What does the Bible say about nethinim?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible presents the Nethinim as a humble, set-apart community assigned to assist the Levites in the practical service of God’s house. Their origins are associated with Joshua’s appointment of the Gibeonites as servants for the congregation and altar, and later they are counted among Israel’s temple servants in Joshua 9:27. Ezra 2:43-54 and 2:58 record their families returning from exile, while Ezra 8:20 notes their participation in restoring temple ministry. They lived near the temple in Nehemiah 11:21 and received protection from certain taxes in Ezra 7:24. Their quiet service illustrates that God values every faithful calling in the worshiping community.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Torrey's New Topical Textbook
- Were the servants of the Levites Ezra 8:20
- Probably originated in the appointment of the Gibeonites Joshua 9:27
- The remnant of the Canaanites appointed as, by Solomon 1 Kings 9:20; 1 Kings 9:21; Ezra 2:58
- With the priests and Levites
- Had cities to reside in 1 Chronicles 9:2; Ezra 2:70
- Exempted from tribute Ezra 7:24
- Had chiefs or captains over them Nehemiah 11:21
- A large number of, returned from the captivity Ezra 2:43-54; Nehemiah 7:46-56; Nehemiah 7:60
- Were zealous for the covenant Nehemiah 10:28; Nehemiah 10:29
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