Nehemiah 11 32

Nehemiah 11:32 kjv

And at Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah,

Nehemiah 11:32 nkjv

in Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah;

Nehemiah 11:32 niv

in Anathoth, Nob and Ananiah,

Nehemiah 11:32 esv

Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah,

Nehemiah 11:32 nlt

They also lived in Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah,

Nehemiah 11 verses

Nehemiah 11 32 Meaning

This verse lists three towns in the territory of Benjamin—Anathoth, Nob, and Ananiah—that were re-inhabited by the returning exiles during the post-Babylonian exile period. It is part of a broader inventory detailing the repopulation of Jerusalem and the surrounding areas of Judah and Benjamin, reflecting the re-establishment of Jewish community life in the land promised by God.

Nehemiah 11 32 Context

Nehemiah 11 describes the strategic repopulation of Jerusalem and the towns of Judah and Benjamin after the return from Babylonian captivity. Following the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, it became necessary to settle people not only within the capital but also in the surrounding territories to ensure the land's viability, security, and agricultural production. Verses 1-2 explain the process: a tenth of the population was chosen by lot to live in Jerusalem, and the rest were distributed among the other towns. Verses 3-24 detail the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Nehemiah 11:25-36 provides a list of specific settlements outside Jerusalem where the people of Judah and Benjamin resettled. This verse, Nehemiah 11:32, belongs to this latter list, highlighting three particular towns in the territory of Benjamin. The broader historical context is the restoration period (late 5th century BC), fulfilling prophetic declarations of God bringing His people back to their land after the seventy-year exile and re-establishing them as a nation.

Word Analysis

• Anathoth (עֲנָתוֹת, ‘Anatôt): A Levitical city within the territory of Benjamin, northeast of Jerusalem. It holds particular significance as the hometown of the prophet Jeremiah (Jer 1:1). Its repopulation symbolizes the reclaiming of ancestral lands and the re-establishment of the priesthood within the restored community. The name may derive from an older Canaanite deity Anath, or simply refer to a 'response' or 'prayers' in Hebrew, possibly reflecting its priestly connections.
• Nob (נוֹב, Nôb): Another priestly city located in Benjamin, very close to Jerusalem. Nob is historically infamous for being the place where David sought refuge and received the showbread from Ahimelech the priest, leading to King Saul's slaughter of the priests there (1 Sam 21-22). Its inclusion in this list shows the re-inhabiting of a place marked by past tragedy and its return to communal life under God's watchful eye. The name likely means "height" or "prophecy," appropriate for its elevated location near Jerusalem.
• Ananiah (עֲנַנְיָה, ‘Ananyah): A town in Benjamin, less well-known than Anathoth or Nob. The mention of lesser-known places alongside more historically significant ones emphasizes the comprehensive and detailed nature of the repopulation effort, demonstrating a thorough commitment to reclaiming and re-establishing communities across the former tribal territories. The name means "Yah has covered" or "cloud of Yah," which could refer to God's protective presence or even a historical event involving clouds.
• "Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah,": This enumeration of specific Benjaminite towns demonstrates the systematic approach taken by Nehemiah and the leaders to ensure a widespread re-settlement of the land beyond just Jerusalem. The listing ensures historical continuity with former Israelite land claims and establishes a vital buffer around Jerusalem. The comma after "Ananiah" indicates that the list of towns continues in the subsequent verses. This detailed record underscores the fulfillment of divine promises to restore His people to their ancient dwelling places and marks the tangible signs of restoration and renewal.

Nehemiah 11 32 Commentary

Nehemiah 11:32 provides a detailed glimpse into the practical implementation of God's covenant faithfulness in the post-exilic period. Far from merely symbolic, the repopulation of specific towns like Anathoth, Nob, and Ananiah represented a physical re-planting of God's people in the promised land. The names resonate with significant historical and religious events, underscoring the deep roots being re-established. Anathoth, linked to Jeremiah, reminds the readers of prophecy fulfilled. Nob, associated with past tragedy and priestly duty, highlights a return to normal sacred life after desolation. Ananiah, though less prominent, signifies that every detail of the land's re-inhabitation was important for completing the restoration. This verse encapsulates not just geographical details but profound theological truths: God's hand guiding His people back, providing order in chaos, and fulfilling His word through meticulous, real-world efforts to rebuild a nation, one town at a time. It points to a diligent process of re-establishing communal and religious life, bringing vibrancy to once-desolate lands.

Bonus Section

• The meticulous lists of settlers and towns in Nehemiah, including this verse, provided an official record for administrative purposes, confirming land ownership and tribal inheritance after the disruption of exile.
• The strategic resettlement of towns around Jerusalem, like those mentioned here, was crucial for providing defensive depth and economic stability for the newly re-established Judean province. These communities would have been vital for agriculture and local governance.
• The repopulation was not merely a human initiative but seen as a direct fulfillment of prophetic declarations concerning Israel's return and re-settlement in the land after exile (e.g., Jeremiah 29, Ezekiel 36).
• The fact that these were ancestral towns (Anathoth and Nob had histories pre-exile) points to a deep theological continuity and God's faithfulness in restoring their heritage to the returning exiles.