The Nethinim the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth,
After the priests, Levites and singers, the list of returning exiles turns to the temple servants, or Nethinim, named family by family down to verse 54. Who were they, and why does God record the names of those doing the humblest work in His house?
Their name is itself a description.
The Nethinim were temple servants. The word means "given" or "devoted," that is, to God. We find this name in only one other passage (1 Chron. 9:2). According to Ezra 8:20 this order originated with King David. Jewish tradition identifies them with the Gibeonites. Joshua appointed them as helpers to the Levites (Josh. 9:3-27). Whatever their origin, they were devoted servants of God, with set duties in the temple.
They stood one step below the Levites: "Their function was entirely to serve the Levites; they worked for the Levites." (George Davison)
Their place in the list has led writers to conclude they were not Israelites by birth.
The word seems to mean "those that are given." Because of where their names come in the chapter (see also 1 Chr. 9:2), writers have concluded that they came from another race. They had been given at first to the Levites, to serve them. In the same way the Levites had been given to Aaron for the Lord's service in His tabernacle — only the Levites were given by God's command, and in the place of the firstborn of Israel (see Num. 8).
Commentators treat the Gibeonite link as likely, not proven. They also differ over who set them apart: "It does not appear that God appointed them, as He did the Levites, but 'David and the princes' appointed them 'for the service of the Levites.'" (Morrish Bible Dictionary)
If the Gibeonites were their ancestors, these families carried the memory of a sentence of slavery.
So here we probably find the origin of the Nethinim. God spared them from the judgment they deserved. If He put them into slavery, it was slavery in His mercy, and it tied them to His house. The very curse that rested on them (see Joshua 9:23) was turned into a blessing. What do we find? The sword of the Lord's army did not destroy them. They were rescued. Centuries later they stand in honourable company with the Lord's people, and with a heart for the Lord's house too, since they returned from Babylon with their fellow captives at this special moment. So they are no small picture of the objects of grace, even in the present age.
These families were not Israelites, and they had been away from Judah for a lifetime.
We never read of any of them refusing this place of submission to Israel. Their willingness to return to Judah shows a remarkable loyalty to the God of Israel. They were Gentiles, and they had been away from Judah for 70 years. After such a long absence, not all the Jews were ready to return to their own country. So the faith of these Gentiles who had joined them shines out all the brighter.
Later, when Ezra gathered a second company, these servants far outnumbered the Levites: "There are 220 Nethinim, or about six servants for each Levite!" (H. L. Rossier)
The tasks behind these names were small ones.
These modest tasks are very valuable in the eyes of the Lord. See how, from verse 43 to verse 57, God gladly records all the names of their fathers. It is the same today, whether it is serving tables, passing the bread and the cup, or taking care of the "upper room". The Lord forgets none of it. He writes down the names of those who have kept charge of this service, and they deserve it just as much as any others.
God's notice of the overlooked did not end with Ezra's list.
And God even takes account of those we might have forgotten: the Nethinim (v.43) and Solomon's servants (v.55). These may not have been of Jewish descent, and they were occupied with lowly service. But God is pleased to mention all the names of the fathers of those who went up to Jerusalem. In the same way, members of the body of Christ have different tasks, duties, and abilities. The most prominent ones may not be the most important ones (1 Cor. 12).
- Given. The name means "given" or "devoted" — men handed to God for service in His house, as the Levites were given to Aaron.
- Spared. Writers link them, with care, to the Gibeonites. They escaped judgment and received servitude instead of the sword.
- Turned. God turned the curse on them into a blessing. Centuries later they stand in honourable company with His people — a picture of grace.
- Devoted. Outsiders by birth, they returned when many Israelites would not. Later they outnumbered the Levites six to one in answering Ezra's call.
- Remembered. God writes their modest work down family by family. The least visible service in His house is never the least valued.
the children of Keros, the children of Siaha, the children of Padon,
Keros, Siaha and Padon appear here among the Nethinim, the temple servants who returned from exile in Babylon. Their names mean nothing to us today, so why does God record them, and who were these men?
This group carries its own title in the list. The title tells us what they were for.
The Nethinim were temple servants. The word means "given" or "devoted," that is, given to God. We find this name in only one other passage (1 Chron. 9:2). According to Ezra 8:20 this order originated with King David. Jewish tradition identifies them with the Gibeonites, whom Joshua appointed as helpers to the Levites (Josh. 9:3-27). Whatever their origin, they were devoted servants of God assigned to certain duties in the temple.
Were these men Israelites at all? Their names sit after the Israelites in the chapter, and that placing shapes the answer.
Two other classes follow the Israelites in this list: the Nethinim, and the servants of Solomon. Were these of Jewish descent? The word seems to mean "those that are given." Because of where their names come in the chapter, the conclusion has been that they were of another race, but had first been given to the Levites for their service. The Levites too had been given to Aaron for the Lord's service in His tabernacle — only they were given by God's command, and in the place of the firstborn of Israel.
after_note: none
If these families came from Gibeon, their low place as servants became the very thing that spared them.
