Nehemiah 11:22 kjv
The overseer also of the Levites at Jerusalem was Uzzi the son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micha. Of the sons of Asaph, the singers were over the business of the house of God.
Nehemiah 11:22 nkjv
Also the overseer of the Levites at Jerusalem was Uzzi the son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micha, of the sons of Asaph, the singers in charge of the service of the house of God.
Nehemiah 11:22 niv
The chief officer of the Levites in Jerusalem was Uzzi son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Mika. Uzzi was one of Asaph's descendants, who were the musicians responsible for the service of the house of God.
Nehemiah 11:22 esv
The overseer of the Levites in Jerusalem was Uzzi the son of Bani, son of Hashabiah, son of Mattaniah, son of Mica, of the sons of Asaph, the singers, over the work of the house of God.
Nehemiah 11:22 nlt
The chief officer of the Levites in Jerusalem was Uzzi son of Bani, son of Hashabiah, son of Mattaniah, son of Mica, a descendant of Asaph, whose family served as singers at God's Temple.
Nehemiah 11 22 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Num 3:5-10 | And the Lord spoke... bring the tribe of Levi near and set them... serve them. | Levitical service appointed by God. |
| Num 4:47 | All who were listed... of the work... in the tabernacle. | Levites’ duties regarding tabernacle/temple service. |
| 1 Chr 6:31-32 | These are the men whom David... in charge of the service of song. | Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun appointed for musical service. |
| 1 Chr 6:39 | And Heman’s brother Asaph stood on his right hand... | Asaph as a leading figure among the Levite musicians. |
| 1 Chr 9:14 | Of the Levites: Shemaiah... of the sons of Merari. | Lists of Levites resident in Jerusalem and their families. |
| 1 Chr 9:33 | The singers, heads of fathers’ houses of the Levites, were in the chambers... for they were on duty day and night. | The continuous duty and dedication of the temple singers. |
| 1 Chr 23:28 | For their duty was to assist... the work of the house of God. | Levites' comprehensive duties for the temple. |
| 1 Chr 25:1-2 | David and the commanders of the army set apart for the service... the sons of Asaph... | Asaph's sons established for musical prophecy/praise. |
| Ezra 2:41 | The singers: the sons of Asaph, 128. | The lineage of Asaph's descendants returning from exile. |
| Ezra 3:10 | And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple... they appointed the priests... with trumpets, and the Levites... with cymbals, to praise the Lord... | The restoration of temple music and worship post-exile. |
| Neh 7:44 | The singers: the sons of Asaph, 148. | Count of Asaph's descendants who returned and resettled. |
| Neh 10:39 | We will not neglect the house of our God. | Commitment of the people to maintain temple service. |
| Neh 12:27 | At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem... the Levites... with thanksgivings and with singing, with cymbals, harps, and lyres. | The role of music and thanksgiving in Nehemiah's reforms. |
| Neh 13:10-11 | I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given... I contended with the officials... and brought them back. | Nehemiah's concern for providing for the Levites to ensure their temple duties were fulfilled. |
| Psa 50:1-23 | A Psalm of Asaph... The Mighty One, God the Lord, speaks... | Many Psalms (50, 73-83) attributed to Asaph or his choir, showing their musical and spiritual influence. |
| Isa 56:7 | For my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples. | The ultimate purpose and scope of God's house. |
| Mal 3:10 | Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house... | Importance of supporting the "House of God" for its function. |
| Heb 3:1-6 | Therefore, holy brothers... consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession... faithful over God's house. | Christ as faithful over God's spiritual house (believers). |
| 1 Tim 3:15 | ...how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God. | The New Testament understanding of God's "house" as the church. |
| Col 3:16 | Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly... teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. | Emphasis on praise and singing within Christian worship, echoing Levitical singers. |
| Rev 1:6 | And has made us a kingdom, priests to His God and Father. | Believers in the New Testament as spiritual priests, continuing a form of "service to God." |
Nehemiah 11 verses
Nehemiah 11 22 Meaning
Nehemiah 11:22 identifies Uzzi, a descendant of Asaph, as the prominent Levitical official responsible for overseeing the administration and service within the re-established House of God in Jerusalem. This verse highlights the structured organization and designated personnel crucial for the proper functioning of temple worship and the spiritual life of the returning exiles in post-exilic Jerusalem. Uzzi's specific lineage to the singing family of Asaph underscores the enduring importance of musical worship in the temple.
