Nehemiah 11:7

KJV

And these [are] the sons of Benjamin; Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Joed, the son of Pedaiah, the son of Kolaiah, the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ithiel, the son of Jesaiah.

KJV (with Strong's)

And these are the sons {H1121} of Benjamin {H1144}; Sallu {H5543} the son {H1121} of Meshullam {H4918}, the son {H1121} of Joed {H3133}, the son {H1121} of Pedaiah {H6305}, the son {H1121} of Kolaiah {H6964}, the son {H1121} of Maaseiah {H4641}, the son {H1121} of Ithiel {H384}, the son {H1121} of Jesaiah {H3470}.

Complete Jewish Bible

These are the people of Binyamin: Salu the son of Meshulam, the son of Yo'ed, the son of P'dayah, the son of Kolayah, the son of Ma'aseiyah, the son of Iti'el, the son of Yesha'yah.

Berean Standard Bible

From the descendants of Benjamin: Sallu son of Meshullam, the son of Joed, the son of Pedaiah, the son of Kolaiah, the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ithiel, the son of Jeshaiah;

American Standard Version

And these are the sons of Benjamin: Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Joed, the son of Pedaiah, the son of Kolaiah, the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ithiel, the son of Jeshaiah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 11:7 meticulously records a specific lineage from the tribe of Benjamin, identifying Sallu and his extensive ancestry among those who resettled in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. This verse is part of a broader census in Nehemiah chapter 11, which details the families and individuals who committed to repopulating the capital city. It highlights the organized and deliberate effort to restore Jerusalem not just as a fortified ruin, but as a vibrant, functioning community, underscoring the vital task of re-establishing civic and spiritual life at the heart of Judah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 11 follows the successful rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls (chapters 6-7) and the profound spiritual revival under Ezra's leadership, marked by the reading of the Law and a covenant renewal (chapters 8-10). With the physical defenses secured and the spiritual foundation reaffirmed, the pressing need was to repopulate the city, which remained largely empty. Chapter 11 details this crucial next step, explaining how one-tenth of the returning exiles were chosen by lot to live in Jerusalem, while others settled in surrounding towns. Verses 4-9 specifically list the prominent families and leaders from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin who took up residence in the capital. Nehemiah 11:7, by providing a detailed Benjaminite lineage, serves as a concrete example of this meticulous record-keeping and the deliberate, organized nature of the post-exilic resettlement, setting the stage for the dedication of the wall in [Nehemiah 12](/nehemiah/12 "Nehemiah 12 - Dedication of the Wall").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The return from Babylonian captivity, initiated by Cyrus's decree (as detailed in [Ezra 1](/ezra/1 "Ezra 1 - Cyrus's Decree and the First Return")), saw waves of exiles return to Judah. While the Temple had been rebuilt and Jerusalem's walls restored under Nehemiah's leadership, the city itself was still largely desolate and vulnerable. Culturally, lineage and tribal affiliation were paramount in ancient Israel, defining identity, land rights, and religious roles. The tribe of Benjamin held particular historical significance for Jerusalem, as a substantial portion of the city's territory, including the Temple Mount, lay within its tribal inheritance (see [Joshua 18:28](/joshua/18-28 "Joshua 18:28 - Benjamin's Inheritance")). The act of "casting lots" to determine who would live in Jerusalem (mentioned in [Nehemiah 11:1](/nehemiah/11-1 "Nehemiah 11:1 - Repopulation by Lot")) was a common ancient practice, believed to reveal divine will. This period was critical for re-establishing a national identity rooted in their heritage and God's covenant promises, transitioning from mere survival to a thriving, organized community.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing of names in Nehemiah 11:7 and the surrounding chapter contributes to several overarching themes. First, it underscores **Restoration and Repopulation**, demonstrating God's faithfulness in bringing His people back to their land and ensuring the vital repopulation of Jerusalem, which was crucial for the nation's future and spiritual identity, as seen in [Nehemiah 11:1-2](/nehemiah/11-1 "Nehemiah 11:1-2 - Voluntary Settlement in Jerusalem"). Second, it highlights **Divine Order and Organization**, as the careful record-keeping reflects a divinely guided process of re-establishing society from the ground up, with each family and individual playing a designated role in the communal life. Third, it speaks to **Commitment and Sacrifice**, recognizing that those who moved to Jerusalem were making a significant commitment to a city still vulnerable and requiring considerable effort to rebuild and maintain; these names represent individuals who stepped forward for the communal good. Finally, the emphasis on **Continuity of Lineage and Identity** reinforced Israel's heritage, connecting the post-exilic generation to their ancestral promises and the covenant God made with their forefathers, ensuring that the community remained rooted in its divinely ordained history, a theme also evident in [Ezra 2:59-63](/ezra/2-59 "Ezra 2:59-63 - Those Who Could Not Prove Their Ancestry").