Here, then, we probably find where the Nethinim came from — people spared from the just judgment of God. If they were reduced to slavery, it was slavery in His mercy, tied to His house. So the very curse resting on them turned into a blessing. For what do we find? Instead of dying by the sword of the Lord's army, they were rescued. Centuries later they stand in honoured company with the Lord's people, and with a heart for the Lord's house too, since they returned from Babylon with their fellow captives at this special moment. They are surely no small picture of those who receive grace even in this age.
The journey home was long and costly. Notice, then, who chose to make it.
We do not read of any of them refusing this place of submission to Israel, and their willingness to return to Judah shows a remarkable loyalty to the God of Israel, since they were Gentiles and had been away from Judah for 70 years. After so long an absence, not all of the Jews were prepared to return to their own country, so that the faith of their Gentile adherents shines out the more brightly.
A verse of three forgotten names looks like filler. Its survival says something about what God values.
This record exists at all, and that shows how precious to God was the response His grace had produced in the hearts of His people — however weakly they may have grasped His thoughts about His house. For that reason He has kept this list, as evidence that He sees with joy the smallest fruits of His Spirit's work. He knows the very names of His people and announces them, to encourage everyone to walk in His ways, to stand with His interests, and to stay faithful in times of corruption and falling away.
The ones easiest to overlook are named too.
And God even takes account of those we might have forgotten: the Nethinim (v.43) and Solomon's servants (v.55). These may not have been of Jewish descent, and they were occupied with lowly service. But God is pleased to mention all the names of the fathers of those who went up to Jerusalem. Similarly, in the body of Christ, members have different tasks, duties, and abilities, and the most prominent ones may not be the most important ones (1 Cor. 12).
- Given. Nethinim means "given" or "devoted" — men set apart for duties at God's house. Scripture names them in only one other place.
- Given from outside. Their place in the list, after the Israelites, led commentators to conclude they came from another race and were given to the Levites for service. The link to Gibeon is probable, not proven.
- Given instead of judged. If they came from Gibeon, their sentence of servitude spared them from destruction. The curse on them turned into blessing.
- Giving themselves back. Centuries later they chose the journey home while many Jews stayed behind. The faith of these outsiders shines the brighter.
- Given a name in the record. God kept their family names. He notices the smallest fruit of His work, and the least prominent servants are not the least important.
the children of Lebanah, the children of Hagabah, the children of Akkub,
Lebanah, Hagabah and Akkub belong to a long list of Nethinim — the temple servants who came home from exile with the first group of returning Jews. Why does Scripture keep the family names of men who only carried wood and water for God's house?
One commentator traces the name of this group and its likely origin:
The Nethinim were temple servants. The word means "given" or "devoted," that is, given to God. We find this name in only one other passage (1 Chronicles 9:2). According to Ezra 8:20 this order started with King David. Jewish tradition identifies them with the Gibeonites. Joshua appointed them as helpers to the Levites (Joshua 9:3-27). Whatever their origin, they were devoted servants of God assigned to certain duties in the temple.
Commentators differ on how certain that link is. Some call it probable rather than proven. All agree on the work itself: these men served as helpers under the Levites.
If the Gibeonites are in view, these men descend from a people Joshua sentenced to lasting servitude. One commentator reads their place in the list as mercy:
It is here, then, that we probably find the origin of the Nethinim — those who were spared from the just judgment of God. If they were reduced to slavery, it was slavery in His mercy, tied to His house. So the very curse resting on them (see Joshua 9:23) turned into a blessing. For what do we find? They were not destroyed by the sword of the Lord's host. They were rescued. And now, centuries later, we find them in honourable company with the Lord's people. They had a heart for the Lord's house too, since they returned from Babylon with their fellow-captives at this special moment. They are surely no small foreshadowing of those who receive grace even in this present age.
The same writer widens the lesson:
The lesson already drawn is again significant, that the least connection with the Lord's people and the Lord's things becomes a means of blessing — not always spiritual blessing, though almost always blessing in this life.
Nothing here looks impressive: three family names, no deeds, no speeches. One commentator counts these servants, then carries the point into our own day:
The gatekeepers numbered 139. The Nethinim, the lower servants of the sanctuary, together with Solomon's servants, numbered 392 (v. 58). These modest functions are very valuable in the eyes of the Lord. See how, from verse 43 to verse 57, God gladly registers all the names of their fathers. In the same way today, the Lord forgets none of it: serving tables, passing the bread and the cup, taking care of the upper room. He registers the names of those who have kept this service just as deservedly as the others. And we shall see, more than once, that the child of God who took the last place, forgetting himself to serve others, will hold a place of honour. Meanwhile a striking gift that tended to glorify man instead of Christ will sit down in shame in the last place.
These servants were not Israelites by birth, and seventy years had passed since the exile began. Yet their names stand in the list:
We do not read of any of them refusing this place of submission to Israel. Their willingness to return to Judah shows a remarkable loyalty to the God of Israel. They were Gentiles, and they had been away from Judah for 70 years. After so long an absence, not all of the Jews wanted to return to their own country. So the faith of these Gentiles who had joined them shines out the more brightly.
