Question:
Who were the Nethinims and the porters, and what was their work? Also, was their pay given from the tithes?
Answer:
The Nethinims were servants of the temple. Ezra 8:20. They were probably prisoners taken in war and appointed to this service upon embracing the worship of Jehovah. They followed the Gibeonites as “hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation, and for the altar.” (See Joshua 9:27). Being servants of the temple, they were probably supported from the tithe; for “they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple.” 1 Corinthians 9:13.
The porters were gatekeepers. Read 1 Chronicles 9:21-29 for a complete understanding of their work.
