Nehemiah Chapter 7

Commentary

Securing the City

1Now it came to pass, when the wall was built, and I had set up the doors, and the porters and the singers and the Levites were appointed, 2That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many. 3And I said unto them, Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand by, let them shut the doors, and bar them: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his watch, and every one to be over against his house.

Census of First Returned Exiles

(Ezra 2:1-35)

4Now the city was large and great: but the people were few therein, and the houses were not builded.

5And my God put into mine heart to gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. And I found a register of the genealogy of them which came up at the first, and found written therein,

6These are the children of the province, that went up out of the captivity, of those that had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away, and came again to Jerusalem and to Judah, every one unto his city; 7Who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number, I say, of the men of the people of Israel was this; 8The children of Parosh, two thousand an hundred seventy and two. 9The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy and two. 10The children of Arah, six hundred fifty and two. 11The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand and eight hundred and eighteen. 12The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four. 13The children of Zattu, eight hundred forty and five. 14The children of Zaccai, seven hundred and threescore. 15The children of Binnui, six hundred forty and eight. 16The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and eight. 17The children of Azgad, two thousand three hundred twenty and two. 18The children of Adonikam, six hundred threescore and seven. 19The children of Bigvai, two thousand threescore and seven. 20The children of Adin, six hundred fifty and five. 21The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight. 22The children of Hashum, three hundred twenty and eight. 23The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and four. 24The children of Hariph, an hundred and twelve. 25The children of Gibeon, ninety and five. 26The men of Bethlehem and Netophah, an hundred fourscore and eight. 27The men of Anathoth, an hundred twenty and eight. 28The men of Bethazmaveth, forty and two. 29The men of Kirjathjearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred forty and three. 30The men of Ramah and Geba, six hundred twenty and one. 31The men of Michmas, an hundred and twenty and two. 32The men of Bethel and Ai, an hundred twenty and three. 33The men of the other Nebo, fifty and two. 34The children of the other Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four. 35The children of Harim, three hundred and twenty. 36The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five. 37The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and one. 38The children of Senaah, three thousand nine hundred and thirty.

The Priests

39The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three. 40The children of Immer, a thousand fifty and two. 41The children of Pashur, a thousand two hundred forty and seven. 42The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen.

The Levites

43The Levites: the children of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, and of the children of Hodevah, seventy and four. 44The singers: the children of Asaph, an hundred forty and eight. 45The porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, an hundred thirty and eight.

The Temple Servants

46The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hashupha, the children of Tabbaoth, 47The children of Keros, the children of Sia, the children of Padon, 48The children of Lebana, the children of Hagaba, the children of Shalmai, 49The children of Hanan, the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, 50The children of Reaiah, the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, 51The children of Gazzam, the children of Uzza, the children of Phaseah, 52The children of Besai, the children of Meunim, the children of Nephishesim, 53The children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur, 54The children of Bazlith, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha, 55The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Tamah, 56The children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha.

Descendants of Solomon's Servants

57The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Perida, 58The children of Jaala, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel, 59The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Amon.

60All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants, were three hundred ninety and two.

61And these were they which went up also from Telmelah, Telharesha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer: but they could not shew their father's house, nor their seed, whether they were of Israel. 62The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred forty and two.

Priests who Could Not Find Their Pedigree

63And of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai, which took one of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite to wife, and was called after their name. 64These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but it was not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood. 65And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and Thummim.

Accounting of People and Offerings

(Ezra 2:68-70)

66The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore, 67Beside their manservants and their maidservants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and they had two hundred forty and five singing men and singing women. 68Their horses, seven hundred thirty and six: their mules, two hundred forty and five: 69Their camels, four hundred thirty and five: six thousand seven hundred and twenty asses.

70And some of the chief of the fathers gave unto the work. The Tirshatha gave to the treasure a thousand drams of gold, fifty basons, five hundred and thirty priests' garments. 71And some of the chief of the fathers gave to the treasure of the work twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand and two hundred pound of silver. 72And that which the rest of the people gave was twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand pound of silver, and threescore and seven priests' garments.