- Given. "Nethinim" means given, or devoted. These men were handed over to God's service as helpers under the Levites.
- Given mercy. They likely came from a people under a sentence of servitude. The bondage turned into mercy, because it tied them to God's house.
- Given a name. God writes down the families of His lowest servants. No small task in His house goes unnoticed by Him.
- Given a heart. They left Babylon when many Israelites by birth would not. The faith of these outsiders shines out the brighter.
- Given as a picture. Rescued outsiders now stand in honourable company with God's people — a foreshadowing of how grace still works.
the children of Hagab, the children of Shamlai, the children of Hanan,
This verse sits inside a long list of families who came home from exile in Babylon. These three names are not priests or princes but Nethinim, the lowest workers at God's house — so why does God bother to write them down?
The name itself is the first clue. Commentators trace it to a group from outside Israel.
The word seems to mean "those that are given." From the place where their names occur in the chapter, some have concluded that they were of another race, but had been given originally to the Levites for their service. The Levites themselves had been given to Aaron for the Lord's service in His tabernacle — only these by divine command, and in the place of the firstborn of Israel. Traces of such are found in two Scriptures... We also find Joshua saying to the Gibeonites, "some of you shall always be slaves, cutters of wood and drawers of water for the house of my God."
The Gibeonites were a local people Joshua spared. Their work for God's house was lifelong. That origin is only probable, and another writer points to a later appointment:
Ezra 8:20 tells us that David appointed the Nethinim to serve the Levites. They were probably Gibeonites whom Joshua had received.
If these families do descend from Gibeon, their history took a surprising turn.
Here, then, we probably find the origin of the Nethinim: God spared them from His just judgment. If they were reduced to slavery, it was slavery in His mercy, tied to His house. So the very curse resting on them turned into a blessing. For what do we find? The sword of the Lord's host did not destroy them; they were rescued. Now, centuries later, we find them in honourable company with the Lord's people. They had a heart for the Lord's house too, since they returned from Babylon with their fellow captives at this special moment. They are surely no small picture of the objects of grace even in the present age.
The list does not stop at a headcount. It goes family by family.
The Nethinim, or subordinate servants of the sanctuary, together with Solomon's servants, numbered 392. These modest functions are very valuable in the eyes of the Lord. See how, from verse 43 to verse 57, God gladly registers all the names of their fathers. It is the same today. Whether it is serving tables, passing the bread and the cup, or taking care of the "upper room," the Lord forgets none of it. He registers the names of those who have kept the charge of this service just as deservedly as others. And we will see, in more than one case, that the child of God who took the last place, forgetting himself in order to serve others, will be given a place of honour — while a remarkable gift that tended to glorify man rather than Christ will sit down in shame in the last place.
Another writer carries the same thought into the church today.
And God even takes account of those we might have forgotten: the Nethinim and Solomon's servants. These may not have been of Jewish descent, and they were occupied with lowly service. But God is pleased to mention all the names of the fathers of those who went up to Jerusalem. In the same way, members of the body of Christ have different tasks, duties, and abilities. The most prominent ones may not be the most important ones (1 Cor. 12).
The story does not end with the register. Later these families stand with Israel under a binding oath of their own. Writers name their stock differently — Gibeonites, or Amorites — but agree they were outsiders by birth.
When the people gathered in solemn assembly, their leaders sealed the covenant. The Nethinim entered into a curse and an oath to walk in God's law, and not to intermarry with the peoples of the land. They were in fact descendants of the Amorites, yet they were now thoroughly part of the nation of Israel. With the faithful in Israel, these men of faith were blessed.
- Given. Nethinim means "those that are given" — outsiders handed to the Levites for service, as the Levites had been given to Aaron.
- Spared. They escaped judgment. Their sentence to lowly labour placed them near God's house, so the curse turned into blessing.
- Willing. Centuries later they left Babylon with their fellow captives, and they had a heart for God's house.
- Named. God gladly writes down every family of these lowest servants. The one who takes the last place will be given a place of honour.
- Counted in. In the end they take the same oath as Israel's leaders: outsiders by birth, now fully part of Israel, blessed with the faithful.
the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, the children of Reaiah,
These three family names belong to the Nethinim. They were temple servants, and they are listed among the thousands who returned from Babylon to rebuild God's house. Two questions follow. Who were these people, and why does Scripture keep a record like this?
The list exists because God valued the response His grace had produced, even in people whose grasp of His purposes was small.
On this account He has caused this list to be preserved, in evidence that He beholds with joy the smallest fruits of His Spirit's work, and that the very names of His people are known and proclaimed as an encouragement to all to walk in His ways, to be identified with His interests, and to maintain fidelity in times of corruption and apostasy.
These three families stand under one label: Nethinim. The word itself tells you their place.
The Nethinim were temple servants. The word means "given" or "devoted," that is, to God. We find this name in only one other passage (1 Chronicles 9:2). According to Ezra 8:20 this order originated with King David. Jewish tradition identifies them with the Gibeonites, whom Joshua appointed as helpers to the Levites (Joshua 9:3-27). Whatever their origin, they were devoted servants of God assigned to certain duties in the temple.
