedication of the wall, as was done, Nehemiah 12:27. I gave my brother Hanani — Of whom see Nehemiah 1:1, 2. And Hananiah, the ruler of the palace — Of Nehemiah’s court, justly called a palace, because he lived in great splendour, like a viceroy, though it was wholly at his own cost. Charge over Jerusalem — To preserve its peace and safety, and to take particular care of shutting the gates of the city. For he was a faithful man — Namely, Hananiah, last mentioned: for it was needless to say any thing in commendation of Hanani, who had shown his piety and zeal for God and his country in taking a tedious journey from Jerusalem to Shushan, to inform Nehemiah of the sad state of Jerusalem, and to implore his helping hand to relieve it, chap. 1. And feared God above many — More than most men did, or above the common pitch of piety. This is added as the ground and reason, both why he was faithful, and why Nehemiah put such confidence in him, because he knew that the fear of God would keep him from yielding to those temptations to perfidiousness which he was likely to meet with when Nehemiah was departed, and against which a man destitute of God’s fear had no sufficient defence. Thus Nehemiah chose magistrates and officers, not out of any partial and carnal respects to his own kindred, or acquaintance, or favourites, but from true piety and prudence, fixing on such as were most fit for, and would be most faithful in their employments.

Ver. 2. I gave my brother Hanani, probably his eldest brother, who had come to Shushan to represent the injuries sustained by the Jews, from the governor in Samaria: Nehemiah 1:2.—And Hananiah, ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem; Nehemiah being bound by promise to return to Persia.

2. My brother Hanani — Who had brought word to Nehemiah in Persia of the distressed state of Jerusalem. Nehemiah 1:2, 3. His faithful services and love for Judah and Jerusalem made him a proper man for the office now intrusted to him. Ruler of the palace — The chamberlain, or chief overseer of the fortress or palace connected with the temple, which is mentioned in chapter 2:8, where see note. Charge over Jerusalem — Oversight of all parts of the city, but especially of the porters who guarded the gates.

V. 3. Hot-‘Till it be clear and broad day; when the people will be ready in case of an assault. They-The watches appointed to that end. Watches-Nehemiah was now about to return to the court, and left the charge of the city to these in his absence.

Verse 3. Until the sun be hot] The meaning of this is, the gates were not to be opened before sunrise, and always shut at sunset. This is the custom to the present day in many of the cities of the East if a traveller arrives after sunset, he finds the gates shut; and on no consideration will they open them till the next morning, so that those who come late are obliged to lodge in the plain, or under the walls.

Every one-over against his house.] Each was obliged to guard that part of the wall that was opposite to his own dwelling.

Verse 3. Let not the gates be opened until the sun be hot — Till it be clear and broad day; when the people will be ready in case of an assault. While they stand by — The watches appointed to that end. Nehemiah was now about to return to the court, and left the charge of the city to these in his absence. Every one to be over against his house — That is, every one in his turn keeping watch with others, in that watching-place which is next to his house.

3. Until the sun be hot — That is, until broad day. An earlier opening of the gates might expose the city to a sudden surprise. While they stand by — While the guard specially set apart to watch the gates still occupy their stations, that is, before they withdraw from their posts for the night. This special guard were to stand by, or take their positions, early in the morning, before the gates were opened, and there they kept watch all day, and were not allowed to withdraw till the doors were shut and barred for the night. Appoint watches of the inhabitants — That is, night watches. After the gates were closed and fastened it was still necessary to maintain a guard upon the walls. The inhabitants of Jerusalem, without reference to class or distinction, were required to do this. The great body of the people doubtless served, not all at once, but by some set arrangement by which each one took his turn, and served an appointed time. Every one in his watch — Every one had his well known watch-station. Every one… his house — The same arrangement also provided that every dwelling had a special guard.

Verse 4. The houses were not builded.] The city was not yet rebuilt, only a row of houses in the inside of the wall all round.

Verse 4. The houses were not builded — That is, not all, nor completely built; but only some slight buildings of boards or stones were erected, for the present use of the generality of the people.

Ver. 4. The city was large and great. The walls round about the upper and lower city, might be about a hundred furlongs, or twelve miles. The population of forty three thousand Hebrews, and seven thousand servants, as in ver. 67, amount to fifty thousand. This was only a tenth part of the population, in the happier days of Jerusalem.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

V. 5. God put it into mine heart-Whatever good motion is in our minds, we must acknowledge it to come from God. What is done by human prudence is to be ascribed to the direction of Divine Providence.

Verse 5. God put into mine heart] With this good man every good thing was of GOD. If he purposed any good, it was because God put it into his heart; if he did 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. Thus, in all his ways he acknowledged God, and God directed all his steps.

Verse 5. And my God put into my heart, &c. — Whatever good motion is put into our minds, we must acknowledge it to come from God; and even what is done by human prudence is to be ascribed to the direction of divine providence. To gather together the nobles and the rulers of the people — Not only for the particular end here mentioned, but for divers other weighty purposes and matters, of which the following chapters treat. That they might be reckoned by genealogy — In order that it might appear to what family each person belonged, and where their ancient habitations lay, which, for a great number of them, were in the city, the peopling of which was now his design. I found a register of them which came up at the first — To wit, with Zerubbabel, as it follows, verse 7. But this following catalogue differs in some particulars from that in Ezra, chap. 2., of which see the notes there. The author of the Universal History observes, that though the genealogies had been once rectified, soo after the return, there were still many families of priests, Levites, and people, who could not make out their claim to their tribes. It is therefore likely that some of them were afterward enabled to do it, and were then inserted in this new register, together with those who came up with Nehemiah. Several of the old families, which came up on the first edict, might be, by this time, extinct, and these are the probable causes of the difference we find in the genealogies of the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.

