Who Are The Nethinim?

Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 8 – 9

As I was reeading today’s passage, I was caught by the name used in verse 2 of chapter 9, Nethinims:

Now the first inhabitants that dwelt in their possessions in their cities were, the Israelites, the priests, Levites, and the Nethinims. (1Chronicles 9:2)

I decided to do a little study on these people and I discovered that the Nethinims were a group of people that were actually slaves or servants to the Israelites. The Gibeonites were such a people (see Joshua 9). Apparently these folks were assigned to serve the Levites in the temple. These folks are mentioned by name several times, but only in two other books of the Bible: Ezra, and Nehemiah. It is apparent that the Books of the Chronicles were actually written after the captivity years, and may have actually been written by Ezra. Nevertheless, it appears that these Nethinims existed as bondservants  before the captivity, early in Israel’s history, and then chose to retain their position as servants in the temple when the Israelites returned to the land from Persia.

These Nethinims must have been a dedicated people to willingly be slaves to the God of Israel and servants to the Levites in His temple. I would like to be that kind of a servant; not the guy with the robe on who is always in front of the people but the guy who just loves and humbly serves the Lord, the Lord’s House, and the Lord’s people. Would to God we had more Nethinims today in our churches who are willing to work behind the scenes; people who are willing to quietly serve the Lord without the applause and honor of men.

 


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Rich Frick
Rich Frick
13 years ago

Most of us do stuggle with not looking for that pat on the back. I think people look for it because it makes them feel important or needed. I am learning just to do things just because you want to please the Lord.

Samantha Schanck
Samantha Schanck
13 years ago

If there was no light at the end of the tunnel, do you really think people would want to get to the other side? Unless there is a reward or idolization by others most people are not interested. However, the Nethinims have the idea of the greatest reward of them all; knowing they are doing their best to serve God. Although most people like to have a materialistic reward, the more I think about it the more unnecessary it is. As long as your doing right by God, it doesnt matter what others see.

dennis cogle
dennis cogle
13 years ago

these Nethinims where trying to take over.
the priests got lazy an let the Nethinims
do there job.
By the time Jesus was hear the priest where Nethinims or Kenites (son of Cain)
the son of Satan.

Chris
Chris
12 years ago
Reply to  dennis cogle

Indeed, it is quite possible that the Nethinim were descendants of the Gibeonites as well as possibly other tribes. But certainly, regardless of their heritage, they were originally enemies of God who were taken as what equates to temple slaves. If they were indeed the Gibeonites, then this was intentional on their part.

Additionally, the Nethinim were almost certainly absorbed into the priesthood and very likely did make up at least a part of the Pharisees and other priests during Jesus’ time.

Which seems all the more telling when Jesus accuses the Pharisees of being descended from Satan (John 8:44).

However, the overall message of the above Devotion is no less true. We should all seek to serve in humility, thankful for what little God has already given us, and praying and seeking for more. Knowledge, that is.

do you realize
do you realize
12 years ago

wake up read your bible entirely the nethinims were very evil they committed the worst case of identity theft in God’s temple posing as Jews and high priest… some of them are modern day Rabbi’s that continue to keep God’s people in ignorance and from believing in Jesus Christ the son of the living God

when you understand actually Jesus exposed these people that crucified him of the so called Jewish council…. that actually sat on Jewish priest and Rabbi council were imposters (nethinims)yes people those so called Jewish priest had not one drop of Abrahams blood in them..
Levites were the only chosen by God to serve in his temple..over time Former slaves(nethinims/) actually bred like freaking rabbits and took over the priesthood and high council positions and duties in the Jewish temple

Read Ezra ch 8

nethinims took over the preisthood they outnumbered the Levites (who were to be the only servers of Gods house..) you had evil decendants of satan himself in places of Gods temple and in power.. and the Jewish people did not know it.. Jesus tells you they sit in the seat of Moses Mathew 23:2
Saying The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat:

23:3
All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.

23:4
For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.

23:5
But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

23:6
And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,

23:7
And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.

23:8
But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.

23:9
And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

23:10
Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.

23:11
But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

Now read Revelation Jesus tells you they are imposters

Revelation3:9
Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

Revelation 2:9I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan

vo1itw
vo1itw
11 years ago
Reply to  do you realize

Amen. My children are destroyed for lack of knowledge!

dennis cogle
dennis cogle
10 years ago

Not all Israelite are Jews or of the Jewish faith. Not all Jews or of the Jewish faith are Israelite.
Read (Rev 1:20) , (Rev 2:1-29) , (Rev 3:1-22) ” the seven churches”
God was only happy of 2 churches. Do you go to a church that teach who the Kenites and the Nethinims are?
Kenites : (1Ch 2:55) where scribes for Judah.
Kenites is the name of the posterity of Cain the first murderer.
PHARISEES AND SADDUCEE These sects had no existence, as such, till the return from Babylon.
No proof they were a Levite or even a Israelite.
Annas was appointed high priest by Quirinus, the imperial governor of Syria.
Caiaphas the High priests was of the sect of the Sadducees . Valerius Gratus, appointed him to the dignity not God.
In (Mat 23:2) Jesus was not talking to just the Nethinims but also the kenites.

