Nehemiah 11: The Lot for Jerusalem

Nehemiah 11

The Lot for Jerusalem

1. The leaders of the people settled in Jerusalem. The rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of every ten of them to live in the holy city of Jerusalem, while the remaining nine were to stay in their own towns.

2. The people commended all who volunteered to live in Jerusalem.

◇ Jerusalem, the city of peace, the holy city, the spiritual home of the people of Israel, had become a desolate place, hardly suitable for habitation. It was sparsely populated, inhabited by only a few leaders and people. Although the city walls had been rebuilt, giving it the semblance of a city once more, it remained a place coveted by enemies, making it still a harsh and dangerous place to live.

It was unacceptable to leave it as such. The temple, where sacrifices were made to glorify God, had to be protected, and the city of peace, Jerusalem, had to be safeguarded. Despite the difficulties, the necessary work had to be done. Someone had to do it.

One-tenth of the people were chosen by lot. Those selected were to live in Jerusalem, to protect and revitalize the holy city, sacrificing themselves in a place that was both harsh and dangerous. This was because it was God's decision.

The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord (Proverbs 16:33).

Most people would have preferred to stay in their current locations rather than move to Jerusalem. They wanted to stay where they had established their lives, in places that were safe, familiar, and well-prepared. However, those who were chosen by lot obeyed God's decision and went to Jerusalem for the holy work.

♧ God, grant us the faithfulness and loyalty to the tasks you have given us. Let us live gratefully in the places you have provided for us. Help us always to offer truth and sincerity to those you have placed in our lives. Holy Spirit, lead us in truth. Amen.