The Nethinim (also spelled Nethinims or Nathinites) were a group of temple servants in biblical times who assisted the Levites in the worship services of the tabernacle and later the temple. The word “Nethinim” comes from the Hebrew word Nathin, meaning “given” or “dedicated ones.” They were lower-ranking temple personnel, subordinate to the Levites.
The Bible first mentions the Nethinim in Ezra 2:43-58 and Nehemiah 7:46-60 in the lists of returning exiles from Babylon. These passages indicate that the Nethinim were originally assigned by King David and the princes for the service of the Levites (Ezra 8:20). Though not of priestly descent, they were considered members of the larger temple community.
The origin of the Nethinim is unclear, but several theories have been proposed:
- They may have been descendants of the Gibeonites who were assigned by Joshua to menial labor because of the deception they used to make a treaty with Israel (Joshua 9:3-27).
- They may have been descendants of the Canaanites who were not killed or driven out during the conquest of Canaan under Joshua.
- They may have been captives of war brought back by King David and Solomon.
- They may have been foreign slaves or bondsmen donated by Israelites.
Whatever their exact origin, the Nethinim were considered the lowest ranking servants in the temple.
The responsibilities of the Nethinim included bringing wood, water, and other supplies to the temple. They also performed other menial tasks like cleaning, maintenance, and guard duty. Ezra 2:43 describes them as “temple servants.” The names listed in Ezra and Nehemiah indicate they were likely of foreign descent.
The Nethinim lived in Jerusalem and other towns like Ophel and Tel Melah (Ezra 2:70, Nehemiah 3:26, 7:73). Several Nethinim are listed as assisting in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem under Nehemiah (Nehemiah 3:26). They continued serving in the temple after the exile and returned with Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah to help reestablish temple worship.
During the time of David’s organization of the Levites, the Nethinim numbered 392 (Ezra 2:58, Nehemiah 7:60). That number had increased to 612 by the time Zerubbabel led the first group back from exile according to the list in Ezra.
Though subordinate to the Levites, the Nethinim were still considered members of the extended temple community. They were allowed to participate in the Passover (Ezra 6:20) and other feasts (Nehemiah 8:10-12). They also lived in the same quarters as the singers and gatekeepers and were exempt from taxation (Ezra 7:24).
The Nethinim are not mentioned by name after the book of Nehemiah. As the temple service continued and expanded in the following centuries, they likely continued serving in supporting roles under the supervision of the Levites. Though lowly servants, their temple service was essential in facilitating worship and fulfilling God’s commands regarding the sacrificial system.
In summary, the Nethinim were temple servants subordinate to the Levites whose responsibilities included menial labor such as bringing supplies, cleaning, maintenance, and guard duty. Of likely foreign descent, they assisted the Levites in the worship activities of the temple. First appointed by David, they served before the exile and after the return continued their duties of supporting temple worship and service.
Key Biblical Passages About the Nethinim
1 Chronicles 9:2
Now the first to dwell again in their possessions in their cities were Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the temple servants.
Ezra 2:43-58
The temple servants: the sons of Ziha, the sons of Hasupha, the sons of Tabbaoth, the sons of Keros, the sons of Siaha, the sons of Padon, the sons of Lebanah, the sons of Hagabah, the sons of Akkub, the sons of Hagab, the sons of Shamlai, the sons of Hanan, the sons of Giddel, the sons of Gahar, the sons of Reaiah, the sons of Rezin, the sons of Nekoda, the sons of Gazzam, the sons of Uzza, the sons of Paseah, the sons of Besai, the sons of Asnah, the sons of Meunim, the sons of Nephisim, the sons of Bakbuk, the sons of Hakupha, the sons of Harhur, the sons of Bazluth, the sons of Mehida, the sons of Harsha, the sons of Barkos, the sons of Sisera, the sons of Temah, the sons of Neziah, the sons of Hatipha.
The sons of Solomon’s servants: the sons of Sotai, the sons of Hassophereth, the sons of Peruda, the sons of Jaalah, the sons of Darkon, the sons of Giddel, the sons of Shephatiah, the sons of Hattil, the sons of Pochereth-hazzebaim, the sons of Ami.
All the temple servants and the sons of Solomon’s servants were 392.
Ezra 7:24
We also notify you that it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll on anyone of the priests, the Levites, the singers, the doorkeepers, the temple servants, or other servants of this house of God.
Ezra 8:20
Besides 220 of the temple servants, whom David and his officials had set apart to attend the Levites. These were all mentioned by name.
Nehemiah 3:26
And the temple servants living on Ophel repaired to a point opposite the Water Gate on the east and the projecting tower.
