Who are the Nethinims? This is not a question many people have asked, but one worth considering. We see them mentioned in the book of Ezra. The King James Version reads as follows: “The Nethinims, whom David and the princes had appointed for the service of the Levites, two hundred twenty Nethinims: all of them were expressed by name” (Ezra 8:20). The word “expressed” means designated, and Nethinims means those appointed. This is why some translations merely refer to the Nethinim as, “temple servants.”
Back to the original question; who are the Nethinims? Their family is identified in Ezra 2:43, “The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth.” The Nethinims accompanied Ezra, the priests, and the Levites on the four-month journey from captivity. There were 220 Nethinims returning as workmen. Nehemiah 7:73 lists “The priests, Levites, and the porters, and singers, and some of the people, and the Nethinims, and all Israel.” If the Nethinims had lived in the New Testament times, they would have identified with the challenge of 2 Timothy 2:15, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman.”
The Nethinims were helpers, workers, serving the Levites, Priests, and Singers. They were servants to the servants. Those amazing people who have adorned the pages of Scripture, found fulfillment in serving others. We are like the Master when we serve (Mark 10:45).
“By love serve one another” (Gal. 5:13). TheY did not appear to be concerned with rank; they desired to please the Lord in doing His bidding as workers, performing even menial tasks in the upkeep of the Temple. One might say of them, they were faithful in every commitment. Faithfulness is the golden key of service.
The Nethinims were faithful in putting belief into behavior, creed into conduct, and doctrine into deed. James likely would have been pleased with the work of the Nethinims, “Be you doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves” (Jas. 2:22).
In the Old Testament there are precious treasures of golden nuggets, awaiting the earnest seeker; there are many fountains of truth for the pilgrim who would stop for a refreshing drink.
The Nethinims had a long history of “faithfulness.” They were appointed by King David for a special assignment to care for the needs of the Levites (Ezra 8:20). Think of the Nethinims’ constancy, stretching over a period of 500 years, plus. The fact that there were more Nethinim numbered than Levits in Ezra’s account would suggest that they were dependable and faithful. Bob Jones, Sr., said, “The greatest ability is dependability.” The Nethinims weren’t fair-weather workers. Rain or shine they did their work as unto the Lord. The Nethinims weren’t indolent; they thrived on work. The whole Nethinims’ family was known to do its work well.
In the sphere of human relations, the Nethinims were superb examples in maximum achievers in pleasing the Lord. Like consecrated believers today, the Nethinims “Served the LORD with gladness” (Ps. 100:2).
The Nethinims were joyful workers. Happiness comes with one’s involvement in the lives of others, praying for and encouraging them along the path of life. R.G. Lee said in a sermon, “Look out among you and observe, the happiest people are those who reach out to others.”
There is much work to be done. The challenge goes forth to all side-liners to enter the company of those serving the Lord.
While the Nethinim (temple servants) are not well known, they serve as an example to us. We are all called to serve the Lord in one capacity or another, may we serve faithfully and dependably. Also, may we take time to encourage and pray for the many people who serve behind the scenes. There are many such servants at Living Waters Fellowship. There are so many who serve, from cleaning tables, sweeping floors, cleaning rooms, washing windows, and the list could go on. All these things are done for the Lord and His glory.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2
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