73So the priests, and the Levites, and the porters, and the singers, and some of the people, and the Nethinims, and all Israel, dwelt in their cities; and when the seventh month came, the children of Israel were in their cities.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

Securing the City

1 Now it happened, when the wall was built, and I had set up the doors, and the porters and the singers and the Levites were appointed, 2 that I put my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the governor of the castle, in charge of Jerusalem; for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many. 3 I said to them, “Don’t let the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun is hot; and while they stand guard, let them shut the doors, and you bar them: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, everyone in his watch, with everyone near his house.”

The List of Returning Exiles
(Ezra 2:1–67)

4 Now the city was wide and large; but the people were few therein, and the houses were not built.

5 My God put into my heart to gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. I found the book of the genealogy of those who came up at the first, and I found written therein:

6 These are the children of the province, who went up out of the captivity of those who had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away, and who returned to Jerusalem and to Judah, everyone to his city; 7 who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel: 8 The children of Parosh, two thousand one hundred seventy-two. 9 The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy-two. 10 The children of Arah, six hundred fifty-two. 11 The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand eight hundred eighteen. 12 The children of Elam, one thousand two hundred fifty-four. 13 The children of Zattu, eight hundred forty-five. 14 The children of Zaccai, seven hundred sixty. 15 The children of Binnui, six hundred forty-eight. 16 The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty-eight. 17 The children of Azgad, two thousand three hundred twenty-two. 18 The children of Adonikam, six hundred sixty-seven. 19 The children of Bigvai, two thousand sixty-seven. 20 The children of Adin, six hundred fifty-five. 21 The children of Ater, of Hezekiah, ninety-eight. 22 The children of Hashum, three hundred Twenty-eight. 23 The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty-four. 24 The children of Hariph, one hundred twelve. 25 The children of Gibeon, ninety-five. 26 The men of Bethlehem and Netophah, one hundred eighty-eight. 27 The men of Anathoth, one hundred twenty-eight. 28 The men of Beth Azmaveth, forty-two. 29 The men of Kiriath Jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred forty-three. 30 The men of Ramah and Geba, six hundred twenty-one. 31 The men of Michmas, one hundred and twenty-two. 32 The men of Bethel and Ai, a hundred twenty-three. 33 The men of the other Nebo, fifty-two. 34 The children of the other Elam, one thousand two hundred fifty-four. 35 The children of Harim, three hundred twenty. 36 The children of Jericho, three hundred forty-five. 37 The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty-one. 38 The children of Senaah, three thousand nine hundred thirty.

39 The priests: The children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy-three. 40 The children of Immer, one thousand fifty-two. 41 The children of Pashhur, one thousand two hundred forty-seven. 42 The children of Harim, one thousand seventeen.

43 The Levites: the children of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, of the children of Hodevah, seventy-four. 44 The singers: the children of Asaph, one hundred forty-eight. 45 The porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, one hundred thirty-eight.

46 The Nethinim: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth, 47 the children of Keros, the children of Sia, the children of Padon, 48 the children of Lebana, the children of Hagaba, the children of Salmai, 49 the children of Hanan, the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, 50 the children of Reaiah, the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, 51 the children of Gazzam, the children of Uzza, the children of Paseah. 52 The children of Besai, the children of Meunim, the children of Nephushesim, 53 the children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur, 54 the children of Bazlith, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha, 55 the children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Temah, 56 the children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha.

57 The children of Solomon’s servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Perida, 58 the children of Jaala, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel, 59 the children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth Hazzebaim, the children of Amon.

60 All the Nethinim, and the children of Solomon’s servants, were three hundred ninety-two.

61 These were those who went up from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer; but they could not show their fathers’ houses, nor their seed, whether they were of Israel: 62 The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred forty-two.

63 Of the priests: the children of Hobaiah, the children of Hakkoz, the children of Barzillai, who took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name. 64 These searched for their geneological records, but couldn’t find them. Therefore were they deemed polluted and put from the priesthood. 65 The governor said to them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, until there stood up a priest with Urim and Thummim.