Read the parable of the tares. In (Mat 13:24-30) But really read an study where Jesus tells the disciples what it means in (Mat 13:36-43).
The sons of Satan is the Kenites.

Robert Berentz
Robert Berentz
9 years ago
Reply to  dennis cogle

Were not these people also the Priest of Baal who introduced the wearing of black robes .. the gang colors of Satan? Baby killers and whore mongers in the church. Look at who wear these colors today. Black and red. They can not look up when they pray.

Sherri
Sherri
9 years ago
Reply to  Chris

Thank you for being the voice of reason in all of this and for doing your homework. There is no ‘s’ on the word nethenim because the ‘im’ on the end of a hebrew word is the plural form.

Virginia Jones
Virginia Jones
9 years ago

Great article! I had questions about who they were. I kept seeing them in the books of 2nd Chronicles and Ezra. I think I would like to do more reading on them.

Sandy
Sandy
9 years ago

Wow! Thank you. You saved me a lot of research. And yes, may God give all his people servants heart’s.

John P.
John P.
9 years ago

I believe the research to be wrong. The bible is clear about who they are. Why wonder?

Natalie :)
Natalie :)
8 years ago

Wow, I was just reading about the Nethinim in the book of Ezra.
The back and forth of people’s opinions can really confuse people I thank God for the Holy Spirit. Who leads us and guide us into all truth. I do thank you for all your opinions, it was really helpful and thank you for being Bereans.

scott
scott
8 years ago

wow. some of u people have really done your homework. it makes me very happy to know there are some actual Bible studying Christians out there in these difficult end times. when we read supposedly scholarly articles written by mainstream Christianity regarding the nethinims the only people mentioned are the gibeonites. this is untrue. the gibeonites were taken in to Temple service by the Israelites but we also find that the kenites found their way in somehow as well. it is not clear as to how the kenites got in and became water haulers and wood cutters for the priests but it is VERY clear that they did. it is also clear that they were not fully purged from the priesthood and remained there…..eventually becoming scribes and priests themselves…..which means they eventually became the pharisees sadducees and sanhedrin in the days that Christ walked the earth in His fleshly body. for proof of this i give u this Verse…..1 Chronicles 2:55. if u look up that one Verse u will find that the kenites WERE scribes within the Israelite priesthood. how they got in is not nearly as important as knowing that indeed they did get in. this proof is irrefutable. now then…..simply look up the word ‘kenite’ in your strongs concordance…..and the words related meanings. youll find that the kenites were indeed the literal sons of satan. so…..we have the literal sons of satan infiltrating the priesthood of Israel…..and they eventually became the chief priests and sit in the seat of Moses even until the last days of this earth age. Moses was ruler and leader over Israel. get it? the sons of satan rule over Israel even until the very last day of this earth age. right up till the 7th trump.

Terrence
Terrence
8 years ago

Very enlightened.I am learning more as I am growing older.
Thank you for all the information
To God be the Glory.

Chris
Chris
8 years ago
Reply to  scott

Moses was a leader, but not a ruler.

I am curious at how you arrived at the conclusion that the Kenites were/are the literal sons of the devil? You are correct that they are descended from Lucifer, I am just curious at what evidence pointed that out to you.

To any extent, their infiltration of the priesthood is what led to the partial fulfillment of God’s prophecy concerning Lucifer and the woman’s seed (The Christ), namely that the serpent would bruise the child’s heel. Jesus was hurt, but it was not a mortal wound. God called it from the beginning and we can watch it happen in history.

