Verse 1

Lots. Those who had a mind to fix their abode at Jerusalem, received every encouragement. But some were compelled, that the city might regain its ancient splendour, and become the bulwark of the nation. Josephus ([Antiquities?] xi. 5.) says, that Nehemias built at his own expense houses for the priest and Levites, who chose to reside there.

Verse 2

Blessed. Applauding their zeal and disinterestedness, as the city was yet only a heap of ruins. (Calmet) --- Some from the other ten tribes returned; but the transactions of three tribes are more particularly noticed. (Ven. Bede) (Worthington)

Verse 3

Solomon. See 1 Esdras ii. 55., and 1 Paralipomenon ix. 2.

Verse 4

Benjamin, as well as of Ephraim and Manasses, 1 Paralipomenon ix. 3. The difference between this last record and the present, arises from Nehemias including many who returned with Esdras and with himself. (Calmet)

Verse 5

Silonite. Of the son of Sela, 1 Paralipomenon ix. 5. (Tirinus)

Verse 9

Second. Vicegerent of Joel, (Calmet) or commander of a second part of the city. (Syriac)

Verse 11

Achitob had the inspection over the Levites and treasures. Eliasib was then pontiff. (Calmet)

Verse 13

Amassai. Or (1 Paralipomenon ix. 12.) Maasai, the son of Adiel, the son of Jezra, the son of Mosollam, the son of Mosollamoth, the son of Emmer.

Verse 14

The mighty, for riches and power; on which account this family was conspicuous.

Verse 15

Semeia. The ancient Latin manuscripts read Sebenia. (Martinay.)

Verse 16

Outward. For repairs of the temple, cultivation of the lands given by vow; also to buy provisions, sacred vestments, &c.

Verse 17

Praise. Master of music. (Calmet) --- Hebrew, "chief to begin the thanksgiving in prayer." Syriac, "leader of the Jews in prayer." (Haydock)

Verse 21

Gaspha, were chiefs of the Nathinites. (Calmet) --- Hebrew, "over the," &c. Ophel was their place of residence, chap. iii. 26.

Verse 22

Overseer. Literally, "bishop." Hebrew pekid, which has the same meaning. (Haydock) --- Christians styled him who was at the head, bishop; as the Athenians did their chief justice. (Grotius) (Estius) (Calmet)

Verse 23

King's. David's, (chap. xii. 24,) or perhaps the Persian monarch, who had appointed a maintenance for the priests, &c., 1 Esdras vi., and vii. (Calmet) --- Order. Hebrew, "that a certain portion should be for the singers, due for every day." (Protestants)

Verse 24

People. They addressed themselves to him, (Haydock) and he gave an exact account to the king (Calmet) of Persia. (Menochius)

Verse 25

The houses. Hebrew, "and for the dwellings, (Calmet) or villages." (Pagnin) (Menochius) --- Villages. Literally, "daughters," which is often used in this sense. (Haydock)

Verse 26

Jesue. This, and many of the other critics, had changed names, or were not built in the time of Josue. (Calmet)

Verse 30

Bersabee. The southern extremity of Juda, (Menochius) unto the valley on the east of Jerusalem. (Adrichomius 186.)

Verse 34

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Lod. Built by Samad, 1 Paralipomenon viii. 12. It is called Lod-Hadid, chap. vii. 37. --- Ono had the same founder, and stood in the valley of craftsmen, chap. vi. 2., and 1 Paralipomenon iv. 14.

Verse 34-35

Lod. Built by Samad, 1 Paralipomenon viii. 12. It is called Lod-Hadid, chap. vii. 37. --- Ono had the same founder, and stood in the valley of craftsmen, chap. vi. 2., and 1 Paralipomenon iv. 14.

Verse 36

Portions. The Levites dwelt in the cities assigned to these two tribes. (Calmet)

Verse 38

CHAPTER XI.