66 The whole assembly together was forty-two thousand three hundred sixty, 67 besides their male servants and their female servants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty-seven: and they had two hundred forty-five singing men and singing women. 68 Their horses were seven hundred thirty-six; their mules, two hundred forty-five; 69 their camels, four hundred thirty-five; their donkeys, six thousand seven hundred twenty.

Offerings by the Exiles
(Exodus 38:21–31; Ezra 2:68–70)

70 Some from among the heads of fathers’ households gave to the work. The governor gave to the treasury one thousand darics of gold, fifty basins, and five hundred thirty priests’ garments. 71 Some of the heads of fathers’ households gave into the treasury of the work twenty thousand darics of gold, and two thousand two hundred minas of silver. 72 That which the rest of the people gave was twenty thousand darics of gold, and two thousand minas of silver, and sixty-seven priests’ garments.

73 So the priests, and the Levites, and the porters, and the singers, and some of the people, and the Nethinim, and all Israel, lived in their cities. When the seventh month had come, the children of Israel were in their cities.

Securing the City

1 When the wall had been rebuilt and I had set the doors in place, the gatekeepers, singers, and Levites were appointed.

2 Then I put my brother Hanani in charge of Jerusalem, along with Hananiah the commander of the fortress, because he was a faithful man who feared God more than most. 3 And I told them, “Do not open the gates of Jerusalem until the sun is hot. While the guards are on duty, keep the doors shut and securely fastened. And appoint the residents of Jerusalem as guards, some at their posts and some at their own homes.”

The List of Returning Exiles
(Ezra 2:1–67)

4 Now the city was large and spacious, but there were few people in it, and the houses had not yet been rebuilt. 5 Then my God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles, the officials, and the people to be enrolled by genealogy. I found the genealogical register of those who had first returned, and I found the following written in it:

6 These are the people of the province who came up from the captivity of the exiles carried away to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar its king. They returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his own town, 7 accompanied by Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, and Baanah. a

This is the count of the men of Israel:

8 the descendants of Parosh, 2,172;

9 the descendants of Shephatiah, 372;

10 the descendants of Arah, 652;

11 the descendants of Pahath-moab (through the line of Jeshua and Joab), 2,818;

12 the descendants of Elam, 1,254;

13 the descendants of Zattu, 845;

14 the descendants of Zaccai, 760;

15 the descendants of Binnui, b 648;

16 the descendants of Bebai, 628;

17 the descendants of Azgad, 2,322;

18 the descendants of Adonikam, 667;

19 the descendants of Bigvai, 2,067;

20 the descendants of Adin, 655;

21 the descendants of Ater (through Hezekiah), 98;

22 the descendants of Hashum, 328;

23 the descendants of Bezai, 324;

24 the descendants of Hariph, c 112;

25 the descendants of Gibeon, d 95;

26 the men of Bethlehem and Netophah, 188;

27 the men of Anathoth, 128;

28 the men of Beth-azmaveth, e 42;

29 the men of Kiriath-jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, 743;

30 the men of Ramah and Geba, 621;

31 the men of Michmash, 122;

32 the men of Bethel and Ai, 123;

33 the men of the other Nebo, f 52;

34 the descendants of the other Elam, g 1,254;

35 the descendants of Harim, 320;

36 the men h of Jericho, 345;

37 the men of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, 721;

38 and the descendants of Senaah, 3,930.

39 The priests:

the descendants of Jedaiah (through the house of Jeshua), 973;

40 the descendants of Immer, 1,052;

41 the descendants of Pashhur, 1,247;

42 and the descendants of Harim, 1,017.

43 The Levites:

the descendants of Jeshua (through Kadmiel, through the line of Hodevah i), 74.

44 The singers:

the descendants of Asaph, 148.

45 The gatekeepers:

the descendants of Shallum,

the descendants of Ater,

the descendants of Talmon,

the descendants of Akkub,

the descendants of Hatita,

and the descendants of Shobai,

138 in all.