dennis cogle
dennis cogle
8 years ago
Reply to  Chris

I hope this will help you.
You need to know that a Kenite and a Nethinim are two different people.
To understand this you will need a King James Bible (I use a KJV Companion Bible) and a Strongs Exhaustive Concordance.
Lucifer in Isa_14:12 which means H1966 “the morning star” is another name for Satan, devil , that old serpent, and dragon Rev_20:2. The Devil has alot of different names in the Bible. God even warned you in Rev 3:9 “which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie;”
A Kenite in the strong’s H7017 “member of the tribe of Kajin” from H7014 “Kajin, the name of the first child”
That child was Cain. All Kenite means is “the sons of Cain”.
First you need to know that “the serpent” a shining one in Genesis 3:1 is not a talking snake but the Devil.
Second you need to know that the “tree of the knowledge of good and evil” is not a literal tree but another name for the Devil. I have found about 50 names used figuratively for Satan.
Cain is the Son of Satan and Eve from Gen 3:1-7 ,Gen 4:1-2.
Gen 3:3 “neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.” touch = # H5060 Naga, a prime root, prop. to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for the purpose; euphemism, to lie with a woman), to reach),
2Co 11:3 “as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty” beguiled = # G1818 exapataō to wholly seduce
Cain and Abel where fraternal twins but by two different fathers. It is called Superfecundation.
Superfecundation is the fertilization of two or more ova from the same cycle by sperm from separate acts of sexual intercourse.
Gen 4:2 “And she again bare his brother Abel.” again #H3254 yâsaph A primitive root; to add or augment (often adverbially to continue to do a thing):
Jesus in the parable of the tares called Cain the son of Satan. Mat 13:24-43

Mat 13:38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;
Mat 13:39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.

Even in John Jesus told you who they where.
Joh 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

The ones hear could be Kenites or Nethinim or both.
Jesus even warned us in:
Rev 2:8-11 the church in Smyrna. “I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.”
Rev 3:7-12 church in Philadelphia, “I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie;”

Debora Miller
Debora Miller
8 years ago
Reply to  dennis cogle

The truth is the light. I surmised the same thing; all of a sudden there was no mention of the Nethinims

Searlait
Searlait
7 years ago
Reply to  dennis cogle

Jesus is also called the son and the morning star. Revelation 22:15-17

Anna
Anna
7 years ago
Reply to  dennis cogle

The children of God did not come into the world by sexually intercourse and neither did the children of evil.
(the children of God) Adam and Eve were created!
Life was given to them when God breathed the breath of life in their nostrils.
They fell short of the glory of God and fell into death because they sinned by disobeying God and eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
Death came to them just as God said it would. Death is separation from God. And on that very day that they ate, death came to them.
Instead of the sweet fellowship with God the Father that they had with Him in the cool of the day,in the garden, then after they ate from the forbidden tree, they were scared and hiding from God the Father. ashamed that He would see their nakedness. They tried to hide themselves with fig leaves.
God shows us through His Word what pleased Him through the life of Cain and Abel. and what could bring the fallen race, the human race, in right standings with God again, since we all have fallen short, because we all have sinned.
Able offered his offering in faith, now we know that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God, so Abel was hearing God’s word or he would of never had faith.
on the other hand, Cain was not hearing God’s word because his offering was not offered in faith and without faith we can not please God. Cain seeing that Abel his brothers offering pleased God, became angry and killed his brother Able.
The devil was a murderer from the beginning, he killed God’s children (Adam and Eve) when he deceived Eve and caused them to sin, sin brought death.
Cain was not obeying God’s word and his life shows who he was following, the Devil, the great deceiver, was a murderer from the beginning. This is what makes a child of God and a child of the Devil.
God’s children are from the seed of faith (Christ) the Devils seed are those who do not live by faith but for the lust of the eye and lust of the flesh and pride of life, which is the knowledge of evil.

dennis
dennis
7 years ago
Reply to  Anna

I am not a pasture my job is not to change your mind. I study the Bible to learn things and I put them out there for people to think about and study for themselves.
I never said that Adam and Eve came into this world by sexual intercourse. The Bible is very clear how Adam and Eve where formed so thought there generations they would bring Jesus into the world. I do say that Cain and Abel where.
I ask you to read my post dennis cogle January 22, 2016 at 10:58 am.

John Plementosh
John Plementosh
7 years ago

Nethinims had a very important role to play. They were not evil, Gibeonites not Kenites. One even wrote a book on the Bible. My best tip is do not go by what man says let God teach you. You will find more to this story than any of you have found. Politely, none of you are correct. Good luck on your search.

dennis
dennis
7 years ago

I know that Nethinims are not Kenites. John Plementosh, What book are you talking about?
Tell me where I went wrong about the Nethinims. I have used the Bible and the strong’s in my studies.
God told the Israelite not to make a league with:
Deu 20:17 But thou shalt utterly destroy them; namely, the Hittites, and the Amorites, the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee:

The Gibeonites were Hivites and lied. read Jos 9:3-8 they where condemned to extermination as mixed with the descendants of the Nephilim. Exo_23:32; Exo_34:12-15. Num_33:51-56. Deu_7:1, Deu_7:2; Deu_20:16. They were aware of this. Hence their mission; by which they exposed themselves to the enmity of the other nations (Jos_10:1-4).

