Definition: And the residue of Israel, of the priests, [and] the Levites, [were] in all the cities of Judah, every one in his inheritance.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down that passage from Nehemiah 11:20. It’s a really important story about protecting God’s people! Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a group of people who were carefully placed and protected in certain cities within Judah (a region of Israel). It's about safeguarding the spiritual leadership and responsibility of those entrusted to God. Let's unpack it word by word: "And the residue of Israel..." – This means a significant portion of the Jewish people, specifically the priests (leaders) and Levites (people who served as musicians and singers), were left behind. "...of the priests..." – This refers to the high-ranking religious officials within the temple in Jerusalem. They were responsible for leading prayer, performing rituals, and maintaining the purity of the sacred space. "[and] the Levites..." - This includes musicians, singers, poets, and other people who served as a vital part of the religious life and traditions of Judah. "...were in all the cities of Judah..." – This means they were scattered throughout the entire region of Judah, including modern-day Israel and Palestinian territories. "Every one in his inheritance." - This is the crucial part! It means each of these people had a specific, protected area or “inheritance” – essentially, a place where they could continue to fulfill their duties as religious leaders and maintain their traditions. Why was this important? The Bible says that Nehemiah’s task was to return those who were scattered to their designated areas. This verse shows that God cared deeply about the spiritual well-being of his people and wanted to ensure they didn't lose their connection to him. It highlights a commitment to protecting God's chosen people, even when they weren’t in one place. In short: It tells us that a group of important religious leaders were carefully placed within Judah to continue their work and maintain the spiritual life of the community. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the significance of the "inheritance"? Discuss what Nehemiah was trying to achieve with this placement?