Nehemiah 11:35 – “in Lod and Ono, and in Ge Harashim.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In Nehemiah 11:35, three places are mentioned where the people of Judah and Benjamin resettled after their return from exile: Lod, Ono, and Ge Harashim. These towns were located near the region of Benjamin, west of Jerusalem, and played important roles in the rebuilding of the Jewish community after their time in Babylon.
- Lod is well known in the Bible and is located near modern-day Lydda, not far from the Mediterranean coast. It was a significant town in both ancient and New Testament times.
- Ono was also an important town located in a valley known for its agricultural significance.
- Ge Harashim, meaning “Valley of Craftsmen,” was likely named because artisans and craftsmen worked there. This suggests that the town had a specialized role in the region’s economy.
These locations were crucial in helping the people rebuild not just their religious lives but also their economic and social structures. The mention of these towns highlights how the returning exiles settled into various parts of the land, working together to restore their communities.
Historical Context
The book of Nehemiah records the return of the Jewish people to their land after being exiled in Babylon for seventy years. Under the leadership of Nehemiah, they rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem and began to reestablish their presence throughout the land of Judah and Benjamin. While Jerusalem was the spiritual center of their nation, it was essential for the surrounding towns and villages to be repopulated and rebuilt as well. This allowed for the revival of agriculture, trade, and other necessary functions of daily life.
Lod, Ono, and Ge Harashim were all part of this rebuilding effort. Each town had its own role in the economy and life of the people, contributing to the broader effort of restoring the nation after years of displacement.
Theological Implications
Nehemiah 11:35 highlights God’s care for the whole life of His people. The restoration wasn’t just about spiritual renewal or rebuilding Jerusalem—it involved every part of life, from where people lived to how they worked. The fact that towns like Lod and Ono were repopulated reminds us that God is interested in the details of everyday life, including our work, our homes, and our communities.
This verse also reflects God’s faithfulness to His promises. He had promised to bring His people back from exile, and He fulfilled that promise, restoring them not only to Jerusalem but to all the towns and villages that were part of their inheritance. It shows that God’s restoration is complete—it doesn’t just touch the spiritual side of life but also the practical and physical aspects.
Literary Analysis
Nehemiah 11:35 is part of a larger passage that lists the towns where the people of Judah and Benjamin resettled. The verse is straightforward in its structure, serving the practical purpose of documenting where the people lived. However, each of the towns mentioned carries historical and geographical significance, tying the restoration of the people to specific places in their ancestral land.
The mention of Ge Harashim (“Valley of Craftsmen”) adds a unique detail, indicating that some towns were known for their specialized industries. This shows that the restoration involved every part of life, from agriculture to skilled labor, reflecting a holistic picture of how the community was being rebuilt.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- 1 Chronicles 8:12: This verse mentions Lod and Ono as towns that were settled by the descendants of Benjamin, showing their historical connection to the tribe.
- Ezra 2:33: This passage lists the towns of Lod and Ono as part of the region where the returning exiles settled, highlighting their importance in the restoration process.
- Jeremiah 29:14: This verse contains God’s promise to bring His people back from exile, which is being fulfilled as they resettle towns like Lod, Ono, and Ge Harashim.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Nehemiah 11:35 serves as a reminder that God is faithful to restore every part of our lives. Just as God restored the people of Judah and Benjamin to their land, He can bring restoration and healing to our lives in every area—spiritually, emotionally, and practically. This verse encourages us to trust that God cares about the details of our lives, whether it’s our work, our homes, or our communities.
This verse also teaches us the importance of community and working together. The people who resettled in these towns didn’t rebuild on their own—they worked as part of a larger community. In the same way, Christians are called to live and work in community, supporting and encouraging each other as we rebuild and restore what has been broken in our lives and in the world around us.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Nehemiah 11:35 reflects God’s love in the way He cares for every part of His people’s lives. God didn’t just bring His people back to the religious center of Jerusalem—He made sure that every town and village was restored, providing for their physical needs and their livelihoods. This shows that God’s love is comprehensive and that He is concerned about every aspect of our lives, not just our spiritual well-being.
God’s love is also seen in His faithfulness to His promises. Even after years of exile and suffering, God kept His promise to bring His people back to their land, restoring them to the places He had given them. This demonstrates that God’s love is enduring and that He is always faithful to His word.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ through the theme of restoration. Just as God restored the people of Judah and Benjamin to their land, Jesus came to restore our relationship with God. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus brings the ultimate restoration, offering forgiveness and new life to all who believe in Him.
The return of the exiles to towns like Lod, Ono, and Ge Harashim points to the greater restoration that Jesus brings. While the people of Israel were restored to their physical land, Jesus offers a deeper, spiritual restoration—restoring our broken relationship with God and giving us the hope of eternal life.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Nehemiah 11:35 encourage you to trust in God’s faithfulness to restore every part of your life?
- What does this verse teach us about God’s concern for the practical, everyday details of our lives?
- How does the resettlement of towns like Lod, Ono, and Ge Harashim reflect the importance of community and working together in God’s plan of restoration?
- In what ways does God’s love and care extend to your work, home, and relationships?
- How does the restoration of the land in Nehemiah point to the greater restoration that Jesus brings? How can you experience that restoration in your life today?