Nehemiah 7

Nehemiah 7 focuses on the reorganization and repopulation of Jerusalem after the wall is rebuilt. Nehemiah takes steps to ensure the security of the city, assigning gatekeepers and guards, and then sets out to register the people according to their genealogies. The chapter includes a detailed record of the exiles who returned from Babylon under Zerubbabel, emphasizing their faithfulness to God's calling and their heritage. This effort to repopulate the city was important for establishing a stable and secure society in the newly rebuilt Jerusalem.

Nehemiah 7:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Then it was, when the wall was built and I had hung the doors, when the gatekeepers, the singers, and the Levites had been appointed,
2 that I gave the charge of Jerusalem to my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the leader of the citadel, for he was a faithful man and feared God more than many.
3 And I said to them, “Do not let the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun is hot; and while they stand guard, let them shut and bar the doors; and appoint guards from among the inhabitants of Jerusalem, one at his watch station and another in front of his own house.”
4 Now the city was large and spacious, but the people in it were few, and the houses were not rebuilt.
5 Then my God put it into my heart to gather the nobles, the rulers, and the people, that they might be registered by genealogy. And I found a register of the genealogy of those who had come up in the first return and found written in it:

Nehemiah appointed Hanani and Hananiah, who were known for their faithfulness and reverence for God, to oversee the city. Strict security measures were put in place to protect Jerusalem by regulating the opening and closing of the gates. Though the city was large, its population was small, and many homes remained unbuilt. Nehemiah felt divinely inspired to gather the people and record their genealogies, ensuring that the community remained grounded in their heritage.

Nehemiah 7:6-7 (NKJV)
6 These are the people of the province who came back from the captivity, of those who had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away, and who returned to Jerusalem and Judah, everyone to his city.
7 Those who came with Zerubbabel were Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, and Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:

This section introduces the genealogical list of those who returned from Babylonian captivity under the leadership of Zerubbabel. The returnees were from various regions of Judah and Jerusalem, emphasizing the restoration of the Jewish people to their homeland. The mention of prominent leaders, including Zerubbabel and Jeshua, highlights the importance of their role in the restoration process.

Nehemiah 7:8-12 (NKJV)
8 The sons of Parosh, two thousand one hundred and seventy-two;
9 the sons of Shephatiah, three hundred and seventy-two;
10 the sons of Arah, six hundred and fifty-two;
11 the sons of Pahath-Moab, of the sons of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand eight hundred and eighteen;
12 the sons of Elam, one thousand two hundred and fifty-four;

This passage lists the various family groups that returned, beginning with Parosh, Shephatiah, and others. These genealogies were crucial for reestablishing the Jewish identity and land inheritance in Jerusalem. Each family played a part in rebuilding the nation, reflecting the importance of maintaining lineage and the continuity of the people after years of exile.

Nehemiah 7:13-18 (NKJV)
13 the sons of Zattu, eight hundred and forty-five;
14 the sons of Zaccai, seven hundred and sixty;
15 the sons of Binnui, six hundred and forty-eight;
16 the sons of Bebai, six hundred and twenty-eight;
17 the sons of Azgad, two thousand three hundred and twenty-two;
18 the sons of Adonikam, six hundred and sixty-seven;

This continued list of returnees includes more families who came back from Babylon. The diversity of families mentioned underscores the broad scope of those who returned, representing a significant cross-section of Jewish society. It also reflects the unity of purpose among the exiles in restoring the city and their collective hope for a renewed community under God’s guidance.

Nehemiah 7:19-24 (NKJV)
19 the sons of Bigvai, two thousand and sixty-seven;
20 the sons of Adin, six hundred and fifty-five;
21 the sons of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety-eight;
22 the sons of Hashum, three hundred and twenty-eight;
23 the sons of Bezai, three hundred and twenty-four;
24 the sons of Hariph, one hundred and twelve;

Here, the list continues with families such as the sons of Bigvai and others. Each family’s return signifies their commitment to their homeland and to the work of restoration. The detailed accounting serves not only as a historical record but as a testimony of God’s faithfulness in preserving His people throughout their exile.

Nehemiah 7:25-38 (NKJV)
25 the sons of Gibeon, ninety-five;
26 the men of Bethlehem and Netophah, one hundred and eighty-eight;
27 the men of Anathoth, one hundred and twenty-eight;
28 the men of Beth Azmaveth, forty-two;
29 the men of Kirjath Jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred and forty-three;
30 the men of Ramah and Geba, six hundred and twenty-one;
31 the men of Michmas, one hundred and twenty-two;
32 the men of Bethel and Ai, one hundred and twenty-three;
33 the men of the other Nebo, fifty-two;
34 the sons of the other Elam, one thousand two hundred and fifty-four;
35 the sons of Harim, three hundred and twenty;
36 the sons of Jericho, three hundred and forty-five;
37 the sons of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred and twenty-one;
38 the sons of Senaah, three thousand nine hundred and thirty.

These verses record the towns and cities from which the men of Israel returned. Some cities, like Bethlehem and Anathoth, are historically significant, while others may be lesser known. Nevertheless, their inclusion shows the comprehensive nature of the return from exile, with people coming from all parts of Judah. These individuals formed the core of the new Jewish society in Jerusalem.

Nehemiah 7:39-42 (NKJV)
39 The priests: the sons of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred and seventy-three;
40 the sons of Immer, one thousand and fifty-two;
41 the sons of Pashhur, one thousand two hundred and forty-seven;
42 the sons of Harim, one thousand and seventeen.

