Nehemiah 11:5
and Maaseiah son of Baruch, the son of Col-hozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, a descendant of Shelah.
and Maaseiah
The name "Maaseiah" means "work of the Lord" or "Yahweh is a refuge" in Hebrew. This name reflects a deep spiritual heritage, suggesting that Maaseiah's life and actions were dedicated to the service and work of God. In the context of Nehemiah, Maaseiah represents those who were committed to the restoration and spiritual renewal of Jerusalem, embodying the idea that every believer's life should be a testament to God's work.

son of Baruch
"Baruch" means "blessed" in Hebrew. This name is significant as it indicates a lineage of blessing and favor from God. Baruch is a name associated with several biblical figures, including the scribe of Jeremiah, suggesting a legacy of faithfulness and dedication to God's word. The mention of Baruch in this genealogy highlights the importance of spiritual heritage and the blessings that come from a life aligned with God's purposes.

the son of Col-Hozeh
"Col-Hozeh" can be translated as "all-seeing" or "every seer." This name implies a prophetic or visionary role, suggesting that Col-Hozeh may have been someone with spiritual insight or a deep understanding of God's will. In the context of rebuilding Jerusalem, having leaders with vision and discernment was crucial for guiding the people in accordance with God's plans.

the son of Hazaiah
"Hazaiah" means "Yahweh has seen" or "Yahweh watches over." This name reassures the faithful that God is always aware of their circumstances and is actively involved in their lives. It serves as a reminder that God was watching over the restoration efforts in Jerusalem, ensuring that His purposes were fulfilled through His people.

the son of Adaiah
"Adaiah" means "Yahweh has adorned" or "Yahweh has made beautiful." This name reflects the transformative power of God, who takes what is broken or desolate and makes it beautiful. In the context of Nehemiah, it symbolizes the restoration of Jerusalem from ruins to a city of beauty and strength, mirroring the spiritual renewal of its inhabitants.

the son of Joiarib
"Joiarib" means "Yahweh contends" or "Yahweh will plead." This name suggests a divine advocacy, where God fights on behalf of His people. It is a powerful reminder that God is actively involved in the struggles of His people, contending against their enemies and ensuring their ultimate victory. In the rebuilding of Jerusalem, this assurance would have been a source of great encouragement.

the son of Zechariah
"Zechariah" means "Yahweh remembers." This name is a testament to God's faithfulness and His covenant promises. It reassures the people that God has not forgotten them, even in times of exile or hardship. The inclusion of Zechariah in this genealogy underscores the theme of divine remembrance and the fulfillment of God's promises to restore and bless His people.

the son of the Shilonite
"Shilonite" refers to someone from Shiloh, a significant religious center in Israel's history. Shiloh was the location of the Tabernacle before the Temple was built in Jerusalem. This reference connects the lineage to a place of worship and spiritual heritage, emphasizing the continuity of faith and the importance of maintaining a connection to the sacred traditions and places of the past. It serves as a reminder of the enduring presence of God among His people throughout their history.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Maaseiah
A leader among the people who returned to Jerusalem. His name means "work of the Lord" in Hebrew, indicating a life dedicated to God's service.

2. Baruch
The father of Maaseiah. His name means "blessed" in Hebrew, suggesting a heritage of faith and blessing.

3. Col-Hozeh
An ancestor of Maaseiah. His name means "all-seeing" or "visionary," which may imply a family known for spiritual insight.

4. Hazaiah, Adaiah, Joiarib, Zechariah
Ancestors of Maaseiah, each contributing to the lineage of those who returned to Jerusalem, emphasizing the importance of family heritage in God's plan.

5. The Shilonite
Refers to a descendant of Shiloh, a place of early worship in Israel, highlighting the connection to Israel's spiritual history.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Heritage
Understanding our spiritual heritage can inspire us to live faithfully. Just as Maaseiah's lineage was significant, we should value the spiritual legacy passed down to us.

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

Role of Leadership in Community
Leaders like Maaseiah played a crucial role in the community's spiritual and physical rebuilding. We are called to be leaders in our communities, guiding others in faith and action.

Significance of Names
The meanings of names in the Bible often reflect character or destiny. Reflect on the significance of your name and how it might relate to your spiritual journey.

Commitment to God's Work
Maaseiah's name, meaning "work of the Lord," reminds us of our call to be actively involved in God's work, using our gifts and talents for His glory.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding your spiritual heritage influence your faith and actions today?

