נחמיה, פרק י״א, פסוק כ״א

The living arrangements and leadership structure of a unique group in Jerusalem, known as the Nethinim, directly reflected their historical purpose and daily responsibilities. The roots of the Nethinim trace back to the ancient Gibeonites. Their specific title stems from the historical moment when Joshua gave them over to serve the community as woodchoppers and water drawers [רב סעדיה גאון].

This group lived in the Ophel. Commentators agree that this was a specific, well-defined area in Jerusalem, described either as a prominent tower [מצודת דוד] or as a raised mound and fortress within the city [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The choice of this location was highly practical rather than coincidental. Because the Ophel was situated in the upper section of the city right next to the Temple, it gave the Nethinim immediate access to the exact place where they were required to perform their physical labor [רלב״ג].

The internal leadership of the group was managed by Ziha and Gishpa. These two men were Nethinim themselves, serving as the appointed officials and managers over their own people. The name Ziha, however, is understood to carry a critical undertone. It is linked to the concept of thirst, serving as a negative hint that these individuals were metaphorically thirsty and deeply involved in immoral behavior [רב סעדיה גאון].