Nehemiah 11:6
The descendants of Perez who settled in Jerusalem totaled 468 men of valor.
The descendants of Perez
Perez was a son of Judah and Tamar, making his descendants part of the tribe of Judah. This lineage is significant as it connects to the genealogy of King David and ultimately to Jesus Christ, as seen in Matthew 1:3. The tribe of Judah held a prominent position among the tribes of Israel, often associated with leadership and kingship.

who settled in Jerusalem
Jerusalem was the political and spiritual center of Israel, especially after King David established it as the capital. The settlement of Perez's descendants in Jerusalem highlights the restoration efforts after the Babylonian exile, as Nehemiah worked to repopulate and rebuild the city. This settlement was crucial for re-establishing Jerusalem as a stronghold and center of Jewish life and worship.

totaled 468 men of valor
The term "men of valor" indicates not only physical strength and military capability but also courage and dedication to the cause of rebuilding and defending Jerusalem. The specific number, 468, reflects the organized and deliberate efforts to repopulate the city with capable and committed individuals. This mirrors the broader biblical theme of God using a faithful remnant to accomplish His purposes, as seen in other passages like Judges 7 with Gideon's army.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Perez
Perez was the son of Judah and Tamar, and his descendants were part of the tribe of Judah. The lineage of Perez is significant in the history of Israel, as it is through this line that King David and ultimately Jesus Christ came.

2. Jerusalem
The capital city of Israel, Jerusalem holds a central place in Jewish history and theology. It was the political and spiritual center for the Israelites and the location of the Temple.

3. Men of Valor
This term refers to the courageous and capable men who were chosen to live in Jerusalem. Their role was crucial in the rebuilding and protection of the city during Nehemiah's time.

4. Nehemiah
A Jewish leader who played a pivotal role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls after the Babylonian exile. His leadership and dedication to God's work are central themes in the book of Nehemiah.

5. Repopulation of Jerusalem
This event involved the strategic resettling of people in Jerusalem to ensure its stability and security. It was a critical step in re-establishing the city as the heart of Jewish life and worship.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Lineage
The inclusion of Perez's descendants in the repopulation of Jerusalem underscores God's sovereign plan in using specific lineages to fulfill His purposes. This reminds us that God can use our family history and background for His glory.

The Importance of Community
The strategic repopulation of Jerusalem highlights the importance of community in God's work. We are called to be active participants in our faith communities, contributing to their growth and stability.

Courage and Commitment
The "men of valor" exemplify the courage and commitment required to serve God faithfully. We are encouraged to be bold and steadfast in our own spiritual journeys.

Restoration and Renewal
Just as Jerusalem needed to be repopulated and rebuilt, our lives may require restoration and renewal. God invites us to participate in His work of rebuilding and renewing our hearts and communities.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the account of Perez and his descendants illustrate God's ability to use unexpected circumstances for His purposes?

2. In what ways can we contribute to the strengthening and growth of our own faith communities, similar to the repopulation of Jerusalem?

3. What qualities do you think are necessary to be considered a "person of valor" in today's context, and how can we cultivate these qualities?

4. How does the concept of restoration in Nehemiah 11:6 relate to personal spiritual renewal, and what steps can we take to experience this renewal?

5. How can understanding the historical and genealogical context of biblical figures like Perez enhance our appreciation of God's overarching plan in Scripture?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 38
The account of Perez's birth, which highlights God's sovereignty and the unexpected ways He fulfills His promises.

Ruth 4
The genealogy of Perez leading to King David, showing the continuation of God's covenant promises.

1 Chronicles 9
A parallel account of the repopulation of Jerusalem, emphasizing the importance of the community's restoration.

Hebrews 11
The concept of "men of valor" can be connected to the "heroes of faith," who demonstrated courage and faithfulness in God's service.
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
468, Dwelling, Dwelt, Eight, Hundred, Jerusalem, Perez, Pherez, Position, Sixty, Sixty-eight, Sons, Threescore, Totaled, Valiant, Valour
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nehemiah 11:2

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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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