46 The temple servants: j

the descendants of Ziha,

the descendants of Hasupha,

the descendants of Tabbaoth,

47 the descendants of Keros,

the descendants of Sia, k

the descendants of Padon,

48 the descendants of Lebanah,

the descendants of Hagabah,

the descendants of Shalmai,

49 the descendants of Hanan,

the descendants of Giddel,

the descendants of Gahar,

50 the descendants of Reaiah,

the descendants of Rezin,

the descendants of Nekoda,

51 the descendants of Gazzam,

the descendants of Uzza,

the descendants of Paseah,

52 the descendants of Besai,

the descendants of Meunim,

the descendants of Nephushesim, l

53 the descendants of Bakbuk,

the descendants of Hakupha,

the descendants of Harhur,

54 the descendants of Bazlith, m

the descendants of Mehida,

the descendants of Harsha,

55 the descendants of Barkos,

the descendants of Sisera,

the descendants of Temah,

56 the descendants of Neziah,

and the descendants of Hatipha.

57 The descendants of the servants of Solomon:

the descendants of Sotai,

the descendants of Sophereth,

the descendants of Perida, n

58 the descendants of Jaala,

the descendants of Darkon,

the descendants of Giddel,

59 the descendants of Shephatiah,

the descendants of Hattil,

the descendants of Pochereth-hazzebaim,

and the descendants of Amon. o

60 The temple servants and descendants of the servants of Solomon numbered 392 in all.

61 The following came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addon, p and Immer, but could not prove that their families were descended from Israel:

62 the descendants of Delaiah,

the descendants of Tobiah,

and the descendants of Nekoda,

642 in all.

63 And from among the priests: the descendants of Hobaiah,

the descendants of Hakkoz,

and the descendants of Barzillai (who had married a daughter of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by their name).

64 These men searched for their family records, but they could not find them and so were excluded from the priesthood as unclean. 65 The governor ordered them not to eat the most holy things until there was a priest to consult the Urim and Thummim. q

66 The whole assembly numbered 42,360, 67 in addition to their 7,337 menservants and maidservants, as well as their 245 male and female singers. 68 They had 736 horses, 245 mules, r 69 435 camels, and 6,720 donkeys.

Offerings by the Exiles
(Exodus 38:21–31; Ezra 2:68–70)

70 Some of the heads of the families contributed to the project. The governor gave to the treasury 1,000 darics of gold, s 50 bowls, and 530 priestly garments. 71 And some of the heads of the families gave to the treasury for the project 20,000 darics of gold t and 2,200 minas of silver. u 72 The rest of the people gave a total of 20,000 darics of gold, 2,000 minas of silver, v and 67 priestly garments.

73 So the priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, and temple servants, along with some of the people and the rest of the Israelites, settled in their own towns. And by the seventh month the Israelites had settled in their towns.

 

Footnotes:

7 a Parallel text at Ezra 2:2 accompanied by Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah
15 b Binnui  is a variant of Bani ; see Ezra 2:10.
24 c Hariph  is a variant of Jorah ; see Ezra 2:18.
25 d Gibeon  is a variant of Gibbar ; see Ezra 2:20.
28 e Beth-azmaveth  is a variant of Azmaveth ; see Ezra 2:24.
33 f Or of West Nebo
34 g Or of West Elam
36 h Literally the sons ; here and in verse 37
43 i Hodevah  is a variant of Hodaviah ; see Ezra 2:40.
46 j Hebrew The Nethinim ; also in verses 60 and 73
47 k Sia  is a variant of Siaha ; see Ezra 2:44.
52 l Nephushesim  is a variant of Nephusim ; see Ezra 2:50.
54 m Bazlith  is a variant of Bazluth ; see Ezra 2:52.
57 n Perida  is a variant of Peruda ; see Ezra 2:55.
59 o Amon  is a variant of Ami ; see Ezra 2:57.
61 p Addon  is a variant of Addan ; see Ezra 2:59.
65 q Literally Lights and Perfections
68 r Some Hebrew manuscripts (see also Ezra 2:66); most Hebrew manuscripts do not include this verse.
70 s Or 1,000 gold drachmas ; that is, approximately 18.5 pounds or 8.4 kilograms of gold coins
71 t Or 20,000 gold drachmas ; that is, approximately 370.4 pounds or 168 kilograms of gold coins; also in verse 72
71 u Or 2,200 silver minas ; that is, approximately 1.38 tons or 1.25 metric tons of silver
72 v Or 2,000 silver minas ; that is, approximately 1.26 tons or 1.14 metric tons of silver