If these families were Gibeonites, their servitude began as a sentence. Yet the outcome is striking.
It is here, therefore, that we probably find the origin of the Nethinim — those who were spared from the just judgment of God; and if reduced to servile bondage, it was bondage in His mercy in connection with His house, so that the very curse that rested on them (see Joshua 9:23) was turned into a blessing. For what do we find? That instead of being destroyed with the sword of the Lord's host, they were rescued, and now, after the passing of centuries, they are found in honourable association with the Lord's people, and with a heart too for the Lord's house, since they returned from Babylon with their fellow-captives at this special moment. They are surely no small picture of the objects of grace even in this age.
Their willingness to travel is more remarkable than it first appears, because they had no ancestral claim to the land they were going to.
We have noted that the Nethinim were likely Gibeonites who had entered the congregation in the time of Joshua, who told them, "There shall none of you be freed from being bondmen, and hewers of wood and drawers of water for the house of my God" (Joshua 9:23). We do not read of any of them refusing this place of submission to Israel, and their willingness to return to Judah shows a remarkable loyalty to the God of Israel, since they were Gentiles and had been away from Judah for 70 years. After such a long absence, not all of the Jews were prepared to return to their own country, so the faith of their Gentile adherents shines out all the more brightly.
Most readers skim past names like these. God does not, and the same point reaches into the church today.
And God even takes account of those we might have forgotten: the Nethinim (v. 43) and Solomon's servants (v. 55). These may not have been of Jewish descent, and they were occupied with lowly service. But God is pleased to mention all the names of the fathers of those who went up to Jerusalem. In the same way, members of the body of Christ have different tasks, duties, and abilities. The most prominent ones may not be the most important ones (1 Corinthians 12).
Their standing among the people was no longer marginal. Later, when the nation bound itself by covenant, these servants signed on with everyone else.
When gathered in solemn assembly, the covenant was sealed by the leaders of the people, and the Nethinim entered into a curse and an oath to walk in God's law and not to intermarry with the peoples of the land! For though they were actually descendants of the Amorites, they were now thoroughly incorporated with the nation of Israel. With the faithful in Israel, these men of faith were blessed.
- Given. "Nethinim" means those who are given or devoted — a title of service to God, not a family line.
- Spared. If they came from the Gibeonites, God spared them instead of destroying them. Their slavery was mercy, and the curse became a blessing.
- Named. God kept this record. He looks with joy on the smallest fruit of His Spirit's work, and He makes His people's names known.
- Willing. These Gentiles had been away from Judah for 70 years, yet they returned. Not all the Jews were ready to go. Their faith shines the brighter.
- Counted. God names lowly servants, and they later sealed the covenant with the nation. In the body of Christ too, the most prominent members may not be the most important.
the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, the children of Gazzam,
The verse sits deep inside a long list of families who came back from exile in Babylon. It falls in the section naming the Nethinim — the temple servants. The verse adds three more family names. Why would God keep a written record of servants nobody else would remember?
The chapter falls into groups, and this verse belongs to the last and lowest of them. One commentator traces the order:
Verses 3 to 35 list the people of various cities. Verses 36 to 39 mention priests among those returning. Verse 40 then speaks of Levites, and verses 41-42 of singers. Verse 43 introduces the Nethinim.
The name itself explains their place:
The Nethinim were temple servants. The word means "given" or "devoted," that is, to God. We find this name in only one other passage (1 Chron. 9:2). According to Ezra 8:20 this order originated with King David. Jewish tradition identifies them with the Gibeonites, whom Joshua appointed as helpers to the Levites (Josh. 9:3-27). Whatever their origin, they were devoted servants of God assigned to certain duties in the temple.
Commentators differ: some call the Gibeonite link probable, while Gaebelein leaves the origin open.
If these families did descend from the Gibeonites, then their servant status began as a judgment. The Gibeonites were the people Joshua spared instead of destroying, and he appointed them as helpers to the Levites. One writer draws out the result:
It is here, then, that we probably find the origin of the Nethinim — those who were spared from the just judgment of God. If they were reduced to the bondage of servants, it was bondage in His mercy, in connection with His house. So the very curse resting on them (see Joshua 9:23) was turned into a blessing. For what do we find? Instead of being destroyed by the sword of the Lord's host, they were rescued. Now, hundreds of years later, they stand in honourable association with the Lord's people, and with a heart for the Lord's house as well, since they returned from Babylon with their fellow-captives at this special moment. They are surely no small picture of the objects of grace even in this present age.
A register of obscure names looks like filler until you ask who wanted it kept. The same writer answers:
The first thing to notice is that this record exists at all. It shows how precious to God was the response His grace had produced in the hearts of His people. They may have entered only feebly into His thoughts about His house. Even so, He has caused this list to be preserved. It is evidence that He looks with joy on the smallest fruits of His Spirit's work. It shows too that the very names of His people are known and announced, to encourage everyone to walk in His ways, to be identified with His interests, and to stay faithful in times of corruption and falling away.
