Topical Bible: Nethinim with the Priests and Levites: had Cities to Reside In

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Nethinim, a group of temple servants in ancient Israel, played a crucial role in the religious and communal life of the Israelites. Their name, derived from the Hebrew word "nathan," meaning "to give," signifies their status as those who were given or dedicated to assist the Levites in the service of the temple. The Nethinim were distinct from the Levites and priests, yet they were integral to the functioning of the temple, performing menial tasks and assisting in various duties necessary for the maintenance of worship and temple operations.

Biblical References and Historical Context

The Nethinim are first mentioned in the post-exilic period, particularly in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. They are listed among those who returned from the Babylonian exile to Jerusalem and Judah. In Ezra 2:43-54 and Nehemiah 7:46-56, the Nethinim are enumerated alongside the priests and Levites, indicating their recognized role within the religious community. The Berean Standard Bible states in Ezra 2:43, "The temple servants: the descendants of Ziha, Hasupha, Tabbaoth."

The origin of the Nethinim is somewhat obscure, but it is believed that they were originally non-Israelites who were assigned to assist the Levites. Some scholars suggest that they may have been descendants of the Gibeonites, who were made "hewers of wood and drawers of water" for the congregation and for the altar of the LORD (Joshua 9:27). Over time, they became a hereditary class of temple servants.

Cities of Residence

The Nethinim, like the priests and Levites, were granted specific cities to reside in. This allocation of cities was essential for their sustenance and for the performance of their duties. While the Bible does not provide an exhaustive list of these cities for the Nethinim, it is understood that they lived in close proximity to the Levitical cities, ensuring their availability for temple service.

The allocation of cities to the Levites is detailed in Joshua 21, where the Levites were given cities among the tribes of Israel. Although the Nethinim are not explicitly mentioned in this allocation, their association with the Levites suggests that they resided in or near these Levitical cities. This arrangement facilitated their service in the temple and allowed them to be supported by the tithes and offerings given to the Levites.

Role and Significance

The Nethinim's role was primarily supportive, yet their contribution was vital to the religious life of Israel. By assisting the Levites, they enabled the priests to focus on their primary duties of offering sacrifices and conducting worship. The presence of the Nethinim highlights the organized and communal nature of worship in ancient Israel, where various groups worked together to maintain the sanctity and order of the temple.

In Nehemiah 10:28-29 , the Nethinim are mentioned as part of the assembly that renewed the covenant with God, indicating their inclusion in the religious community and their commitment to the laws and commandments of the LORD: "The rest of the people—the priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, and temple servants, along with all those who had separated themselves from the peoples of the land to adhere to the Law of God—together with their wives and all their sons and daughters who are able to understand, hereby join with their brothers and nobles, and enter into a curse and an oath to follow the Law of God given through Moses the servant of God and to carefully obey all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, as well as His ordinances and statutes."

The Nethinim, though often overlooked, were a testament to the inclusivity and diversity within the worship community of Israel. Their dedication and service exemplify the collaborative effort required to uphold the spiritual and communal life of God's people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Chronicles 9:2
Now the first inhabitants that dwelled in their possessions in their cities were, the Israelites, the priests, Levites, and the Nethinims.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezra 2:70
So the priests, and the Levites, and some of the people, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, dwelled in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.
Torrey's Topical Textbook