Numbers 31:2831:40Numbers 31:3031:47Joshua 9:27Ezra 8:20

Representatives of the Nethinim returned from Exile with Zerubbabel in 538 B.C. (Ezra 2:43-54; Nehemiah 7:46-56 ). The lists of returnees contain many foreign names suggesting their origin as prisoners of war. Despite their foreign origin, the Nethinim appear to be accepted as part of the people of Israel. They were prohibited from mixed marriages with the people of the land (Nehemiah 10:28-30 ) and shared in the responsibility for repair of the Jerusalem city walls (Nehemiah 3:26; contrast Ezra 4:1-3 ). The Nethinim resided in the Ophel district of Jerusalem, likely near the water gate (Nehemiah 3:26 ), a site conducive with their task as water bearers.