Moreover the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel, unto the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that lieth out.
The Nethinims - i:e., given to the sanctuary (cf. Nehemiah 7:46; Nehemiah 7:60; Nehemiah 7:73; Nehemiah 10:29; Nehemiah 11:3; Nehemiah 11:21; 1 Chronicles 9:2; Ezra 2:43; Ezra 2:58; Ezra 2:70; Ezra 7:7; Ezra 8:20; with Numbers 3:9). Not only the priests and the Levites, but the meanest persons that, like the Gibeonites, belonged to the house of God, contributed to the work. The names of those who repaired the walls of Jerusalem are commemorated, because it was a work of piety and patriotism to repair the holy city. It was an instance of religion and courage to defend the true worshippers of God, that they might serve him in quietness and safety, and, in the midst of so many enemies, go on with this work, piously confiding in the power of God to support them.