Nehemiah 7:46-60
The temple servants: the sons of Ziha, the sons of Hasupha, the sons of Tabbaoth, the sons of Keros, the sons of Sia, the sons of Padon, the sons of Lebana, the sons of Hagaba, the sons of Shalmai, the sons of Hanan, the sons of Giddel, the sons of Gahar, the sons of Reaiah, the sons of Rezin, the sons of Nekoda, the sons of Gazzam, the sons of Uzza, the sons of Paseah, the sons of Besai, the sons of Meunim, the sons of Nephusim, the sons of Bakbuk, the sons of Hakupha, the sons of Harhur, the sons of Bazlith, the sons of Mehida, the sons of Harsha, the sons of Barkos, the sons of Sisera, the sons of Temah, the sons of Neziah, the sons of Hatipha.
The sons of Solomon’s servants: the sons of Sotai, the sons of Sophereth, the sons of Perida, the sons of Jaala, the sons of Darkon, the sons of Giddel, the sons of Shephatiah, the sons of Hattil, the sons of Pochereth-hazzebaim, the sons of Amon.
All the temple servants and the sons of Solomon’s servants were 392.
Nehemiah 10:28
The rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, the temple servants, and all who have separated themselves from the peoples of the lands to the Law of God, their wives, their sons, their daughters, all who have knowledge and understanding.
Nehemiah 11:3, 21
These are the chiefs of the province who lived in Jerusalem; but in the towns of Judah everyone lived on his property in their towns: Israel, the priests, the Levites, the temple servants, and the descendants of Solomon’s servants.
But the temple servants lived on Ophel; and Ziha and Gishpa were over the temple servants.
In summary, these key passages give insight into the origin, duties, community, and service duration of the Nethinim as important supporting personnel in the functioning of temple worship.
The Role and Significance of the Nethinim
As lower class temple servants, the Nethinim served a vital supporting role in God’s house. Though not priests or Levites, their service facilitated worship and obedience to God’s laws regarding sacrifices and offerings. Some key insights on their role and significance include:
- They freed up the Levites for more specialized duties by handling basic labors like fetching supplies. This optimized the division of duties.
- They willingly embraced servant roles with humility and diligence.
- They filled a need for dependable and trustworthy assistants to support the sanctuary.
- They set an example of the importance of behind-the-scenes service to support ministry.
- They faithfully transmitted service from generation to generation.
- They maintained loyalty to temple worship through the exile and return.
- They were members of the larger temple community with designated living quarters.
Therefore, the Nethinim exhibit devoted service that uplifted God’s house despite lack of status or glamour. They were integral to the continuum of worship even as leadership and customs changed around them. Their humble assistance highlights that all contributions to faithfulness are meaningful.
Lessons Christians Can Learn from the Nethinim
Here are some key lessons modern believers can learn from the biblical example of the Nethinim:
- Be faithful in small things – The Nethinim were faithful in menial jobs like fetching supplies and cleaning. Christians must likewise steward small responsibilities well.
- Serve humbly – The Nethinim served in the lowest position in the temple yet embraced their roles. Believers should imitate their humility.
- Support ministry behind the scenes – The Nethinim enabled deeper worship through their behind-the-scenes support. Christians can volunteer time to supporting roles that free up pastors to minister.
- Remain steadfast – The Nethinim endured through the exile and return, continuing their service for generations. Christians must likewise tenaciously serve God despite ups and downs.
- Contribute within your ability – The Nethinim gave according to their capability as foreigners. Believers should cheerfully give time, resources, and abilities in service to God.
- Cooperate within God’s system – The Nethinim submitted to the Levitical system. Christians should work within the body, respecting authority structures.
- Find contentment – As servants, the Nethinim lived simpler lives focused on service. Believers today can resist materialism and serve generously.
In many ways, the overlooked legacy of the Nethinim contains inspiring lessons for Christians seeking to serve faithfully in the kingdom of God today.
Life Application for Christians Regarding the Nethinim
Here are some practical ways Christians can apply biblical lessons from the Nethinim:
- Volunteer for supporting roles – Help with hospitality, parking, cleaning, childcare, tech support, etc. that aid your church’s ministry.
- Exhibit consistent service – Find ways to humbly serve over the long-term even when recognition is scarce.
- Assist leadership – Lighten burdens of leaders by offering assistance in practical needs and providing encouragement.
- Give generously – Steward finances wisely so you can give regularly to support God’s work in your church community.
- Remain loyal – Stand by your church family even in difficult seasons when progress seems slow.
- Participate in community – Beyond just attending, seek to build meaningful connections and relationships within your congregation.
- Pursue excellence – Carry out tasks with dedication and care, not merely out of obligation or duty.
If believers put these applications into practice, churches will be strengthened and pastors and leaders can be more effective in ministry. Small but vital roles support the overall health of Christ’s body.
Conclusion
The Nethinim were an essential part of Old Testament temple worship. As servants subordinate to the Levites, they faithfully carried out basic but necessary labors that supported the proper functioning of sacrificial worship. Their humble spirit commends them as models of behind-the-scenes service for God. Though overlooked at times, the Nethinim highlight that every act of service in God’s kingdom matters. When believers embrace the lessons of the Nethinim, practicing humility, consistency, community and generosity, the church is strengthened to carry out its call.
