Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Nehemiah 11:21
But the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel: and Ziha and Gispa [were] over the Nethinims.
21. the Nethinims ] R.V. the Nethinim.
in Ophel ] See Neh 3:26. Their quarters were on the summit of the Hill or Mound, S. of the Temple height.
Ziha and Gispa (R.V. Gishpa)] Ziha’s name occurs at the head of the Nethinim in Ezr 2:43; Neh 7:46; and there can be little doubt that ‘Gishpa’ is to be identified with ‘Hasupha’ in the same list.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Ophel, the southern spur of the temple hill, having a wall of its own Neh 3:27 might be reckoned either in Jerusalem or outside it. Here it is made a separate place.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
But the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel,…. An high place or tower on the wall of Jerusalem, see 2Ch 27:3,
and Ziha, and Gispa, were over the Nethinims; had the oversight of them, and took care that they did their work; they were such themselves, but the principal of them, see Ezr 2:43.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
(21) Ophel.The Nethinims on the promontory of Ophel were either within or without the city, according as the one wall or the other was taken. Here they are regarded as outside.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
21. Dwelt in Ophel See on Neh 3:26.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
The Nethinim ( Neh 11:21 ).
We already know from Neh 3:26; Neh 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 (Neh 7:60). We must remember that they chose to return.
Apart from 1Ch 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 Neh 11:1-20. 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 1Ch 9:2 which may suggest so), in which case this is evidencing their change of residence also.
Neh 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.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Information Concerning The Residence Of The Returnees ( Neh 11:21-36 ).
We now have added to the previous information, which has indicated those who took up residence in Jerusalem, various details concerning residence in Jerusalem and wider Judah.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Neh 11:21 But the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel: and Ziha and Gispa [were] over the Nethinims.
Ver. 21. Dwelt in Ophel ] See Neh 3:26 . Some will have it to be not a tower, but a village, near to Jerusalem.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
the Nethinims . . . the Nethinims. Figure of speech Epanadiplosis. App-6. The clause beginning and ending with the same word. See note on Ezr 2:43.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
the: Neh 3:26, Neh 3:31, 2Ch 27:3
Ophel: or, the tower
Reciprocal: 1Ch 9:2 – the Nethinims
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Neh 11:21. The Nethinims dwelt in Ophel Which was upon the wall of Jerusalem, because they were to do the servile work of the temple; therefore they were to be posted near it, that they might be ready to attend.