Nehemiah 12:7

KJV

Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, Jedaiah. These [were] the chief of the priests and of their brethren in the days of Jeshua.

KJV (with Strong's)

Sallu {H5543}, Amok {H5987}, Hilkiah {H2518}, Jedaiah {H3048}. These were the chief {H7218} of the priests {H3548} and of their brethren {H251} in the days {H3117} of Jeshua {H3442}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Salu, 'Amok, Hilkiyah and Y'da'yah. These were the leaders of the cohanim and their kinsmen during the time of Yeshua.

Berean Standard Bible

Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, and Jedaiah. These were the leaders of the priests and their associates in the days of Jeshua.

American Standard Version

Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, Jedaiah. These were the chiefs of the priests and of their brethren in the days of Jeshua.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 12:7 is a specific entry within a vital genealogical and administrative record, meticulously listing four prominent priestly figures—Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, and Jedaiah—who served as "chiefs" among the priests during the formative period of Jeshua's high priesthood. This verse underscores the divine emphasis on organized spiritual leadership and the continuity of the Aaronic priesthood, crucial for re-establishing proper worship and covenant fidelity in post-exilic Jerusalem.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 12 initiates a detailed account of the priests and Levites who returned from Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel and Jeshua. Verses 1-7 list the heads of priestly houses, providing a historical record of those responsible for temple service and spiritual leadership. This section transitions from the narrative of the wall's dedication in chapter 11 to the formal organization of temple personnel, setting the stage for the re-establishment of regular worship and the distribution of tithes and offerings. The meticulous record-keeping reflects the importance of lineage and order in the post-exilic community's identity and function, preparing for the spiritual revival described later in the book.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The return from Babylonian exile was a pivotal moment for the Jewish people, marking a period of national and spiritual reconstruction under Persian imperial decree. Jeshua (Joshua, son of Jozadak) served as the High Priest alongside Zerubbabel, the governor, leading the initial wave of returnees around 538 BC. The meticulous genealogical lists, like the one in Nehemiah 12, were crucial for establishing legitimate claims to priestly office, ensuring ritual purity, and maintaining the divinely ordained structure of worship that had been severely disrupted by the exile. The "days of Jeshua" refer to the early post-exilic period (roughly 538-515 BC), a time of laying foundational spiritual and administrative structures for the renewed community in Jerusalem.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, embedded within Nehemiah 12, contributes to several overarching themes. It highlights the **continuity of the priesthood**, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving the lineage and function of those called to mediate between God and His people, even after the trauma of exile, as prophesied in [Jeremiah 33:18](/jeremiah/33-18 "Jeremiah 33:18 - Continuity of the Levitical Priesthood"). The emphasis on "chiefs" underscores the **importance of organized and appointed leadership** for the spiritual health and order of the community, mirroring the leadership structures seen in earlier periods of Israel's history, such as those established by Moses in [Numbers 3:32](/numbers/3-32 "Numbers 3:32 - Eleazar as Chief of the Levites"). Furthermore, the very existence of these lists speaks to **God's restorative power and covenant faithfulness**, as He enables His people to return, rebuild, and re-establish their worship, fulfilling promises found in books like [Isaiah 43:5-6](/isaiah/43-5-6 "Isaiah 43:5-6 - God Gathers His People from Exile").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sallu (Hebrew, _Sallu'_):** This name means "weighed" or "lifted up." Its inclusion here signifies a specific individual recognized for his leadership within the priestly order. While the name itself doesn't carry unique theological weight beyond its identification, its presence in this list confirms the meticulous record-keeping and the importance of individual recognition within the re-established community.
* **Chief (Hebrew, _ro'sh'_):** Meaning "head," "leader," or "principal." In this context, it designates individuals holding positions of significant authority and prominence within the priestly families. It implies an organized hierarchical structure, essential for the efficient operation of temple services and the spiritual guidance of the nation, indicating not just a member of the priesthood but a recognized leader among them.
* **Jeshua (Hebrew, _Yeshua'_):** A common name meaning "Yahweh is salvation." This refers to Jeshua (Joshua) son of Jozadak, the High Priest who returned with Zerubbabel. His "days" denote the period of his active high priesthood, which was foundational for the post-exilic community's spiritual and religious life, including the rebuilding of the altar and the temple.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, Jedaiah."**: These are four specific names of priestly individuals. Their listing is not merely for historical record but signifies their recognized status and contribution. In a culture where lineage and personal identity were paramount, naming individuals conferred honor and established their legitimate place within the community's spiritual framework. These names represent the heads of priestly divisions or prominent families who played active roles in the early post-exilic period.
* **"These [were] the chief of the priests and of their brethren":** This clause identifies the named individuals as leaders or heads ("chief") not just of their own priestly families, but also over "their brethren," implying a broader oversight and responsibility within the entire priestly order. This highlights their administrative and pastoral authority within the re-established religious structure, indicating a well-organized and hierarchical system for managing temple duties and spiritual affairs.
* **"in the days of Jeshua.":** This temporal marker situates these priests and their leadership within a specific, foundational period of the post-exilic community, namely during the tenure of Jeshua the High Priest. This connection underscores the continuity of leadership and the collaborative effort in rebuilding the spiritual life of Israel after the return from Babylon, firmly rooting their service in a significant historical era.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Nehemiah 12:7, and indeed throughout much of this chapter, is **List (or Genealogy)**. This meticulous enumeration of names serves several purposes: it establishes legitimacy and lineage, particularly crucial for priestly roles after the disruption of exile; it provides a historical record of those instrumental in the restoration; and it emphasizes the continuity of God's covenant with His people through specific individuals. The use of **Apposition** is also evident, where "chief of the priests and of their brethren" further defines the role of the named individuals, clarifying their specific leadership function and highlighting their authority. While seemingly dry, these lists are a testament to the divine importance of order, identity, and the faithful stewardship of spiritual roles in God's plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 12:7, though a simple list of names, powerfully reinforces the theological principle of divine order and the necessity of appointed leadership within God's covenant community. The meticulous record-keeping of priestly lineages underscores God's commitment to the continuity of His redemptive plan and the means of worship He established. It demonstrates that even after severe judgment and exile, God faithfully preserves a remnant and provides the necessary structures and leaders for their spiritual flourishing. This verse is a testament to God's restorative work, highlighting how He raises up individuals to fulfill specific roles in His ongoing purposes for His people, ensuring that His covenant promises endure through generations.

