11:1–12:26 Review · Nehemiah’s concern about the lack of population in Jerusalem (Neh. 7:4–5, 35) is taken up again in chapter 11. The author follows a very logical sequence in this final section (Nehemiah 8–13). First are the revival and the people’s covenant to be faithful to God. The next step in the consolidation of the community, as well as the community’s worship, is the repopulation of Jerusalem. After this we will see another emphasis on the genealogical list, then the dedication of the wall (Nehemiah 12).

11:1–36 · Most of the people prefer to live in the villages outside of Jerusalem, including many priests, Levites, and temple servants. It is beneficial for those who serve in religious matters to live among the common people. But the parenthetical sentence in 11:3–4 suggests t…