The Nethinim did the background jobs of the sanctuary, and their families are listed one by one anyway:
The porters numbered 139. The Nethinim, or lower servants of the sanctuary, together with Solomon's servants, numbered 392 (v. 58). These modest tasks are very valuable in the eyes of the Lord. See how, from verse 43 to verse 57, God gladly registers all the names of their fathers. It is the same today. Serving tables, passing the bread and the cup, taking care of the "upper room" — the Lord forgets none of it. He records the names of those who have kept the charge of this service just as deservedly as any others. We will see, in more than one case, that the one among the children of God who took the last place, forgetting himself in order to serve others, will occupy a place of honour. Meanwhile a certain remarkable gift, which tended to glorify man rather than Christ, will sit down in shame in the last place.
The same class appears again later. When Ezra summoned helpers, few Levites answered:
There were still fewer than forty Levites, while there were two hundred and twenty Nethinim. Here is another proof. In the comfortable ease of Babylon, the nation's hopes and privileges no longer had any practical power over their minds. Set that against the laziness of the Levites. It is beautiful to notice how many Nethinim (probably of a foreign race) obeyed Ezra's summons.
- Given. The word Nethinim means "given" or "devoted" — to God. Their name says they were handed over for the service of His house.
- Given mercy. If they came from the Gibeonites, their servant status started as a sentence; God turned the curse into bondage "in His mercy in connection with His house."
- Given names. Rezin, Nekoda and Gazzam are not decoration. The list exists because God "looks with joy on the smallest fruits of His Spirit's work."
- Given tasks. Serving tables, passing the bread and cup, caring for the room: modest work is "very valuable in the eyes of the Lord." He records it just as deservedly as any other.
- Given hearts. Later, 220 Nethinim answered Ezra's call while the Levites stayed comfortable. The lowest class in the register proved the most willing to go.
the children of Uzza, the children of Phaseah, the children of Besai,
Ezra 2:49 names three families among the Nethinim — the temple servants who came home from exile in Babylon. Why would God keep a written record of servants we know nothing else about?
The chapter sorts its names into groups. Verse 49 falls after the families of Israel's own tribes:
Looking at this catalogue a little more closely, we find a fourfold division. Down to the end of verse 42 we have those who were clearly of Israel — of Judah, Benjamin, or of Levi (among the last both singers and gatekeepers). Then come two other classes: the Nethinim, and the servants of Solomon. A few words about them will be necessary.
Of the three families here, Scripture tells us little more than that they were there. A reference work sums up one of them in a single line:
Ancestor of some Nethinim, who returned from exile.
The name of the group says what these people were:
The Nethinim were temple servants. The word means "given" or "devoted," that is, to God. We find this name in only one other passage (1 Chron. 9:2). According to Ezra 8:20 this order originated with King David. Jewish tradition identifies them with the Gibeonites. Joshua appointed them as helpers to the Levites (Josh. 9:3-27). Whatever their origin, they were devoted servants of God with set duties in the temple.
Commentators differ on where they came from. Some call the Gibeonite link likely rather than proven, and one writer traces them to the Amorites.
If these families came from Gibeon, the list is a record of mercy:
This is probably where we find the origin of the Nethinim — those whom God spared from His just judgment. If they were brought into slavery, it was slavery in His mercy, connected with His house. So the very curse resting on them (see Joshua 9:23) turned into a blessing. For what do we find? The sword of the Lord's host did not destroy them. They were rescued. Now, centuries later, they stand in honourable association with the Lord's people, and with a heart for the Lord's house too, since they returned from Babylon with their fellow-captives at this special moment. They are surely no small foreshadowing of the objects of grace even in this age.
Their willingness to return stands out against the Jews who stayed:
The Nethinim were likely Gibeonites who had joined the congregation in Joshua's time. He told them, "None of you shall be freed from being servants, cutters of wood and drawers of water for the house of my God" (Josh. 9:23, older translation). We do not read of any of them refusing this place of submission to Israel. Their willingness to return to Judah shows a remarkable loyalty to the God of Israel, since they were Gentiles who had been away from Judah for 70 years. After so long an absence, not all of the Jews were ready to return to their own country. So the faith of these Gentile followers shines out all the brighter.
Their story does not stop at the list. They took on the covenant with the rest of the nation:
The people gathered in solemn assembly, and their leaders sealed the covenant. The Nethinim joined in a curse and an oath to walk in God's law, and not to intermarry with the peoples of the land! They were in fact descendants of the Amorites, yet they were now fully part of the nation of Israel. With the faithful in Israel, these men of faith were blessed.
The existence of the register is itself the message:
The first thing to notice is that the very existence of this record shows how precious to God was the response His grace had produced in the hearts of His people. That is true however weakly they entered into His thoughts about His house. For this reason He has kept this list. It is evidence that He sees with joy the smallest fruits of His Spirit's work. It also shows that He knows and proclaims the very names of His people. All this encourages everyone to walk in His ways, to stand with His interests, and to stay faithful in times of corruption and apostasy.
- Given — "Nethinim" means given, or devoted to God; these families served in the temple.
- Spared — if they came from Gibeon, their slavery began as mercy, and the curse on them turned into blessing.