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sallu (Hebrew, _Sallu'_):** This name, meaning "weighed" or "lifted up," while not carrying overt symbolic weight in this context, signifies an individual deemed important enough to be specifically listed in the foundational repopulation of Jerusalem. His inclusion indicates he was one among the chosen or "lifted up" for this vital task, representing the many individuals who contributed to the restoration.
* **Benjamin (Hebrew, _Binyamin'_):** Meaning "son of the right hand" or "son of good fortune," this tribal name is crucial. The tribe of Benjamin held a unique and enduring historical connection to Jerusalem, as a significant portion of the city's territory lay within its inheritance. Their prominent listing in this chapter underscores their continued importance in the post-exilic community and their essential role in re-establishing the capital city.
* **Son of (Hebrew, _ben'_):** This recurring phrase, translated as "son of," is fundamental to the structure of the verse. It emphasizes genealogical succession, tribal purity, and the meticulous preservation of lineage. In ancient Israel, one's identity, rights, and responsibilities were intrinsically linked to their ancestry. The repeated use of "son of" multiple times validates the authenticity and heritage of Sallu, connecting him firmly to his ancestral roots and the covenant community, ensuring proper social and religious order.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And these [are] the sons of Benjamin;":** This introductory clause immediately identifies the tribal affiliation of the individuals to be listed. It grounds the subsequent names within the historical and covenantal framework of Israel, highlighting the specific contribution of the tribe of Benjamin to the repopulation of Jerusalem. This sets the stage for understanding the significance of the following genealogy.
* **"Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Joed, the son of Pedaiah, the son of Kolaiah, the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ithiel, the son of Jesaiah.":** This detailed chain of paternity provides a precise genealogical record for Sallu, tracing his lineage back through seven generations. This meticulous listing serves multiple critical purposes: it authenticates his identity and tribal affiliation, establishes his family's rights and standing within the restored community, and signifies the importance of lineage preservation in maintaining social structure and religious continuity in post-exilic Israel. It is not merely a dry list of names but a testament to the preservation of identity, heritage, and the divine order among God's people.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Nehemiah 11:7, and indeed throughout much of this chapter, is **Genealogy** and **Enumeration**. This meticulous listing of names and their patrilineal descent serves a crucial function beyond mere record-keeping. It validates the identity and tribal affiliation of those settling in Jerusalem, reinforcing the continuity of God's covenant people despite the disruption of exile. The **Repetition** of "the son of" underscores the paramount importance of lineage and heritage in ancient Israelite society, where one's place, rights, and responsibilities were largely defined by their ancestry. This detailed enumeration also reflects the careful, divinely ordered process of rebuilding not just a city, but a community rooted in its historical and spiritual identity, emphasizing the individual contributions that collectively formed the restored nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 11:7, though a simple genealogical entry, powerfully illustrates God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people and meticulously orchestrating their return and re-establishment in the Promised Land. The listing of names, even those seemingly obscure, underscores the divine value placed on every individual's contribution to God's larger redemptive plan. It highlights the importance of identity, continuity, and order within the community of faith, demonstrating that God cares for the details of His people's lives and the structures that enable them to flourish. This passage reminds us that the restoration of Jerusalem was not merely a political or architectural feat, but a spiritual one, signifying the re-gathering of God's scattered flock and the renewal of His covenant promises.