Securing the City

1And it cometh to pass, when the wall hath been built, that I set up the doors, and the gatekeepers are appointed, and the singers, and the Levites, 2and I charge Hanani my brother, and Hananiah head of the palace, concerning Jerusalem -- for he is as a man of truth, and fearing God above many -- 3and I say to them, 'Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened till the heat of the sun, and while they are standing by let them shut the doors, and fasten, and appoint guards of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, each in his guard, and each over-against his house.'

Census of First Returned Exiles

(Ezra 2:1-35)

4And the city is broad on both sides, and great, and the people are few in its midst, and there are no houses builded;

5and my God putteth it unto my heart, and I gather the freeman, and the prefects, and the people, for the genealogy, and I find a book of the genealogy of those coming up at the beginning, and I find written in it: --

6These are sons of the province, those coming up of the captives of the removal that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon removed -- and they turn back to Jerusalem and to Judah, each to his city -- 7who are coming in with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. Number of the men of the people of Israel: 8Sons of Parosh: two thousand a hundred and seventy and two. 9Sons of Shephatiah: three hundred seventy and two. 10Sons of Arah: six hundred fifty and two. 11Sons of Pahath-Moab, of the sons of Jeshua and Joab: two thousand and eight hundred and eighteen. 12Sons of Elam: a thousand two hundred fifty and four. 13Sons of Zattu: eight hundred forty and five. 14Sons of Zaccai: seven hundred and sixty. 15Sons of Binnui: six hundred forty and eight. 16Sons of Bebai: six hundred twenty and eight. 17Sons of Azgad: two thousand three hundred twenty and two. 18Sons of Adonikam: six hundred sixty and seven. 19Sons of Bigvai: two thousand sixty and seven. 20Sons of Adin: six hundred fifty and five. 21Sons of Ater of Hezekiah: ninety and eight. 22Sons of Hashum: three hundred twenty and eight. 23Sons of Bezai: three hundred twenty and four. 24Sons of Hariph: a hundred and twelve. 25Sons of Gibeon: ninety and five. 26Men of Beth-Lehem and Netophah: a hundred eighty and eight. 27Men of Anathoth: a hundred twenty and eight. 28Men of Beth-Azmaveth: forty and two. 29Men of Kirjath-Jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth: seven hundred forty and three. 30Men of Ramah and Gaba: six hundred twenty and one. 31Men of Michmas: a hundred and twenty and two. 32Men of Bethel and Ai: a hundred twenty and three. 33Men of the other Nebo: fifty and two. 34Sons of the other Elam: a thousand two hundred fifty and four. 35Sons of Harim: three hundred and twenty. 36Sons of Jericho: three hundred forty and five. 37Sons of Lod, Hadid, and Ono: seven hundred and twenty and one. 38Sons of Senaah: three thousand nine hundred and thirty.

The Priests

39The priests: sons of Jedaiah: of the house of Jeshua: nine hundred seventy and three; 40sons of Immer: a thousand fifty and two; 41sons of Pashur: a thousand two hundred forty and seven; 42sons of Harim: a thousand and seventeen.

The Levites

43The Levites: sons of Jeshua, of Kadmiel: of sons of Hodevah: seventy and four. 44The singers: sons of Asaph: a hundred forty and eight. 45The gatekeepers: sons of Shallum, sons of Ater, sons of Talmon, sons of Akkub, sons of Hatita, sons of Shobai: a hundred thirty and eight.

The Temple Servants

46The Nethinim: sons of Ziha, sons of Hasupha, sons of Tabbaoth, 47sons of Keros, sons of Sia, sons of Padon, 48sons of Lebanah, sons of Hagaba, sons of Shalmai, 49sons of Hanan, sons of Giddel, sons of Gahar, 50sons of Reaiah, sons of Rezin, sons of Nekoda, 51sons of Gazzam, sons of Uzza, sons of Phaseah, 52sons of Bezai, sons of Meunim, sons of Nephishesim, 53sons of Bakbuk, sons of Hakupha, sons of Harhur, 54sons of Bazlith, sons of Mehida, sons of Harsha, 55sons of Barkos, sons of Sisera, sons of Tamah, 56sons of Neziah, sons of Hatipha.