- Loyal — Scripture never records one of them refusing that place of service.
- Grafted — Gentiles, 70 years away, chose the road home, and later sealed the covenant with Israel.
- Counted — God kept the list, because He sees the smallest fruit of His work and makes His people's names known.
the children of Asnah, the children of Meunim, the children of Nephusim,
Three family names — Asnah, Meunim, Nephisim — sit inside a long list of temple servants who returned from Babylon to Jerusalem. The list raises two questions: who were these servants, and why does God write down names like these?
These three families belong to the group called the Nethinim. The name itself carries the explanation.
The Nethinim were temple servants. The word means "given" or "devoted," that is, to God. We find this name in only one other passage (1 Chron. 9:2). According to Ezra 8:20 this order started with King David. Jewish tradition identifies them with the Gibeonites, whom Joshua appointed as helpers to the Levites (Josh. 9:3-27). Whatever their origin, they were devoted servants of God with set duties in the temple.
Commentators differ here. Some treat the Gibeonite link as likely. Others say only that these families were probably not of Jewish descent.
If the Gibeonite origin is right, these families began in bondage. Notice what God did with it.
Here, then, we probably find the origin of the Nethinim. They were spared from the just judgment of God. If they were reduced to servile bondage, it was bondage in His mercy, tied to His house. So the very curse resting on them (see Joshua 9:23) became a blessing. For what do we find? Instead of being destroyed by the sword of the Lord's host, they were rescued. Centuries later they stand in honourable company with the Lord's people. They had a heart for the Lord's house too, since they returned from Babylon with their fellow captives at this special moment. They are no small picture of the objects of grace even in this present age.
Their duties were small and out of sight. The verse still records their family names.
The Nethinim, the lower servants of the sanctuary, together with Solomon's servants numbered 392 (v. 58). These modest functions are very valuable in the eyes of the Lord. See how, from verse 43 to verse 57, God gladly registers all the names of their fathers. In the same way today, whether it is a matter of serving tables, of passing the bread and the cup, or of caring for the "upper room," the Lord forgets none of it. He records the names of those who have kept the charge of this service just as rightly as the others. And we shall see, in more than one case, that the child of God who took the last place, forgetting himself to serve others, will hold a place of honour. Meanwhile a certain remarkable gift, which tended to glorify man rather than Christ, will sit down in shame in the last place.
God kept this record on purpose.
He has kept this list on record as evidence that He looks with joy on the smallest fruits of His Spirit's work. He knows and announces the very names of His people. This encourages everyone to walk in His ways, to identify with His interests, and to stay faithful in times of corruption and falling away.
The list runs from leaders and priests down to these families. The last group is not the least.
And God even takes account of those we might have forgotten: the Nethinim (v.43) and Solomon's servants (v.55). These may not have been of Jewish descent, and they did lowly work. But God is pleased to mention all the names of the fathers of those who went up to Jerusalem. In the same way, members of the body of Christ have different tasks, duties, and abilities. The most prominent ones may not be the most important ones (1 Cor. 12).
The Nethinim appear again later in the book. When Ezra called for helpers, the numbers told their own story.
There were still fewer than forty Levites, while there were two hundred and twenty Nethinim. It is another proof that in the easy comfort of Babylon, the nation's hopes and privileges had lost all real power over their minds. Set against the laziness of the Levites, the number of Nethinim who obeyed Ezra's summons is beautiful to notice. They were probably of a foreign race.
- Given. "Nethinim" means given or devoted. They were servants set apart for temple duties, an order that began with David.
- Spared. They most likely began in bondage under a curse. God's mercy turned that curse into a place near His house.
- Named. God records these unknown families as fully as the leaders. The smallest fruit of His Spirit's work gives Him joy.
- Willing. They left the comfort of Babylon. Later they answered Ezra's call in far greater numbers than the Levites.
- Rewarded. The one who takes the last place to serve others will hold a place of honour. Prominence and importance are not the same.
the children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur,
This verse sits in a long list of names that most readers skim: three families of Nethinim, the temple helpers, among those who left Babylon for Jerusalem. Why did God keep such obscure names, and who were these people?
The word behind the name explains the group. It marks people given over to service at God's house. Writers also trace their likely origin back to the Gibeonites:
A name meaning "given, devoted ones," applied to those who helped the Levites in the service of the tabernacle and the temple. The Gibeonites were made "cutters of wood and drawers of water for the congregation and for the altar." Joshua 9:27. These are not mentioned after 2 Samuel, so they and their descendants may have been the Nethinim. It does not appear that God appointed them, as He did the Levites, but "David and the princes" appointed them "for the service of the Levites." Ezra 8:20. After the return from exile the Nethinim are called the "ministers of this house of God."
Commentators treat this Gibeonite link as likely, not proven.
If these families did descend from Gibeon, then their low rank was itself mercy:
It is here, then, that we probably find the origin of the Nethinim — those who were spared from the just judgment of God. If they were reduced to servile bondage, it was bondage in His mercy, tied to His house. So the very curse resting on them became a blessing. For what do we find? Instead of being destroyed with the sword of the Lord's host, they were rescued. Now, centuries later, we find them in honourable company with the Lord's people, and with a heart for the Lord's house too, since they returned from Babylon with their fellow-captives at this special moment. They are surely no small picture of the objects of grace even in the present age.