* [Ezra 2:1-2](/ezra/2-1 "Ezra 2:1-2 - The First Return from Exile")
* [1 Chronicles 9:2-3](/1_chronicles/9-2 "1 Chronicles 9:2-3 - Residents of Jerusalem after Exile")
* [Revelation 21:12](/revelation/21-12 "Revelation 21:12 - The New Jerusalem and the Tribes of Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 11:7, a seemingly dry list of names, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that in God's grand tapestry of redemption, every individual's contribution, no matter how seemingly small or obscure, is vital and recognized. Just as Sallu and his lineage played a specific role in the physical repopulation of Jerusalem, so too are we called to commit ourselves to the building up of God's spiritual house, the church. This verse challenges us to embrace our place within the larger community of faith, recognizing that our identity is often intertwined with our heritage and the legacy of faithfulness passed down through generations. It encourages us to live with intentionality, dedicating our lives to the communal good and the advancement of God's kingdom, understanding that our efforts, though perhaps uncelebrated by the world, are meticulously recorded and valued by God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous record-keeping in Nehemiah 11:7 challenge my perception of "insignificant" contributions within God's plan?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the importance of community and my personal commitment to its flourishing, even when it requires sacrifice?**
* **In what ways can I better appreciate and honor my spiritual heritage and the faithful acts of those who came before me in the faith?**

### FAQ
**Why are detailed genealogies like the one in Nehemiah 11:7 so important in the Bible?**

Answer: Detailed genealogies are crucial in the Bible for several reasons. First, they establish **identity and legitimacy**, particularly for tribal affiliation, land inheritance, and priestly service, which were foundational to Israelite society. For the returning exiles, proving their lineage, as seen in [Ezra 2:59-63](/ezra/2-59 "Ezra 2:59-63 - Those Who Could Not Prove Their Ancestry"), was essential for re-establishing their place in the community. Second, they demonstrate **continuity of God's covenant promises**, showing how God preserved a remnant and fulfilled His word through specific families and generations. Third, they serve a **historical purpose**, providing a verifiable record of the people and their movements. Finally, and most significantly, they lay the groundwork for the **messianic line**, meticulously tracing the ancestry of Jesus Christ, ensuring His rightful claim as the promised Messiah, as seen in the genealogies of [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Nehemiah 11:7 focuses on the physical repopulation of earthly Jerusalem through the tribe of Benjamin, it subtly points forward to the ultimate re-gathering and establishment of God's people in Christ. The meticulous record-keeping of lineages in the Old Testament, including this one, culminates in the perfect **Genealogy** of Jesus, establishing His rightful claim as the promised Messiah, the true Son of David (as seen in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")). Just as individuals like Sallu were chosen to rebuild a physical city, Christ is the cornerstone upon whom the spiritual city, the church, is built ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ the Cornerstone")). The commitment and sacrifice of those who resettled Jerusalem foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who gathered a new people for Himself, not by lot or tribal affiliation, but by grace through faith ([John 1:12-13](/john/1-12 "John 1:12-13 - Children of God by Faith")). The New Testament church, comprised of believers from every tribe and nation, becomes the true "sons of Benjamin" and "sons of Judah" in a spiritual sense, fulfilling God's promise to establish a people for His name, a holy nation, and a royal priesthood ([1 Peter 2:9-10](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9-10 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")). Thus, the meticulous care for physical lineage in Nehemiah anticipates the spiritual lineage of those adopted into God's family through Christ, who are citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem ([Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - The Heavenly Jerusalem")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 9:7

And of the sons of Benjamin; Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Hodaviah, the son of Hasenuah,

1 Chronicles 9:9

And their brethren, according to their generations, nine hundred and fifty and six. All these men [were] chief of the fathers in the house of their fathers.