2. In what ways can you contribute to the restoration and rebuilding of your community, both spiritually and physically?

3. Reflect on the role of leadership in your life. How can you be a leader in your community or church?

4. Consider the significance of your name or family history. How does it inspire or challenge you in your spiritual journey?

5. What specific "work of the Lord" is God calling you to engage in, and how can you take practical steps to fulfill this calling?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 2:36-39
Lists the priests and Levites who returned with Zerubbabel, showing the continuity of leadership and service in the temple.

1 Chronicles 9:3-9
Provides a parallel account of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, emphasizing the importance of genealogies in maintaining the community's identity.

Nehemiah 7:39-42
Details the families who returned to Jerusalem, reinforcing the theme of restoration and rebuilding.
Repeopling the CapitalT. Campbell Finlayson.Nehemiah 11:1-19
The Holy CityW. F. Adeney, M. A.Nehemiah 11:1-19
The Holy City ReplenishedMatthew Henry.Nehemiah 11:1-19
The True CentralisationR.A. Redford Nehemiah 11:1-36
Three Elements in the Church of ChristW. Clarkson Nehemiah 11:3-36
People
Abda, Adaiah, Ahitub, Akkub, Amariah, Amashai, Amzi, Ananiah, Anathoth, Arba, Asaph, Athaiah, Azareel, Azrikam, Bakbukiah, Bani, Baruch, Benjamin, Benjamites, Bunni, Colhozeh, Gabbai, Galal, Gispa, Hashabiah, Hashub, Hasshub, Hazaiah, Hilkiah, Immer, Isaiah, Israelites, Ithiel, Jachin, Jedaiah, Jeduthun, Jeroham, Jesaiah, Jeshaiah, Jeshua, Joed, Joel, Joiarib, Jozabad, Kolaiah, Levites, Maaseiah, Malchiah, Malchijah, Mattaniah, Meraioth, Meshezabeel, Meshillemoth, Meshullam, Micha, Pashur, Pedaiah, Pelaliah, Pelet, Perez, Pethahiah, Sallai, Sallu, Senuah, Seraiah, Shabbethai, Shammua, Shelah, Shemaiah, Shephatiah, Shiloni, Shual, Solomon, Talmon, Uzzi, Uzziah, Zabdi, Zabdiel, Zadok, Zechariah, Zerah, Zichri, Ziha
Places
Adullam, Aija, Ananiah, Anathoth, Azekah, Beersheba, Bethel, Beth-pelet, Dibon, En-rimmon, Geba, Gittaim, Hadid, Hazar-shual, Hazor, Jarmuth, Jekabzeel, Jerusalem, Jeshua, Kiriath-arba, Lachish, Lod, Meconah, Michmash, Moladah, Neballat, Nob, Ono, Ophel, Ramah, Valley of Hinnom, Zanoah, Zeboim, Ziklag, Zorah
Topics
Adaiah, Adai'ah, Baruch, Colhozeh, Col-hozeh, Col-ho'zeh, Descendant, Hazaiah, Hazai'ah, Joiarib, Joi'arib, Maaseiah, Ma-asei'ah, Masseiah, Shelah, Shiloni, Shilonite, Shi'lonite, Zechariah, Zechari'ah
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nehemiah 11:2

     5262   commendation

Library
Lydda
"Lydda was a village, not yielding to a city in greatness." Concerning its situation, and distance from Jerusalem, the Misna hath these words: "The vineyard of four years" (that is, the fruit of a vineyard now of four years' growth; for, for the first three years, they were trees, as it were, not circumcised) "was brought to Jerusalem, in the space of a day's journey on every side. Now these were the bounds of it; Elath on the south; Acrabatta on the north; Lydda on the west; and Jordan on the east."
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah
"And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall come forth unto Me (one) [Pg 480] to be Ruler in Israel; and His goings forth are the times of old, the days of eternity." The close connection of this verse with what immediately precedes (Caspari is wrong in considering iv. 9-14 as an episode) is evident, not only from the [Hebrew: v] copulative, and from the analogy of the near relation of the announcement of salvation to the prophecy of disaster
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Ezra-Nehemiah
Some of the most complicated problems in Hebrew history as well as in the literary criticism of the Old Testament gather about the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Apart from these books, all that we know of the origin and early history of Judaism is inferential. They are our only historical sources for that period; and if in them we have, as we seem to have, authentic memoirs, fragmentary though they be, written by the two men who, more than any other, gave permanent shape and direction to Judaism, then
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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