Seventy years away from the land — yet the families of Bakbuk, Hakupha and Harhur went back. Many Jews would not, and that makes their choice stand out:
We do not read of any of them refusing this place of submission to Israel. Their willingness to return to Judah shows a remarkable allegiance to the God of Israel, since they were Gentiles and had been away from Judah for 70 years. After so long an absence, not all of the Jews were ready to return to their own country. So the faith of their Gentile followers shines out all the brighter.
Why keep such a list at all? Its very existence is the answer:
The first thing to notice is that this list exists at all. That shows how precious to God was the response His grace had produced in the hearts of His people, however weakly they may have entered into His thoughts about His house. For this reason He has kept this list. It proves that He looks with joy on the smallest fruits of His Spirit's work. It also shows that He knows the very names of His people and proclaims them. That is an encouragement to all to walk in His ways, to be identified with His interests, and to keep faithful in times of corruption and apostasy.
The verse says nothing about these families except that they came. Small tasks like theirs still matter:
These modest functions are very valuable in the eyes of the Lord. See how, from verse 43 to verse 57, God gladly records all the names of their fathers. It is the same today. Serving tables, passing the bread and the cup, taking care of the "upper room" — the Lord forgets none of it. He records the names of those who have kept charge of this service, and they deserve it as much as any others. In more than one case we shall see that the one among God's children who took the last place, forgetting himself to serve others, will hold a place of honour.
Another writer sees in such details how little we know of God's care:
Even their animals are counted. How ignorant man is of God! How good for His people! From His word they can learn of His interest in themselves and in everything that belongs to them. Their estate may be low, yet His notice of them is all the more striking.
- Given — "Nethinim" means given or devoted ones. They helped the Levites. David and the princes appointed them, not God directly, as far as the record shows.
- Spared — they likely came from Gibeon. God spared them from judgment and gave them a servant's place near His house, so the curse became a blessing.
- Returned — Gentiles by birth, and away from Judah for seventy years, they still went up. Many Jews stayed behind.
- Recorded — God kept this list because He rejoices over the smallest fruits of His Spirit's work. He knows His people by name.
- Rewarded — quiet service still counts today. The Lord records it, and the one who took the last place will hold a place of honour.
the children of Bazluth, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha,
This verse sits in a list of temple servants — the group older translations call the Nethinim. They came back from exile in Babylon with the priests and Levites. It names three households and says nothing else about them. So why does God write down the names of people who did the lowest work?
A reference work gathers what their name means and what they did:
The name means "given, devoted ones," and it belongs to those who helped the Levites serve in the tabernacle and the temple. The name does not occur until 1 Chronicles 9:2, and afterwards in Ezra and Nehemiah. The Gibeonites were made "cutters of wood and drawers of water for the congregation and for the altar" (Joshua 9:27). No book after 2 Samuel mentions them, so they and their descendants may have been the Nethinim. God does not appear to have appointed them, as He did the Levites. Instead "David and the princes" appointed them "for the service of the Levites" (Ezra 8:20). After the return from exile the Nethinim bear the title "ministers of this house of God." Like the priests and Levites, they paid no "toll, tribute, or custom" (Ezra 7:24).
Writers treat the link with the Gibeonites — the woodcutters and water-carriers of Joshua 9 — as likely, not certain.
If that origin is right, then the ancestors of Bazluth, Mehida and Harsha were people who should have been destroyed. One writer traces what mercy did with them instead:
So this is probably where the Nethinim began. God spared them from His just judgment. If they were brought into slave-like bondage, it was bondage in His mercy, tied to His house. So the very curse that rested on them (see Joshua 9:23) turned into a blessing. For what do we find? The sword of the Lord's army did not destroy them. They were rescued. Now, centuries later, we find them in honourable association with the Lord's people. They had a heart for the Lord's house too, since they returned from Babylon with their fellow-captives at this special moment. They are surely no small picture of the objects of grace even in this age.
A list of unfamiliar names looks like filler. The same writer asks why God kept it:
The first thing to notice is the list itself. Its existence shows how precious to God was the response His grace had produced in the hearts of His people — however feebly they may have entered into His thoughts about His house. For this reason He has kept this list safe. It is evidence that He looks with joy on the smallest fruits of His Spirit's work. It also shows that the very names of His people are known and announced. That encourages everyone to walk in His ways, to stand with His interests, and to keep faithful in times of corruption and apostasy.
The Levites already held a supporting role in the temple. These families supported the supporters:
In Ezra 8:20 we read, "Also of the Nethinim, whom David and the princes had appointed for the service of the Levites." Today they would perhaps match those who do many services behind the scenes, as we may say. Many things are necessary and have to be done week by week. People often take them for granted, but someone has to do them.
What is such modest service worth to the Lord, and where does it end?