Nehemiah 11 22 Context
Nehemiah chapter 11 details the repopulation of Jerusalem after the walls were rebuilt. Following the dedication of the wall, there was a practical need to ensure the holy city was adequately inhabited. Many of the returned exiles settled in the surrounding towns, but Jerusalem required a sufficient populace, especially those responsible for civic and religious duties. A system was implemented where one in ten people was chosen by lot to reside in Jerusalem, supplemented by volunteers. Within this effort, the chapter specifically lists important officials, including priests, Levites, gatekeepers, and temple servants, who were essential for maintaining the order and sanctity of the restored city and the "House of God." Uzzi, as "chief officer of the Levites" responsible for temple operations, is presented as a vital figure in this comprehensive spiritual and administrative re-establishment.
Nehemiah 11 22 Word analysis
- The chief officer: Hebrew: פָּקִיד (paqîd). This term denotes an appointed overseer, a supervisor, or an administrator. Its use here indicates an authoritative position involving management and responsibility, not merely an honorary title. The office was vital for ensuring organized and proper temple functioning.
- of the Levites: The Levites were descendants of Levi, set apart by God for temple service. Their duties included assisting priests, managing temple resources, guarding its precincts, and leading various forms of worship, including music. This role was fundamental to Israel's covenant relationship with God.
- in Jerusalem: This geographical detail highlights the central role of Jerusalem as the re-established spiritual capital of Judah and the designated location for the Temple. Establishing key religious personnel in the city was crucial for its spiritual and social stability after the return from exile.
- was Uzzi: Hebrew: עֻזִּי (ʿuzzî). The name means "my strength" or "strong one." The individual's personal name is given prominence, emphasizing his unique identity and significant role within the Levitical administration.
- son of Bani, son of Hashabiah, son of Mattaniah, son of Mica: This extensive genealogy serves to establish Uzzi's legitimate lineage. In post-exilic society, family records and ancestral purity were paramount for those holding religious offices, ensuring continuity with historical temple practices and confirming proper authority.
- He was one of the descendants of Asaph: Asaph (אָסָף) was a prominent Levite singer and a prophetic musician, one of the three chief choirmasters appointed by King David (along with Heman and Jeduthun) to lead the temple music ministry (1 Chr 25:1). His descendants were known for their skill and dedication in temple music and prophecy through song, as evidenced by the psalms attributed to the sons of Asaph (e.g., Ps 50, 73-83).
- the singers: Hebrew: הַמְשֹׁרְרִים (hamshōrerîm). This refers specifically to the Levitical musicians who led praise and worship in the temple, using various instruments and vocal expressions. Their role was integral to temple liturgy, expressing corporate praise, intercession, and prophecy through music.
- in charge of the work of the house of God: Hebrew: מְלֶאכֶת בֵּית הָאֱלֹהִים (melāḵet bêt hā'ĕlōhîm). This refers to the full scope of activities and responsibilities necessary for the maintenance and operation of the Temple. This includes administrative oversight, organization of services, financial management, physical upkeep of the structure, and coordinating the many Levites and priests engaged in their daily duties. Uzzi's role signifies a comprehensive leadership in these areas, ensuring the continuity and proper execution of divinely ordained worship and service.
Nehemiah 11 22 Bonus section
The meticulous detail regarding Uzzi's genealogy underscores the importance placed on inherited spiritual roles in ancient Israel, especially during the rebuilding phase when authenticity and proper order were paramount. It also shows a practical concern for legitimate leadership and administrative competence for temple operations. The specific listing of this leader amidst others highlights the value of skilled administrative management even within sacred functions. This administrative aspect of temple service contrasts with merely spontaneous or unstructured worship, showing that God values order, delegation, and accountability in His House. This principle resonates with the need for good order and dedicated leadership within any assembly gathered in God's name.
Nehemiah 11 22 Commentary
Nehemiah 11:22 is a seemingly brief, genealogical note, yet it profoundly underlines the methodical re-establishment of sacred order in post-exilic Jerusalem. Uzzi's appointment as the chief administrative officer over the Levites in the House of God reveals Nehemiah's meticulous approach to restoring not just physical structures, but also spiritual and organizational integrity. The mention of his specific lineage as a descendant of Asaph, the famous musical prophet, signifies the enduring value of skilled worship leadership. Uzzi's position required strong administrative skills alongside spiritual sensitivity, ensuring that the diverse operations of the Temple—from sacrificial rituals to musical praise and physical maintenance—were carried out effectively and in accordance with divine command. This verse, therefore, represents a tangible commitment to revitalizing Israel's corporate worship and service to God.