Descendants of Solomon's Servants

57Sons of the servants of Solomon: sons of Sotai, sons of Sophereth, sons of Perida, 58sons of Jaala, sons of Darkon, sons of Giddel, 59sons of Shephatiah, sons of Hattil, sons of Pochereth of Zebaim, sons of Amon.

60All the Nethinim and the sons of the servants of Solomon are three hundred ninety and two.

61And these are those coming up from Tel-Melah, Tel-Harsha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer -- and they have not been able to declare the house of their fathers, and their seed, whether they are of Israel -- 62sons of Delaiah, sons of Tobiah, sons of Nekoda, six hundred forty and two.

Priests who Could Not Find Their Pedigree

63And of the priests: sons of Habaiah sons of Koz, sons of Barzillai, who hath taken from the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite a wife, and is called by their name. 64These have sought their register among those reckoning themselves by genealogy, and it hath not been found, and they are redeemed from the priesthood, 65and the Tirshatha saith to them that they eat not of the most holy things till the standing up of the priest with Urim and Thummim.

Accounting of People and Offerings

(Ezra 2:68-70)

66All the assembly together is four myriads two thousand three hundred and sixty, 67apart from their servants and their handmaids -- these are seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven; and of them are singers and songstresses, two hundred forty and five. 68Their horses are seven hundred thirty and six; their mules, two hundred and forty and five; 69camels, four hundred thirty and five; asses, six thousand seven hundred and twenty.

70And from the extremity of the heads of the fathers they have given to the work; the Tirshatha hath given to the treasure, of gold, drams a thousand, bowls fifty, priests' coats thirty and five hundred. 71And of the heads of the fathers they have given to the treasure of the work, of gold, drams two myriads, and of silver, pounds two thousand and two hundred. 72And that which the rest of the people have given is of gold, drams two myriads, and of silver, pounds two thousand, and of priests coats, sixty and seven.

73And they dwell -- the priests, and the Levites, and the gatekeepers, and the singers, and some of the people, and the Nethinim, and all Israel -- in their cities, and the seventh month cometh, and the sons of Israel are in their cities.

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of Nehemiah 7?
2Introduction to Nehemiah 7
3Context of Nehemiah 7
4Ancient Key Word Study
5Compare & Contrast
6Nehemiah 7 Unique Insights
7Nehemiah 7 Connections to Yeshua
8Nehemiah 7 Scriptural Echoes
9Nehemiah 7 Devotional
10Did You Know

What is the meaning of Nehemiah 7?

Introduction to Nehemiah 7

Nehemiah 7 serves as a pivotal chapter in the restoration narrative of Jerusalem, presenting a detailed census record that might initially appear as a mere administrative document but carries profound spiritual significance. This chapter bridges the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls with the spiritual reformation that follows, demonstrating how God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises extends through generations. The meticulous attention to genealogical detail reveals the divine importance of preserving identity and heritage in God’s redemptive plan.

Azrta box final advert

Context of Nehemiah 7

Within the immediate context of the book, Nehemiah 7 follows the triumphant completion of Jerusalem’s walls in chapter 6 and precedes the spiritual revival through Scripture reading in chapter 8. This strategic placement highlights the transition from physical restoration to spiritual reformation, showing how external security needed to be established before internal renewal could flourish.

The chapter’s broader contextual significance reaches back to Ezra 2, where a nearly identical list appears. This repetition is not redundant but purposeful, emphasizing the continuity of God’s covenant people and the importance of maintaining pure lineage for temple service. Furthermore, it connects to the broader biblical narrative of restoration prophecies, particularly those found in Isaiah 44:26-28 and Jeremiah 29:10, demonstrating God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises of restoration.