5. God put into mine heart — Inspired me with the thought and purpose about to be told. To gather together the nobles… rulers… people — The object of this gathering was to ascertain the number of the people, and see how many or what proportion of them might be brought to dwell in Jerusalem, and thus increase the population of the city. The result of this plan is told in Nehemiah 11:1, 2. I found a register — Which is presented in the sequel of this chapter, and is substantially identical with that of Ezra 2, where see notes.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

V. 7. Tirshatha-Nehemiah. So it is no wonder that the number of the monies, and other things here contributed, differ from that Ezra 2:68,69, because this is another collection.

Verse 7. Who came with Zerubbabel] The register which he found was that of the persons only who came long before Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Joshua the son of Josedek, which register could not answer in every respect to the state of the people then. Several persons and families were no doubt dead, and others had arrived since. Nehemiah probably altered it only in such parts, leaving the body of it as it was before; and this will account for the difference between it and the register that is found in Ezra, Ezra 2:1-58.

Ver. 7. Who came with Zerubbabel.—Azariah, called Seraiah in Esdras. Those twelve held the first place at the court. The heads of families that follow are much the same as in Ezra 2., and also in the Chronicles. These were accounted by the Jews to be nobles and elders.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

Verse 8. The children of Parosh] As this chapter is almost entirely the same with the second chapter of the book of Ezra, it is not necessary to add any thing to what is said there; and to that chapter, and the accompanying notes, the reader is requested to refer.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

Verse 19. The children of Bigval, two thousand threescore and seven] Some MSS. read two thousand and sixty-six, as in Ezra 2:14.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

Verse 33. The men of the other Nebo] The word other is not in the parallel place, Ezra 2:29, and is wanting in many of Kennicott’s and Deuteronomy Rossi’s MSS. This Nebo is supposed to be the same as Nob or Nobah, in the tribe of Benjamin.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

Verse 34. The other Elam] To distinguish him from the Elam mentioned Nehemiah 7:12.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

Verse 54. The children of Mehida] Many of Kennicott’s and Deuteronomy Rossi’s MSS., have Mehira.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

Verse 68. Their horses, &c.] The whole of this verse is wanting in fifty of Kennicott’s MSS., and in twenty-nine of those of Deuteronomy Rossi, in the edition of Rab. Chayim, 1525, in the Roman Edit. of the Septuagint; also in the Syriac and in the Arabic. It should however be observed, that the Arabic omits the whole list, having nothing of the chapter but the first five verses. The whole is found in the parallel place, Ezra 2:66. Calmet’s note on this passage is incorrect.

Ver. 68, 69. Their horses seven hundred and thirty six, which, it would seem, were kept for yeomen: Nehemiah 11:14. Mules, two hundred and forty five, for the better sort of people. Camels, four hundred and thirty five, for trade across the deserts. Asses, six thousand seven hundred and twenty, for plowing and ascending the hills.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

Verse 69. Their camels, four hundred thirty and five] After this verse St. Jerome has inserted the following words in the Vulgate:— Hucusque refertur quid in commentario scriptum

fuerit; exin Nehemiæ historia texitur.

“Thus far do the words extend which were written in the register; what follows belongs to the history of Nehemiah.”

But this addition is not found either in the Hebrew or any of the ancient versions. It is wanting also in the Complutum and Paris Polyglots, but is in the Editio Prima of the Vulgate.

Ver. 68, 69. Their horses seven hundred and thirty six, which, it would seem, were kept for yeomen: Nehemiah 11:14. Mules, two hundred and forty five, for the better sort of people. Camels, four hundred and thirty five, for trade across the deserts. Asses, six thousand seven hundred and twenty, for plowing and ascending the hills.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

Verse 70. The Tirshatha gave] The Septuagint, particularly the copy in the Codex Alexandrinus, intimates that this sum was given to the Tirshatha, or Nehemiah: kai tw Aqersaqa edwkan eiv qhsauron, And to the Athersatha they gave for the treasure, &c. For the meaning of the word Tirshatha, see on Ezra 2:63.

Verse 70. The Tirshatha — The governor, namely, Nehemiah. So it is no wonder that the number of the moneys, and other things here contributed, differ from that of Ezra, chap. 2., because this was another collection: that was made in Zerubbabel’s time, this in Ezra’s.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

Verse 71. Two thousand and two hundred pounds] The Septuagint has two thousand THREE hundred minae of silver.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.

Verse 73. All Israel, dwelt in their cities] It was in reference to this particularly that the public registers were examined; for by them they found the different families, and consequently the cities, villages, &c., which belonged to them, according to the ancient division of the lands. It seems that the examination of the registers occupied about a month; for as soon as the walls were finished, which was in the sixth month, (Elul,) Nehemiah 6:15, Nehemiah instituted the examination mentioned in this chapter, Nehemiah 7:5; and by the concluding verse we find that the different families had got into their paternal cities in the seventh month, Tisri, answering to a part of our September and October. Thus the register determined every thing: there was no room for complaint, and none to accuse the governor of partiality.

NEHEMIAH

Verse 73. So the priests and the Levites, &c.,dwelt in their cities — When all the business before mentioned was finished, the people were sent back, by Nehemiah’s direction, to the several cities to which they belonged; where they remained till the seventh month came, which was five days after the wall was finished, that being on the twenty-fifth day of the sixth month, chap. 6:15.

GENEALOGICAL REGISTRY OF THE PEOPLE, 4-73.

4. The city was large — Broad-sided, extensive; so that it required many watchers to keep guard on every side. The people were few therein — That is, comparatively few, and far from sufficient to occupy the great space enclosed by the walls. And the houses… not builded — That is, the majority of the houses of the ancient city were fallen in ruins, and comparatively few had been fitted up for the present use of the returned exiles.