Lurline
Lurline
7 years ago

I was reading in Ezra today, and I came across the Scripture speaking about the service of the Nethinims again. I then looked in the computer to fine out more about who they were again. I came across this site. Thanks for the comments, and for being there.

huh?
huh?
6 years ago

what book

huh?
huh?
6 years ago

re-read your bible

Juan Aulet
6 years ago
Reply to  dennis cogle

Dennis Cogle, Boy, are you wrong! Where do you get your information?

Rita
Rita
5 years ago
Reply to  dennis cogle

Hi – THIS is WHAT Im TrYiN tO FinD! Can u PleaSe tell me WHeRe its found? ThankS!!!!!

William Van
William Van
4 years ago
Reply to  dennis cogle

Dennis Cogle, that is exactly correct. Thank you for posting.

William Van
William Van
4 years ago
Reply to  do you realize

Bingo! “do you realize”…BINGO!

William Van
William Van
4 years ago
Reply to  dennis cogle

Dennis Cogle, right again!

William Van
William Van
4 years ago
Reply to  William Van

Follow up. The Kenites acted as Nethinin in the synagogues and in the Temple, then eventually worked their way into the priesthood. Kenites, i.e. sons of cain are the offspring of Eve and satan, i.e. the serpent, aka the tree of knowledge of good and evil. The sin in the garden was sex with satan that produced cain. Adam an Eve covered the part of their bodies that they sinned with, with fig leaves.

William Van
William Van
4 years ago

Follow up. The Kenites acted as Nethinin in the synagogues and in the Temple, then eventually worked their way into the priesthood. Kenites, i.e. sons of cain are the offspring of Eve and satan, i.e. the serpent, aka the tree of knowledge of good and evil. The sin in the garden was sex with satan that produced cain. Adam an Eve covered the part of their bodies that they sinned with, with fig leaves.

Adamos Carcantos
Adamos Carcantos
4 years ago
Reply to  do you realize

You are 1000% correct. These are the literal sons of Satan. The Nethenim are the Pharisees who took over and forced the real Levites out. Nethenim were not even people like you and me. They are like Goliath or Og of Bashan. Evil incarnate.

Shirley Jacobsen
Shirley Jacobsen
4 years ago

No, Eve net did not go to bed with Satan. Both Adam and Eve ate of the tree of the knowledge of Good and Evil. You people need to stay in the word and quit listening to other people. God will lead you.

Ernie Sluder
Ernie Sluder
3 years ago

Reading through the book of Nehemiah and was curious as to who the Nethinims were. I appreciate the information. This background information helps the Bible come alive to me.

Khahlile Mathe
Khahlile Mathe
2 years ago

The Nethinims were servants who rejoiced to serve wholeheartedly without complaints. They were dedicated because of the love towards God. Serving those who are in the forefront in the temple and the service of Christ is what I want. Jesus came to serve not to be served. He advises Christians to serve others, which is a bigger gift than to be served.

Facts
3 months ago

True

Facts
3 months ago

Truth

Facts
3 months ago

Denning Coggle I think you listen to Pastor Murray of Shepherd Chapel too much. The slave servants, ne… did not take over the temple work and the priesthood because the levitical priests were lazy. Pastor Murray says thinks that aren’t biblical, sometimes I wonder if he had undiagnosed bipolar.I pray he makes it into the kingdom. He sounds sincere but sincerely wrong. AND Satan is not the father of Cain. That’s one of his teaching. I pray his son doesn’t believe that hog wash

Kimberly K Amundson
Kimberly K Amundson
18 days ago

Thank all of you, who had given information about the Nethinim. Back in 2023, early in the morning between 2-3, I was awoken by a voice (angel), saying ” you come from the Nethinim. I awoke from my sleep very disturbed thinking that I came from the Nephilim, which were the fallen angels, and saying this cannot be true. About 5 days later during the day after walking my dogs, I came in walked over to my work table, which I had my Bible sitting there but closed. I noticed that it was opened up at the book of Ezra, and in my spirit I realized that the angel that spoke to me in my sleep had wanted me to read the book of Ezra and then that’s when I realized that I misunderstood the word Nephilim, but he was saying Nethinim. Now, I realize why I love to praise and worship, and want to build my own alter with a King’s chair, crown, with banners and flags for my Lord and saviour (Jesus Christ). This is exciting to find out that I come from the Nethinim, which were slaves in the temple. The reason I came on this website was because I was trying to find out the race (color) of the Nethinim. I still find it strange that an angel would tell me this in my sleep. Plus, I’m learning more about the Nethinim from different sites.

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