The Nethinim, the subordinate servants of the sanctuary, together with Solomon's servants, numbered 392 (v. 58). These modest functions are very valuable in the eyes of the Lord. See how, from verse 43 to verse 57, God gladly registers all the names of their fathers. It is the same today. Whether it is serving tables, passing the bread and the cup, or taking care of the "upper room," the Lord forgets none of it. He registers the names of those who have kept charge of this service just as deservedly as the others. And we shall see, in more than one case, that the child of God who took the last place, forgetting himself to serve others, will hold a place of honour. Meanwhile a certain remarkable gift, which tended to glorify man rather than Christ, will sit down in confusion in the last place.
- Given. Their name means "given, devoted ones." They helped the Levites, and later Scripture calls them the ministers of God's house.
- Spared. Their likely ancestors faced destruction. Mercy put them in bondage near God's house, and the curse became a blessing.
- Named. Centuries later their descendants return. God records the families, because He values even the smallest fruit of His work in a heart.
- Hidden. They served those who served. The weekly work gets taken for granted, but someone must do it.
- Honoured. God registers the one who takes the last place and forgets himself in serving others. That servant will hold a place of honour.
the children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Thamah,
Commentary for this verse has not been generated yet.
the children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha.
Neziah and Hatipha are two more family names in a long roll-call of the Nethinim — the temple servants who returned from exile with the remnant. Names like these are easy to skip. Yet God kept them on record, and commentators read in them both a question of origin and a lesson in grace.
The name itself tells you what these families were:
Name, meaning "given, devoted ones," applied to those who assisted the Levites in the service of the tabernacle and the temple. The Gibeonites were made cutters of wood and drawers of water (Joshua 9:27). They are not mentioned after 2 Samuel, so they and their descendants may have been the Nethinim. It does not appear that God appointed them, as He did the Levites, but "David and the princes" appointed them "for the service of the Levites." Ezra 8:20… After the return from exile they are called "servants of this house of God." Like the priests and Levites, they paid no "tribute, custom, or toll." Ezra 7:24. Ezra 2:43-54 lists them.
One writer finds the origin of the Nethinim in that sentence of servitude:
This is probably where the Nethinim began. They were spared from the just judgment of God. If they were reduced to slavery, it was slavery in His mercy, tied to His house. So the very curse that rested on them (see Joshua 9:23) turned into a blessing. For what do we find? The sword of the Lord's host did not destroy them. They were rescued. Centuries later they stand in honourable association with the Lord's people, and with a heart for the Lord's house too, since they returned from Babylon with their fellow-captives at this special moment. They are surely no small picture of the objects of grace even in this present time.
Their willingness to leave Babylon stands out against the Jews who stayed:
We do not read of any of them refusing this place of submission to Israel. Their willingness to return to Judah shows a remarkable allegiance to the God of Israel. They were Gentiles, and they had been away from Judah for 70 years. After so long an absence, not all of the Jews were ready to return to their own country. So the faith of these Gentile followers shines out all the more brightly.
The same contrast appears later, when Ezra gathered a second group:
There were still fewer than forty Levites, while there were two hundred and twenty Nethinim. The comfortable ease of Babylon had drained the nation's hopes and privileges of any practical power over their minds. Next to the laziness of the Levites, it is beautiful to see how many Nethinim (probably of a foreign race) obeyed Ezra's summons.
Commentators name their ancestors differently, yet by the sealed covenant no distance remained between these families and Israel:
One more fact is even more remarkable than the very long list of the Nethinim who returned with Zerubbabel, given in both Ezra and Nehemiah. The people gathered in solemn assembly, and their leaders sealed the covenant. The Nethinim bound themselves with a curse and an oath to walk in God's law, and not to intermarry with the peoples of the land! They really were descendants of the Amorites, yet they were now thoroughly joined to the nation of Israel. With the faithful in Israel, these men of faith were blessed.
The existence of the register is itself the point:
The very existence of this list shows how precious to God was the response His grace had produced in the hearts of His people. They may have entered only weakly into His thoughts about His house. For this reason He has kept this list on record. It is evidence that He sees with joy the smallest fruits of His Spirit's work. He knows the very names of His people and proclaims them, to encourage everyone to walk in His ways, to stand with His interests, and to stay faithful in times of corruption.
Their place was support, not leadership, and one writer finds encouragement in that:
It is remarkable that the Nethinim were the ones keeping the source of refreshment for the people of God. That should encourage all those who may not be able to take on any prominent service. Many a simple service can be used to set the affections of the saints free, and so enrich the service of God.
- Given. "Nethinim" means the given, devoted ones. David and the princes, not a direct command of God, put them at the temple to help the Levites.
- Spared. Their likely ancestors were Gibeonites, sentenced to servitude. The curse became mercy, because that service tied them to God's house.
- Willing. Outsiders by birth, they left Babylon when many Israelites would not. Later 220 of them answered Ezra's call, against fewer than 40 Levites.
- Joined. At the sealing of the covenant they stood fully one with Israel. They swore to keep God's law and to stay separate from the surrounding peoples.
- Named. God kept every family name on record. He sees the smallest fruit of His work, and quiet, supporting service still refreshes His people.