Nehemiah 7:12

The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.

The children {H1121} of Elam {H5867}, a thousand {H505} two hundred {H3967} fifty {H2572} and four {H702}.

descendants of 'Eilam 1,254

the descendants of Elam, 1,254;

The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.

Commentary

Nehemiah 7:12 is a concise entry within a comprehensive register of those who returned to Judah from the Babylonian captivity. Specifically, it records the number of the "children of Elam" who were part of this significant restoration.

Context of Nehemiah 7:12

Chapter 7 of Nehemiah serves as a vital census, detailing the families and individuals who had returned to Jerusalem and Judah following the decree allowing them to leave exile. This list is a reproduction of an earlier register, likely compiled during the time of Zerubbabel and Jeshua (as indicated in Nehemiah 7:5), and it closely parallels the record found in Ezra 2. Nehemiah's purpose in re-establishing this register was crucial for the accurate distribution of land, the organization of temple service, and ensuring the purity of the community as they sought to rebuild not only the walls of Jerusalem but also their societal and spiritual foundations.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Order and Meticulousness: The very existence of such a detailed list, down to specific family counts like the "children of Elam," underscores God's meticulous care for His people and the importance of order in His plans. It reflects the divine intention for a well-structured community.
  • Restoration and Identity: This verse, along with the entire chapter, highlights the theme of Israel's return from Babylonian captivity, fulfilling prophetic promises. Each family, including the children of Elam, represented a thread in the tapestry of a nation being re-formed, emphasizing their heritage and identity as God's covenant people.
  • Community Rebuilding: The numerical strength of each family was vital for the monumental task of rebuilding Jerusalem and its infrastructure. The presence of 1,254 descendants of Elam contributed significantly to the available workforce and population for the newly re-established city.

Linguistic Insight

The name "Elam" refers to a historical region east of Mesopotamia, but here it denotes a specific ancestral family or clan that had returned from exile. The precision of the number "a thousand two hundred fifty and four" (Hebrew: ’eleph ma’athayim chamishim ve’arba’) signifies the careful record-keeping vital for tribal and family identity in ancient Israel, especially after such a disruptive period of exile.

Practical Application

While seemingly a simple numerical entry, Nehemiah 7:12 reminds us that God cares about every individual and every group within His people. Just as the "children of Elam" had their specific place and count in the restoration, so too does every believer have a unique identity and role within the body of Christ. It encourages us to value our spiritual heritage, understand our place in God's grand narrative of redemption, and contribute to the building up of His kingdom. The meticulous record keeping also serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and order in our spiritual and communal lives.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezra 10:26

    And of the sons of Elam; Mattaniah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, and Abdi, and Jeremoth, and Eliah.

  • Ezra 8:7

    And of the sons of Elam; Jeshaiah the son of Athaliah, and with him seventy males.

  • Ezra 2:7

    The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.
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