TRV
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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Nehemiah 7:5–73. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We have here another good project of Nehemiah's; for wise and zealous men will be always contriving something or other for the glory of God and the edification of his church. He knew very well that the safety of a city, under God, depends more upon the number and valour of the inhabitants than upon the height or strength of its walls; and therefore, observing that the people were few that dwelt in it, he thought fit to take an account of the people, that he might find what families had formerly had their settlement in Jerusalem, but were now removed into the country, that he might bring them back, and what families could in any other way be influenced by their religion, or by their business, to come and rebuild the houses in Jerusalem and dwell in them. So little reason have we to wish that we may be placed alone in the earth, or in Jerusalem itself, that much of our safety and comfort depends upon our neighbours and friends; the more the stronger, the more the merrier. It is the wisdom of the governors of a nation to keep the balance even between the city and country, that the metropolis be not so extravagantly large as to drain and impoverish the country, nor yet so weak as not to be able to protect it. Now observe,
I.Whence this good design of Nehemiah's came.
He owns, My God put it into my heart, Neh 7:5. Note, Whatever good motion is in our minds, either prudent or pious, we must acknowledge it to come from God. It was he that put it into our hearts; for every good gift and every good work are from above. He gives knowledge; he gives grace; all is of him, and therefore all must be to him. What is done by human prudence must be ascribed to the direction of divine Providence; he that teaches the husbandman his discretion (Isa 28:26) teaches the statesman his.
II.What method he took in prosecution of it.
1.He called the rulers together, and the people, that he might have an account of the present state of their families - their number and strength, and where they were settled. It is probable that when he summoned them to come together he ordered them to bring such an account along with them out of their several districts. And I doubt they were not so many but that it might be soon done.
2.He reviewed the old register of the genealogy of those who came up at the first, and compared the present accounts with that; and here we have the repetition of that out of Ezra 2. The title is the same here (Neh 7:6, Neh 7:7) as there (Ezr 2:1): These are the children of the province, etc. Two things are here repeated and recorded a second time from thence - the names and numbers of their several families, and their oblations to the service of the temple. The repetition of these accounts may intimate to us the delight which the great God is pleased to take in the persons, families, and services of his spiritual Israel, and the particular notice he takes of them. He knows those that are his, knows them all, knows them by name, has his eye on the register of those children of the captivity, and does all according to the ancient counsel of his will concerning them.
(1.)Here is an account of the heads of the several families that first came up, v. 6-69. As to this,
[1.]Though it seem of little use to us now, yet then it was of great use, to compare what they had been with what they now were. We may suppose they were much increased by this time; but it would do well for them to remember their small beginnings, that they might acknowledge God in multiplying their families and building them up. By this means likewise their genealogies would be preserved, and the distinction of their families kept up, till the Messiah should come, and then an end be put to all their genealogies, which were preserved for his sake, but afterwards were endless. But,
[2.]There are many differences in the numbers between this catalogue and that in Ezra. Most of them indeed are exactly the same, and some others within a very few under or over (one or two perhaps); and therefore I cannot think, as some do, that that was the number of these families at their first coming and this as they were now, which was at least forty years after (some make it much more); for we cannot suppose so many families to be not at all, or but little, altered in their numbers in all that time; therefore what differences there are we may suppose to arise either from the mistakes of transcribers, which easily happen in numbers, or from the diversity of the copies from which they were taken. Or perhaps one was the account of them when they set out from Babylon with Zerubbabel, the other when they came to Jerusalem. The sum totals are all just the same there and here, except of the singing-men and singing-women, which there are 200, here 245. These were not of such importance as that they should keep any strict account of them.
(2.)Here is an account of the offerings which were given towards the work of God, Neh 7:70, etc. This differs much from that in Ezr 2:68, Ezr 2:69, and it may be questioned whether it refers to the same contribution; here the tirshatha, or chief governor, who there was not mentioned, begins the offering; and the single sum mentioned there exceeds all those here put together; yet it is probable that it was the same, but that followed one copy of the lists, this another; for the last verse is the same here that it was Ezr 2:70, adding Ezr 3:1. Blessed be God that our faith and hope are not built upon the niceties of names and numbers, genealogy and chronology, but on the great things of the law and gospel. Whatever is given to the work of God, he is not unrighteous to forget it; nor shall even a cup of cold water, wherewith he is honoured, go without its reward.
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Summary
Nehemiah 7:19 is a precise entry within a vital genealogical register, meticulously documenting the Jewish exiles who returned to Judah and Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity. This particular verse records the "children of Bigvai," a significant family group numbering two thousand sixty-seven individuals, among the initial wave of returnees. This detailed census, a near-verbatim parallel to the one in Ezra 2, served as an indispensable administrative and theological document. It was crucial for establishing the legitimate members of the post-exilic community, affirming their identity, lineage, and their rightful place in the monumental task of rebuilding and re-establishing the nation, thereby powerfully underscoring God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving His covenant people.
