Nehemiah 11 35

Nehemiah 11:35 kjv

Lod, and Ono, the valley of craftsmen.

Nehemiah 11:35 nkjv

in Lod, Ono, and the Valley of Craftsmen.

Nehemiah 11:35 niv

in Lod and Ono, and in Ge Harashim.

Nehemiah 11:35 esv

Lod, and Ono, the valley of craftsmen.

Nehemiah 11:35 nlt

Lod, Ono, and the Valley of Craftsmen.

Nehemiah 11 verses

Nehemiah 11 35 Meaning

Nehemiah 11:35 states the specific towns of Lod and Ono, and the area known as "the Valley of Craftsmen," as locations where the returned exiles settled outside of Jerusalem. This verse is part of a larger census in Nehemiah chapter 11 detailing the repopulation of Judea following the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. It highlights the widespread settlement and the re-establishment of essential economic and communal life across the land, signifying God's faithfulness in restoring His people to their inherited territory and livelihood.

Nehemiah 11 35 Context

Nehemiah chapter 11 primarily lists those who settled in Jerusalem and the surrounding towns after the reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls. This resettlement was a deliberate act to re-establish a stable population and secure the land given by God. Nehemiah 11:1-2 explains the process: a tenth of the population was chosen by lot to live in Jerusalem, while the remaining nine-tenths dispersed to other towns. Verses 25-36 specifically detail the settlements in the districts of Judah and Benjamin outside of Jerusalem, highlighting the breadth of the repopulation effort across various villages and their dependencies. Historically, after the Babylonian exile, much of the land of Judah was sparsely populated, leaving it vulnerable and economically underdeveloped. The repopulation documented here, therefore, was crucial for the long-term viability, security, and restoration of the community, signaling a step beyond merely rebuilding walls to establishing a functioning society rooted in its God-given territory.

Nehemiah 11 35 Word Analysis

• Lod (לֹד - Lōḏ): A prominent town in the Shephelah (foothills) region of Judah/Benjamin. Historically significant, often paired with Ono and Hadid in post-exilic lists (Ezra 2:33, Neh 7:37). Its mention signifies the repopulation of strategically important and economically active areas beyond Jerusalem, indicating the scope of the re-settlement plan.
• and Ono (וְאוֹנוֹ - wəʾŌnō ): "And Ono." Another significant town, located in the Plain of Ono (Chr 8:12). Paired with Lod, suggesting their proximity or administrative grouping. The plain of Ono was a fertile region, important for agriculture. Its inclusion shows the effort to restore not just cities, but productive agricultural areas vital for sustenance.
• the valley of craftsmen (גֵּי הַחֲרָשִׁים - Gêy ha-Ḥarashim):
  • גֵּי (Gêy): "Valley" or "gorge/wadi." Refers to a specific geographical depression.
  • הַחֲרָשִׁים (ha-Ḥarashim): "The craftsmen" or "the artisans." The definite article "ha-" emphasizes it is a specific, well-known location associated with this group. The Hebrew word charashim (חָרָשִׁים) denotes skilled workers, encompassing various trades like smiths, carpenters, stonemasons, and engravers (Exod 31:5; Isa 44:12).
  • Significance of the group: "the valley of craftsmen": This unique designation identifies a locale particularly known for its skilled laborers. Such specialized communities were vital for a rebuilding society, providing tools, structures, and essential goods. The phrase also appears in 1 Chr 4:14 as "Valley of Charashim" connected to the lineage of Joab and early craftsmen, suggesting a longstanding tradition of craftsmanship in that area. This indicates a continuity of practical, technical skills among the returning exiles, which were absolutely crucial for the ongoing work of rebuilding towns, cultivating land, and producing goods necessary for life in post-exilic Judah. It illustrates God's provision for His people through the gifting and placement of skilled individuals essential for practical restoration.

Nehemiah 11 35 Bonus Section

The consistent appearance of Lod and Ono together in various biblical censuses (Ezra 2, Neh 7, Neh 11) speaks to their established importance as gateway towns to Jerusalem from the Philistine coastal plain and a testament to the meticulous record-keeping of the returned exiles. The "Valley of Craftsmen" serves as a specific geographical marker that reveals the strategic importance of specialized labor during the post-exilic period. Such locations provided essential support to Jerusalem and other repopulated areas, acting as industrial hubs of their time. The re-establishment of these practical communities reflected the holistic nature of God's restoration, which covered spiritual, social, and economic aspects necessary for a thriving nation. It underscores that spiritual revival often leads to, and is supported by, practical diligent labor.

Nehemiah 11 35 Commentary

Nehemiah 11:35 offers a practical glimpse into the meticulous restoration of post-exilic Judea. Beyond the grand feat of wall-building, this verse shows the detailed re-establishment of daily life, through the specific mentioning of resettled towns like Lod and Ono, and notably, "the Valley of Craftsmen." This specific detail underscores the recognition of practical needs—not just population numbers, but essential skills. The return of craftsmen ensured that the re-inhabited areas had the necessary human resources to produce tools, build homes, and develop infrastructure. This was foundational to the long-term survival and prosperity of the community, demonstrating God's providence extending to even the practical aspects of rebuilding His people's society and their functional dependence on each other as parts of a larger whole.