Nehemiah 11:21

The Nethinim (Nehemiah 11:21).

We already know from Nehemiah 3:26; Nehemiah 3:31 that the Nethinim (given ones) dwelt in the Ophel. They were lower level Temple servants previously given by the kings for Temple service. They had probably largely been taken as prisoners of war, but were now fully integrated into Israel, and appeared to take pride in their status, as is demonstrated by the number who returned from Exile (Nehemiah 7:60). We must remember that they chose to return.

Apart from 1 Chronicles 9:2 they are not mentioned outside Ezra-Nehemiah, and 1 Chronicles, having there mentioned them, ignores them completely. They were thus clearly not highly regarded by the elite. Their already having residence in Jerusalem is why some see this as an added note, and not an integral part of Nehemiah 11:1. If they already dwelt in Jerusalem we would not have expected them to be included in a list of those who now took up residence. It could then be seen as simply adding to the picture. On the other hand it is possible that many Nethinim had resided outside Jerusalem (see 1 Chronicles 9:2 which may suggest so), in which case this is evidencing their change of residence also.

Nehemiah 11:21

‘But the Nethinim dwelt in Ophel. And Ziha and Gishpa were over the Nethinim.'

The Temple servants necessarily lived near the Temple. They lived on the Ophel, probably on the eastern or southern slope of the Temple Mount. They were under the leadership of Ziha and Gishpa. But some may previously have lived outside Jerusalem, coming in and temporarily residing when it was time for them to perform their duties. All now seemingly moved into Jerusalem permanently.