Nehemiah 11:2

And the people blessed all the men who volunteered to live in Jerusalem.

Study Bible

And the people blessed
In the context of ancient Israel, blessing someone was a significant act, often invoking God's favor and protection. This phrase indicates the community's approval and gratitude. Blessing in the Old Testament often involved speaking words of encouragement and invoking divine favor, as seen in Genesis 12:3, where God promises to bless those who bless Abraham. The act of blessing here reflects a communal acknowledgment of sacrifice and service.

all the men who volunteered
Volunteering to live in Jerusalem was a significant decision, as the city was still in a state of rebuilding and faced potential threats from surrounding enemies. This act of volunteering demonstrates a commitment to the restoration of the city and the worship of God at the temple. The willingness to volunteer can be seen as an act of faith and dedication, similar to the call for workers in the harvest in Matthew 9:37-38. The men who volunteered were likely seen as courageous and selfless, prioritizing the needs of the community over personal comfort.

to live in Jerusalem.
Jerusalem, the city of David, held great historical and spiritual significance as the center of Jewish worship and the location of the temple. Living in Jerusalem meant being at the heart of religious and cultural life, but it also involved risks due to the city's vulnerable state post-exile. The decision to reside there was not merely practical but also spiritual, aligning with God's promises to restore Jerusalem as seen in Isaiah 62:1-7. The rebuilding of Jerusalem is a type of the ultimate restoration found in Christ, who is the cornerstone of the new Jerusalem, as referenced in Revelation 21:2.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Nehemiah
The governor of Judah who led the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and initiated reforms to restore the city both physically and spiritually.

2. The People
The inhabitants of Judah who were involved in the rebuilding efforts and the repopulation of Jerusalem.

3. Jerusalem
The holy city of the Jews, which had been in ruins and was being restored as the center of Jewish life and worship.

4. Volunteers
The men who willingly chose to live in Jerusalem, despite the challenges, to ensure the city's restoration and protection.

5. Blessing
The act of the people expressing gratitude and approval for those who volunteered to live in Jerusalem.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Willingness
The volunteers' decision to live in Jerusalem demonstrates the value of a willing heart in serving God's purposes. We are called to offer ourselves willingly in service to God and others.

Community and Sacrifice
The blessing of the volunteers underscores the importance of community support and the sacrifices required to build and maintain a God-centered community.

God's Faithfulness in Restoration
The repopulation of Jerusalem is a testament to God's faithfulness in restoring His people. We can trust God to restore and rebuild areas of our lives that are broken.

Encouragement and Blessing
Just as the people blessed the volunteers, we should encourage and bless those who step out in faith to serve God, recognizing their contributions to the community.

Bible Study Questions

1. What motivated the volunteers to live in Jerusalem, and how can we apply their willingness to our own lives today?

2. How does the act of blessing the volunteers reflect the community's values, and what can we learn from this about supporting one another in our faith journeys?

3. In what ways does the restoration of Jerusalem parallel God's work in restoring our lives and communities?

4. How can we identify areas in our lives where God is calling us to step out in faith and serve, even when it involves sacrifice?

5. What are some practical ways we can encourage and bless those who are serving in our church or community, similar to how the people blessed the volunteers in Nehemiah's time?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezra 2
Provides a list of the exiles who returned to Jerusalem, showing the continuity of God's plan to restore His people and their land.

Psalm 122
Expresses the joy and importance of Jerusalem, highlighting the spiritual significance of the city.

Acts 2
Describes the early church in Jerusalem, emphasizing the importance of community and shared purpose among believers.

Romans 12:1
Encourages believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, paralleling the volunteers' willingness to serve God's purpose in Jerusalem.