Nehemiah 11:1
Now the leaders of the people settled in Jerusalem, and the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of ten to live in the holy city of Jerusalem, while the remaining nine were to dwell in their own towns.
Note Hebrew nine hands
And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities.
The princes of the people lived in Jerusalem. The rest of the people also cast lots to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem, the holy city, and nine parts in the other cities.
And the princes of the people dwelt in Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts in the other cities.
Related passages
From the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, grouped by the word they explain.
- the rulers
- Nehemiah 7:4, 5; Deuteronomy 17:8, 9; Psalm 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."
- Nehemiah 10:34; Joshua 18:10; 1 Chronicles 26:13; Proverbs 16:33; Acts 1:24
- one of ten
- Judges 20:9, 10
- the holy
- Nehemiah 11:18; Isaiah 48:2; Isaiah 52:1; Matthew 4:5; Matthew 27:53