1; The rulers, voluntary men, and the tenth man chosen by lot,
dwell at Jerusalem.
3; A catalogue of their names.
20; The residue dwell in other cities.
* the rulers.
7:4,5 De 17:8,9 Ps 122:5
* 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."
10:34 Jos 18:10 1Ch 26:13 Pr 16:33 Ac 1:24
* one of ten.
Jud 20:9,10
* the holy.
18 Isa 48:2 52:1 Mt 4:5 27:53
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