The placement of this census directly after the wall’s completion also serves as a powerful reminder that God’s work involves both physical infrastructure and spiritual identity. This mirrors the pattern seen throughout Scripture where God often combines physical restoration with spiritual renewal.

Ancient Key Word Study

  • פָּקַד (paqad) – “appointed/registered” (Nehemiah 7:1): This Hebrew verb carries the rich meaning of careful oversight and appointment with purpose. Its usage here suggests not merely administrative assignment but divine orchestration in positioning leaders for God’s purposes.
  • אֱמֶת (emet) – “faithful” (Nehemiah 7:2): This term represents more than mere reliability; it embodies truth, steadfastness, and unwavering commitment to God’s purposes. Hanani’s description as an אֱמֶת man speaks to his character as one aligned with God’s truth.
  • יִרְאָה (yirah) – “fear” (Nehemiah 7:2): This word encompasses reverent awe and deep respect for God, rather than mere terror. It was this quality that qualified leaders for service in Jerusalem’s restoration.
  • הַיַּחַשׂ (hayachas) – “genealogy” (Nehemiah 7:5): This term signifies more than a family tree; it represents divine preservation of identity and calling, crucial for maintaining proper temple service and messianic lineage.
  • עָלָה (alah) – “came up” (Nehemiah 7:6): This verb, used for the return from exile, carries theological significance as an echo of the Exodus, suggesting a new redemptive act of God.
  • תִּרְשָׁתָא (tirshata) – “governor” (Nehemiah 7:65): A Persian loan word showing how God can use secular authority for sacred purposes, while maintaining distinct identity within foreign systems.
  • קֹדֶשׁ (qodesh) – “holy” (Nehemiah 7:65): This term for holiness emphasizes separation for divine purpose, particularly significant in the context of priestly portions and service.
  • נָדַב (nadab) – “freely offered” (Nehemiah 7:70): This verb represents voluntary, generous giving from the heart, showing how true restoration involves willing sacrifice and participation.

Compare & Contrast

  • Nehemiah 7:2 uses both “faithful” (אֱמֶת) and “feared” (יִרְאָה) to describe Hanani, when either term alone might seem sufficient. This deliberate pairing emphasizes that true leadership requires both practical reliability and spiritual devotion. The choice of אֱמֶת over חֶסֶד (steadfast love) highlights the emphasis on truth and reliability in leadership.
  • The phrase “רִאשֹׁנָה עָלוּ” (first came up) in Nehemiah 7:5 deliberately echoes exodus terminology, connecting this return to the original redemption from Egypt. The word עָלוּ (came up) was chosen over שׁוּב (return) to emphasize the spiritual ascent involved in returning to Jerusalem.
  • Nehemiah 7:3‘s detailed instructions about gate closure uses עָמַד (standing) rather than סָגַר (merely closing), emphasizing active vigilance rather than passive security measures.
  • The term תִּרְשָׁתָא in Nehemiah 7:65 is used instead of פֶּחָה (governor), showing careful preservation of Persian administrative terminology while maintaining Jewish identity.
  • Nehemiah 7:70-72‘s use of נָדַב (freely gave) rather than נָתַן (gave) emphasizes the voluntary nature of the contributions, highlighting the spiritual motivation behind the giving.

Nehemiah 7 Unique Insights

Can a Bible Come to Life over a Coffee?
This biblical entry has a unique origin story. Find out how it came to be—and why your visit today is about so much more than words. Get your coffee ready—God’s about to visit. But will you open the door for Him?

The chapter’s placement of the census immediately after the wall’s completion reveals a profound spiritual principle: physical protection must precede spiritual restoration. This pattern is seen throughout Scripture, from the Exodus (where physical deliverance preceded spiritual covenant) to the future restoration of Israel described in prophetic literature.

The repeated emphasis on genealogical records carries mystical significance in Jewish thought. The Midrash Rabbah suggests that these lists serve as “spiritual DNA” ensuring the continuation of God’s covenant promises. This connects to the broader theme of divine preservation, showing how God maintains His people’s identity even through exile and restoration.

