Nehemiah took the necessary steps to increase the population of Jerusalem, which was essential to its proper development as a capital city, and to its defence.

Nehemiah 11:1 "And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: ..."

Jerusalem, being the accepted centre for worship, was also the nerve-centre of public, political and economic life. Therefore, it was the place of residence for the governor, those who served him, and all other civil leaders. Because the spiritual life of the nation was based in the city, the high priest and all who served in the Temple lived there. No persuasion was needed to get the leaders to dwell in the city - their function made that mandatory. There is a compulsion in leaders to install themselves where their gifting can be most fully used.

Nehemiah 11:1 "... the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities."

By the casting of lots, the people chosen were accepted as having been chosen by the Lord.

Proverbs 16:33 "The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the Lord."

This insured that the added population was not only of pure Jewish descent, but that all were sovereignly placed in the city by the Lord Himself.

It is good business to seek the Lord's choosing in the placement of people, in all our enterprises.

Nehemiah 11:2 "And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem."

This willingness to uproot themselves and their families, and start again in the city, was commendable. It also indicated a work of the Holy Spirit in their hearts. They were just as much chosen by the Lord, as were those upon whom the lot had fallen.

The Holy Spirit births in us the willing and self-giving nature of Jesus, who gave Himself for us. This makes evident that the old, self- centred, sinful life has died, and that we now live the life of the Son of God (Galatians 2:20 ). The people of God can warmly appreciate and bless the grace of God, in the actions of those who voluntarily give themselves. Self-forgetting love wins an answering affection. All we do should be done "as to the Lord." (Ephesians 6:7 KJV). It is good if men bless us, but God's approval should be our goal, and that is what brings true satisfaction.

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This List Of City Residents Shows Something Of The Ordered Life Of The City

	The overseer of Benjamin was named (Nehemiah 11:7-9 ).
	The overseer of the priests was named (Nehemiah 11:10,14 ).
	The overseer of the Levites was named (Nehemiah 11:22 ).
	The leader who began thanksgiving was named (Nehemiah 11:17 ).
	The overseers of business outside the house of God were named (Nehemiah 11:16 ).
	The overseer of the Temple singers was named (Nehemiah 11:22 ).

This speaks of every manner of service being under responsible supervision, so that all was carefully conducted with proper accountability in place. We are exhorted not to be slothful in business (Romans 12:11 ).

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This List Of City Residents Displays All Types Of Involvement In Service

Leadership (Nehemiah 11:1 ) Priestly (Nehemiah 11:10 ) Business (Nehemiah 11:16 ) Artists (Nehemiah 11:17,22 ) Guards (Nehemiah 11:19 ) Administrators (Nehemiah 11:24 )

These are works different in kind, but all contributing to the common good and welfare of all. Successful business is always dependent on the availability of different skills, and once found, the wisdom to unite them, to get the desired result. In both sacred and secular business, interdependence should be practiced. It is important to be open to the input and guidance of those more skilled than ourselves.

1 Corinthians 12:21 "And the eye cannot say to the hand, 'I have no need of you'; nor again the head to the feet, 'I have no need of you.'"

These verses list the towns in former territories of Judah.

Nehemiah 11:20 ".. the cities of Judah, every one in his inheritance."

Nehemiah 11:25 "And as for the villages with their fields, ... Kirjath Arba and its villages, Dibon and its villages, Jekabzeel and its villages;"

Nehemiah 11:36 "And of the Levites were divisions in Judah, and in Benjamin."

Other cities, towns and villages were listed. They were important to Jerusalem, and the holy city was important to them. The unity and oneness of the people was their strength

It is a strength in business, to recognise that the central hub needs the vital links of the outlying centres, just as they need the hub, to aid stability and growth.

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Do leaders naturally reside where their gifting can be most fully used? (Nehemiah 11:1 ).
2. Would you expect special blessing to be on those who voluntarily give themselves? (Nehemiah 11:2 ).
3. Are all the different types of gifting needed in God's service? (Nehemiah 11:1, 10, 16, 17, 19, 22, 24 ).
4. Is it good business sense to recognise that the central hub needs to be vitally linked with the outlying centres? (Nehemiah 11:25-36 ).