* [Ezra 2:36-39](/ezra/2-36-39 "Ezra 2:36-39 - List of Priestly Families Returning from Exile")
* [1 Chronicles 9:10-13](/1_chronicles/9-10-13 "1 Chronicles 9:10-13 - Priests and Levites in Jerusalem")
* [Hebrews 7:11-17](/hebrews/7-11-17 "Hebrews 7:11-17 - The Need for a New Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly mundane list of names in Nehemiah 12:7 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God values order and structure, not for their own sake, but as instruments for effective ministry and spiritual health within His community. Just as He raised up specific leaders for the post-exilic temple, He continues to call and equip individuals for leadership roles in the church today. This verse encourages us to recognize and support those whom God has placed in authority, understanding that their faithful service contributes to the overall well-being of the body of Christ. Furthermore, it highlights God's commitment to restoration; no matter how broken or scattered a community may seem, God is capable of rebuilding, re-establishing, and renewing His people's worship and purpose through faithful individuals. We are called to be part of that ongoing work, whether in leadership or in supportive roles, contributing to the order and flourishing of God's kingdom and reflecting His faithfulness in our generation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on specific names and lineages in Nehemiah 12:7 speak to the value God places on individual identity and calling within His broader plan?**
* **In what ways does the concept of "chief of the priests" inform our understanding of spiritual leadership and accountability in the church today?**
* **Considering God's restorative work in Nehemiah's time, where do you see evidence of God's ongoing restoration in your own life or community, and how are you participating in it?**