The chapter includes a fascinating detail about priests who couldn’t prove their ancestry being excluded from the most holy things until a priest could consult with Urim and Thummim (Nehemiah 7:65). This reference to the lost oracular devices suggests a future restoration of full divine communication, pointing toward the coming of Messiah who would provide direct access to God.

The precise numbers given in the census have significance in gematria (Hebrew numerology), with several totals being multiples of seven, suggesting divine completeness in the restoration process. However, the variations between this list and Ezra 2 remind us that human record-keeping, while important, is subordinate to divine purposes.

Nehemiah 7 Connections to Yeshua

The careful preservation of genealogical records in this chapter played a crucial role in establishing the legitimate lineage of Yeshua the Messiah. Without such meticulous record-keeping, it would have been impossible to verify His fulfillment of prophecies regarding descent from David’s line. The emphasis on pure priestly lineage also foreshadows Yeshua’s role as the perfect High Priest, who needed no genealogical proof because His priesthood was of a higher order (Hebrews 7:11-17).

The theme of restoration in Nehemiah 7 points to the greater restoration that Yeshua would bring. Just as the physical walls needed to be rebuilt before spiritual renewal could begin, Yeshua’s first coming prepared the way for the spiritual restoration of humanity, with His second coming promising complete physical and spiritual restoration of all creation.

Nehemiah 7 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter resonates deeply with Ezra 2, containing nearly identical census records. This repetition emphasizes the importance of maintaining accurate records of God’s people, a theme that continues in the New Testament with the genealogies of Yeshua (Matthew 1, Luke 3).

The careful organization of people groups echoes the tribal arrangements in Numbers 1-2, showing continuity in God’s organizational principles. The emphasis on proper priestly lineage connects to Leviticus 21‘s requirements for priestly service.

The theme of restoration and return from exile prefigures the ultimate gathering of God’s people prophesied in Isaiah 11:11-12 and Ezekiel 37:21-22.

Nehemiah 7 Devotional

In a world increasingly disconnected from its roots, Nehemiah 7 reminds us of the importance of knowing our spiritual heritage and identity in God’s family. Just as each returned exile needed to establish their place in the community, we too must understand our position in God’s kingdom and our role in His ongoing work of restoration.

The chapter’s emphasis on leadership qualities – faithfulness and fear of God – challenges us to examine our own character. Are we, like Hanani, known for both practical reliability and spiritual devotion? Do we approach our responsibilities with the same careful attention to detail that Nehemiah showed in organizing the city?

The voluntary contributions at the chapter’s end remind us that participation in God’s work should flow from a willing heart. Whether through financial giving, service, or leadership, our involvement in building God’s kingdom should be motivated by love and gratitude rather than obligation.

Did You Know

  • The total number of people listed in this census (42,360) is identical in both Nehemiah and Ezra, despite slight variations in individual categories, suggesting both accuracy and flexibility in ancient record-keeping practices.
  • The mention of 245 singers in Nehemiah 7:67 shows the importance of worship in the restored community, as music played a crucial role in temple service.
  • The Tirshatha (governor) mentioned in Nehemiah 7:65 was a Persian title, showing how Jewish leaders maintained their identity while working within foreign administrative systems.
  • The reference to the Urim and Thummim in verse 65 is one of the last mentions of these mysterious objects in Scripture, as they were apparently lost during the Babylonian exile.
  • The careful preservation of these genealogical records made it possible for early Christians to verify Yeshua’s Messianic credentials through His ancestry.
  • The phrase “men of the people of Israel” in Nehemiah 7:7 uses the term “anshei” rather than “benei,” emphasizing mature responsibility rather than mere descent.
  • The specific mention of Temple servants (Nethinim) shows how even non-Israelites could be integrated into the community through service to God.
  • The geographical names in the census provide valuable information about settlement patterns in post-exilic Judah, helping archaeologists understand ancient demographics.

sendagiftfinal
Have you been blessed?
This website has over 46,000 Biblical resources, made possible through the generosity of the 0.03% of supporters like you. If you’ve been blessed today, please consider sending a gift.
Bible Themes
Share your love
Jean Paul Joseph
Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. What is the F.O.G?

Articles: 46827
Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Encounter Him Send a Gift Scroll Top