Today I read Nehemiah 11, in which the repeopling of Jerusalem occurred by people drawing lots and the rulers staying. Today I considered that they increased the population through rulers and people agreeing to live there.
Population Increase
Jerusalem increased their population and lists some of the leaders in the city (Nehemiah 11:1-36). The rulers of the people lived in Jerusalem. Some other people willingly cast lots for one in ten of them to live in Jerusalem and the other 90% to live in other cities. People wanted to live there. Those living in the city included priests, Levites, Nethinims, Solomon’s servants’ children, children of Judah, children of Benjamin, sons of Perez, and more. The leaders included Joel then Judah over the city, Seriah over the Lord’s house, Zabdiel over the mighty men, Shabbethai and Jozabad over the outward business of the Lord’s house, Mattaniah as the main person over starting the giving of thanks in prayer, and more. Some people dwelt in the villages outside of Jerusalem like in the valley of craftsmen.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
There are many towns in the United States that have lost their populations. In some locations this is a major issue because it affects revenue for the town to fix roads and other systems, hire staff, and continue to function. In Jerusalem they had all of the leaders live in Jerusalem but they also asked people who willingly lived there. People drew lots to be able to stay. The people were committed to the purposes of God and the Jerusalem with the rebuilt wall. Jerusalem had both people that praised God and safety.
What do you think towns can do regain their population and get people to stay?