### FAQ
**Who was Jeshua, and why are these priests listed "in his days"?**

Answer: Jeshua, also known as Joshua son of Jozadak, was the High Priest who returned with Zerubbabel, the governor, in the first wave of exiles from Babylon (c. 538 BC). He played a pivotal role in the spiritual rebuilding of Jerusalem, particularly in the re-establishment of the altar and the foundation of the second temple, as recorded in [Ezra 3:2](/ezra/3-2 "Ezra 3:2 - Jeshua and Zerubbabel rebuild the altar"). The phrase "in his days" signifies that these named priests—Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, and Jedaiah—were contemporaries and served under his high priestly leadership. This temporal marker provides a historical anchor, placing these individuals within the foundational period of post-exilic Jewish life, where the structures for worship and community governance were being re-established. Their service during Jeshua's tenure highlights their contribution to the crucial initial phase of spiritual restoration.

**Why are these specific names important, and what does "chief of the priests" mean?**

Answer: The specific names listed in Nehemiah 12:7 are important because they represent the heads of prominent priestly families who returned from exile and were instrumental in re-establishing the temple service and spiritual order in Jerusalem. In a society that highly valued lineage and tribal identity, these lists validated their right to serve in the priesthood. The term "chief of the priests" (Hebrew: *ro'sh hakkohanim*) indicates that these individuals were not just ordinary priests but held positions of significant authority and leadership within the priestly order. They were likely heads of their respective ancestral divisions or held administrative oversight, responsible for organizing the temple duties, ensuring proper ritual performance, and guiding their fellow priests. Their prominence underscores the structured and organized nature of the post-exilic religious community, vital for its spiritual health and adherence to Mosaic law, as detailed in passages like [Numbers 3:32](/numbers/3-32 "Numbers 3:32 - Eleazar as chief of the Levites").

**What is the significance of genealogical lists like this in the Bible?**

Answer: Genealogical lists, like the one in Nehemiah 12:7, serve multiple critical functions in the biblical narrative. Theologically, they demonstrate God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly concerning the preservation of specific lineages for leadership (e.g., the Aaronic priesthood) and the coming Messiah (e.g., the Davidic line). Historically, they provide a record of identity and continuity, crucial for a people who had experienced exile and dispersion. For the post-exilic community, these lists established legitimate claims to land, inheritance, and, most importantly, priestly and Levitical service, ensuring that only those divinely appointed could fulfill sacred roles. They underscore the importance of order, heritage, and God's sovereign hand in preserving His people and their structures of worship, as seen in the comprehensive lists in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The List of Returnees") and [Nehemiah 7](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - The Register of Returnees").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Nehemiah 12:7 meticulously details the continuity of the Aaronic priesthood in the post-exilic era, it ultimately points beyond itself to the ultimate and perfect High Priest, Jesus Christ. The very necessity of these lists and the succession of human priests, even "chiefs" like Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, and Jedaiah, highlights the inherent limitations of the Old Covenant system. Each priest served for a time and then died, and their sacrifices had to be continually offered, as described in [Hebrews 7:23-27](/hebrews/7-23-27 "Hebrews 7:23-27 - Christ's Superior Priesthood"). Jesus, however, fulfills and transcends this earthly priesthood. He is the [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, the Great High Priest") who offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, establishing a [new and better covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant"). Unlike the Aaronic priests whose lineage was meticulously traced through human records, Jesus' priesthood is "after the order of Melchizedek," signifying its eternal, unchangeable nature, as expounded in [Hebrews 7:11-17](/hebrews/7-11-17 "Hebrews 7:11-17 - A Priesthood Like Melchizedek"). Thus, the specific historical details of Nehemiah 12:7, while vital for understanding the Old Testament community, ultimately direct our gaze to Christ, in whom all shadows of the Old Covenant priesthood find their eternal substance and perfect fulfillment.

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

Nehemiah 12:1

¶ Now these [are] the priests and the Levites that went up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,

1 Chronicles 24:18

The three and twentieth to Delaiah, the four and twentieth to Maaziah.

Haggai 1:1

¶ In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet unto Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, saying,

Ezra 3:2

Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as [it is] written in the law of Moses the man of God.

Zechariah 3:1

¶ And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.