Nehemiah 11:35

Lod, and Ono, the valley of craftsmen.

Nehemiah 11:35 (KJV)

Context

Nehemiah 11 records the people who lived in Jerusalem and the towns of Judah after the exile. Nehemiah, cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes I, led the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls and encouraged spiritual renewal. This verse lists Lod, Ono, and the valley of craftsmen as places where the returned exiles settled. These towns were in the territory originally allotted to Benjamin, showing that the people were returning to their ancestral lands.

Meaning

Lod, also called Lydda, lay about eight miles east of Joppa. It appears in Acts 9:32-35, where Peter healed a crippled man, and later became an early Christian community. Ono was a town in Benjamin’s territory, north of Jerusalem. The phrase “valley of craftsmen” refers to an area where skilled artisans lived and worked. Its exact location is uncertain, but it shows that the restored community included people with practical trades. The return was not just a physical relocation; it was the rebuilding of a functioning society with economic and vocational life.

Biblical connections

The list of towns in Nehemiah 11 emphasizes the restoration of Judah’s ancestral lands. The mention of craftsmen connects to Nehemiah 12:44, where temple workers and singers received portions. This shows that daily work and worship were both part of the renewed community. God’s faithfulness brought His people back, and their trades were restored along with their homes.

Application

God cares about ordinary work. The valley of craftsmen reminds us that skilled labor is valuable in His plan. When the exiles returned, they rebuilt not only walls but also their economy and daily life. Our own work, whether simple or skilled, can serve God’s purposes in our communities. This passage encourages believers to see their skills as part of God’s redemptive plan.

Reflection

The restoration of Lod, Ono, and the valley of craftsmen shows God’s faithfulness in bringing His people home. He rebuilt their society, including their trades. This encourages us to see our daily occupations as part of His redemptive work, and to trust that He is concerned with every aspect of our lives.