More about the Nethinims - Nehemiah 11:21

In the book of Nehemiah, Nehemiah said, “And the residue of Israel, of the priests, and the Levites, were in all the cities of Judah, every one in his inheritance”, and in chapter eleven and verse twenty-one of Nehemiah, Nehemiah shared more about, “the Nethinims” where we read,

But the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel:

and Ziha and Gispa were over the Nethinims.

The verse reads, “But the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel:” Nehemiah began with the words, “but the Nethinims” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover the Nethinims who were temple slaves assigned to the Levites and priests for service in the sanctuary” “dwelt in Ophel” or “inhabited, abode and lived within Ophel whose name means hill and was a ridge of hills in Jerusalem which were fortified for defense of the city”. Nehemiah shared shared how the servants of the priests and Levites lived within the fortified hills of “Ophel”.

The verse goes on to say, “and Ziha and Gispa were over the Nethinims.” Nehemiah continued with the words, “and Ziha” whose name means “parched” “and Gispa” or “caress” “were over the Nethinims” which means “were in charge and watched over the Nethinims”. Nehemiah shared how “Ziha and Gispa” were the overseers of the servants to the priests and Levites known as “Nethinims”.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Nehemiah how the “Nethinims” or servants to the priests and Levites lived within the hill country of “Ophel” which was fortified within the city of Jerusalem. God's order was being established, and even the servants within His temple had their own place to live. God loves the people of Israel, and He loves us. He proved His love to us when He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and He raised Him from the dead three days later so when we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and lead us through His Holy Spirit where He wants us to live and what our position of service will be while we are there. 

Next time Nehemiah shares more about, “the overseer of the Levites”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".