Nehemiah 11:1-36 (December 2nd, 2025)
- Brian Lee
- 5 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Summary
Nehemiah 11 lists many names. However, it is a lot more than just a list of names. It is a picture of God rebuilding His people not only with stones and walls, but also with actual living people, their families, and their callings. Jerusalem’s wall was complete, but the city itself remained sparsely populated (7:4). For the temple to function, for worship to flourish, and for Israel’s identity to be restored, people needed to live inside the holy city.
So the leaders settled in Jerusalem, and the rest of the people cast lots—one out of ten families would relocate to the city.
Now the leaders of the people lived in Jerusalem. And the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of ten to live in Jerusalem the holy city, while nine out of ten remained in the other towns. 2 And the people blessed all the men who willingly offered to live in Jerusalem (v1 & 2)
This was not an attractive move. Jerusalem was less secure, less comfortable, less economically stable, and more exposed to attack than the surrounding towns. Yet many “willingly offered themselves to live in Jerusalem” (11:2). The community blessed them for embracing costly obedience.
What follows is a long record of priests, Levites, gatekeepers, temple servants, musicians, and families from Judah and Benjamin. These names are not filler; they are signs of grace. Each person, each household, and each role becomes part of God’s rebuilding work. Nehemiah 11 shows us that renewal happens when God’s people embrace His calling, even when it is costly, and allow Him to place them where He wills.
Who is God
God actively assigns His people to their places and purposes. Although for us casting lots seems like a "chance," the Bible views such occasions as God's active involvement. Who dwelt in Jerusalem was not engineered by people; it was left up to the will of Heaven. This also reminds us that the rebuilding of the city is ultimately His work.
God remembers every name, every family, and every servant involved in restoring the worship life of His people.
God is also the God of order—placing priests, Levites, musicians, and gatekeepers in their proper positions so that the city and temple might function according to His design.
Most of all, He redeems. He rebuilds His people, not in vague generalities, but person by person, name by name.
What is our Guilt
We tend to love comfort more than calling.
Jerusalem was harder to live in, less predictable, and more vulnerable. So, naturally, many preferred to stay in the safety of their hometowns. We often do the same. God calls us to places and roles that stretch us, cost us, or unsettle us, and we "naturally" hesitate. We prefer convenience, stability, safety, and control over obedience, sacrifice, and mission. Like Israel, we can settle for protecting our own interests rather than investing ourselves in the work God is doing among His people. At the root, our guilt is that we want God’s blessing, but we don't want God to be our King.
How does Grace Shine
The chapter records the people who “willingly offered themselves to live in Jerusalem” (v. 2). What caused the willingness? God moved hearts to embrace His agenda over personal comfort. It was the grace of God. And grace shines in God’s ongoing work. Nehemiah 11 shows a community that is not yet complete but is being formed. We serve God because of His enabling presence. It's only by His Grace, not by our might.
God takes a partially rebuilt city and a recovering people and uses ordinary men and women to advance His kingdom. We are reminded that the church is built not only by great leaders but also by countless faithful servants whose names may be forgotten by history but are known to God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for calling us, and actively restoring Your people. Grant us hearts that love Your will more than our comfort. Teach us to embrace the places and roles You call us to fill.
Just as You remembered every name in Nehemiah 11, You see and value every act of service in Your kingdom. Make us willing, joyful participants in Your rebuilding work, and strengthen our church to be a worship-centered community where each member lives out the calling You have given.
In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