The listing of the priests signifies their vital role in the religious and spiritual life of the restored community. The large numbers of priests who returned emphasize the centrality of temple worship in the life of Israel, as they would lead the people in the proper worship of God according to the law of Moses.

Nehemiah 7:43-45 (NKJV)
43 The Levites: the sons of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, and of the sons of Hodevah, seventy-four.
44 The singers: the sons of Asaph, one hundred and forty-eight.
45 The gatekeepers: the sons of Shallum, the sons of Ater, the sons of Talmon, the sons of Akkub, the sons of Hatita, the sons of Shobai, one hundred and thirty-eight.

This section highlights the Levites, singers, and gatekeepers. These individuals were crucial for maintaining the spiritual life and order within Jerusalem, serving in the temple, leading worship, and safeguarding the city's gates. Each group had a specific function that contributed to the restoration of worship and daily life in Jerusalem.

Nehemiah 7:46-56 (NKJV)
46 The Nethinim: the sons of Ziha, the sons of Hasupha, the sons of Tabbaoth,
47 the sons of Keros, the sons of Sia, the sons of Padon,
48 the sons of Lebana, the sons of Hagaba, the sons of Salmai,
49 the sons of Hanan, the sons of Giddel, the sons of Gahar,
50 the sons of Reaiah, the sons of Rezin, the sons of Nekoda,
51 the sons of Gazzam, the sons of Uzza, the sons of Paseah,
52 the sons of Besai, the sons of Meunim, the sons of Nephishesim,
53 the sons of Bakbuk, the sons of Hakupha, the sons of Harhur,
54 the sons of Bazlith, the sons of Mehida, the sons of Harsha,
55 the sons of Barkos, the sons of Sisera, the sons of Tamah,
56 the sons of Neziah, and the sons of Hatipha.

The Nethinim were temple servants who assisted the Levites in their duties. Their inclusion shows that even those in humble positions were valued for their contributions to the temple and community. Each family listed here played a role in maintaining the practical aspects of temple worship.

Nehemiah 7:57-59 (NKJV)
57 The sons of Solomon’s servants: the sons of Sotai, the sons of Sophereth, the sons of Perida,
58 the sons of Jaala, the sons of Darkon, the sons of Giddel,
59 the sons of Shephatiah, the sons of Hattil, the sons of Pochereth of Zebaim, and the sons of Amon.

The descendants of Solomon's servants were also among those who returned, likely serving the community in various capacities related to governance and labor. These families had a unique heritage tied to the monarchy, and their return illustrates the broad spectrum of people committed to restoring Jerusalem.

Nehemiah 7:60-61 (NKJV)
60 All the Nethinim, and the sons of Solomon’s servants, were three hundred and ninety-two.
61 And these were the ones who came up from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer, but they could not identify their father’s house nor their lineage, whether they were of Israel:

These verses summarize the total number of Nethinim and Solomon's servants who returned. Additionally, a group of returnees could not prove their genealogical connection to Israel, a serious matter in a society that placed a high value on ancestry and belonging to God's chosen people.

Nehemiah 7:62-65 (NKJV)
62 the sons of Delaiah, the sons of Tobiah, the sons of Nekoda, six hundred and forty-two;
63 and of the priests: the sons of Habaiah, the sons of Koz, the sons of Barzillai, who took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called by their name.
64 These sought their listing among those who were registered by genealogy, but it was not found; therefore they were excluded from the priesthood as defiled.
65 And the governor said to them that they should not eat of the most holy things till a priest could consult with the Urim and Thummim.

Some individuals, including priests, could not verify their lineage, disqualifying them from serving in the priesthood. This underscores the importance of maintaining genealogical records, especially for those serving in sacred roles. The consultation with the Urim and Thummim was a method of seeking divine guidance to resolve such matters.

Nehemiah 7:66-69 (NKJV)
66 Altogether the whole assembly was forty-two thousand three hundred and sixty,
67 besides their male and female servants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred and thirty-seven; and they had two hundred and forty-five men and women singers.
68 Their horses were seven hundred and thirty-six, their mules two hundred and forty-five,
69 their camels four hundred and thirty-five, and donkeys six thousand seven hundred and twenty.

This provides a grand total of the returnees along with their servants, livestock, and singers. The detailed inventory illustrates the resources and manpower available for the rebuilding effort. It also demonstrates the community’s wealth and preparedness to establish a stable society in Jerusalem.

Nehemiah 7:70-72 (NKJV)
70 And some of the heads of the fathers’ houses gave to the work. The governor gave to the treasury one thousand gold drachmas, fifty basins, and five hundred and thirty priestly garments.
71 Some of the heads of the fathers’ houses gave to the treasury of the work twenty thousand gold drachmas, and two thousand two hundred silver minas.
72 And that which the rest of the people gave was twenty thousand gold drachmas, two thousand silver minas, and sixty-seven priestly garments.

The generosity of the people and their leaders in contributing to the rebuilding of Jerusalem is evident. These offerings were essential for restoring the temple and city. The substantial amounts of gold, silver, and priestly garments reflect a strong commitment to reestablishing worship and the community.

Nehemiah 7:73 (NKJV)
73 So the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, some of the people, the Nethinim, and all Israel dwelt in their cities. When the seventh month came, the children of Israel were in their cities.

After the work of rebuilding, the people settled into their cities, with various groups, including the priests and Levites, occupying their designated roles. The mention of the seventh month signals the approach of key religious festivals, suggesting that the community is now in a position to resume full worship and life according to God’s law.