Context
Literary Context
Nehemiah 7:19 is embedded within a comprehensive list of returnees from the Babylonian exile, a register that spans from Nehemiah 7:6 to Nehemiah 7:65. This chapter immediately follows the triumphant completion of Jerusalem's wall in a mere fifty-two days, as recorded in Nehemiah 6:15. With the physical defenses of the city secured, Nehemiah wisely shifts his focus to the equally critical task of organizing, populating, and administering the city and its surrounding territories. The meticulous census provides the foundational data for this societal and spiritual restoration, ensuring proper lineage for temple service, equitable land distribution, and the establishment of communal order. The near-verbatim repetition of this list in Ezra 2 strongly indicates its historical authenticity and shared origin, likely an official governmental or religious register of those who returned under the leadership of Zerubbabel.
Historical & Cultural Context
The historical backdrop for Nehemiah 7:19 is post-exilic Judah, operating under the overarching suzerainty of the mighty Persian Empire. The return from Babylonian captivity, initiated by the benevolent decree of Cyrus the Great, marked a profoundly pivotal moment in Israelite history. In ancient Israelite society, the concepts of genealogy, tribal identity, and family lineage were not merely cultural norms but were paramount to one's existence. Lineage determined inheritance rights, eligibility for priestly service, and one's fundamental sense of belonging within the covenant community. After decades of displacement and dispersion, maintaining accurate records of who genuinely belonged to the legitimate Israelite community was absolutely crucial for the arduous process of re-establishing their national, religious, and social identity. The mention of "Bigvai," a name widely believed to be of Persian origin, subtly suggests the diverse backgrounds of some prominent families among the returnees, indicating either a degree of assimilation during the exile or the inclusion of individuals who, though not necessarily ethnically pure Israelites, had fully identified with the Jewish community and its monotheistic faith.
Key Themes
This verse, as an integral part of the broader census, contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Nehemiah. Firstly, Identity and Lineage are undeniably central; the detailed lists served to affirm precisely who belonged to the covenant community, thereby ensuring proper tribal inheritance and, critically, eligibility for temple service, as vividly illustrated by the exclusion of those whose priestly lineage could not be verified in Nehemiah 7:64. Secondly, the theme of Rebuilding the Community is profoundly evident. While Nehemiah is justly celebrated for the physical reconstruction of Jerusalem's formidable walls, this census powerfully demonstrates his equally crucial focus on rebuilding the social, spiritual, and administrative fabric of the nascent nation. Knowing the precise numbers and family affiliations was essential for organizing the community for worship, defense, and efficient administration, thereby laying the indispensable groundwork for the profound spiritual reforms described later in Nehemiah 8. Lastly, the very existence of such a large and meticulously recorded returning population stands as a powerful testament to Divine Faithfulness. God, in His sovereign providence, preserved a faithful remnant of His people through decades of exile, fulfilling His ancient promises to restore them to their ancestral land and rebuild their society, thereby demonstrating His enduring covenant love despite their past disobedience and rebellion.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word fundamentally means "a son," but in its widest sense, it encompasses all forms of literal and figurative relationship, including descendants, members of a group, or even those sharing a quality or condition. In Nehemiah 7:19, "the children of Bigvai" signifies not merely biological offspring but the entire clan or family unit associated with Bigvai, emphasizing the collective identity and continuity of the family name. This highlights the foundational role of family units in the re-establishment of the post-exilic community and their collective identity within the covenant people.
This is the proper name of an individual who became the patriarch or leader of a significant family group among the returnees. The Strong's data notes it is "probably of foreign origin." This suggests that while the family identified as Israelite and returned to Judah, their name may reflect Persian influence from the time of exile. Its inclusion in this official register underscores the recognized and legitimate status of this large family within the returning Jewish community, demonstrating that identity was not solely based on a rigid, pure Israelite lineage, but also on commitment to the covenant and participation in the restoration.
This word directly translates to "sixty." In the context of Nehemiah 7:19, "two thousand threescore and seven" means 2,067. The use of this specific numerical term, rather than a rounded figure, underscores the meticulous and precise nature of the census being recorded. This precision was crucial for administrative purposes, such as land allocation, taxation, and the organization of the community for defense and worship, reflecting a high degree of diligence in re-establishing the nation's infrastructure.
Verse Breakdown
"The children of Bigvai"
This phrase serves as the primary identifier for a specific family or clan unit within the larger list of returnees. In ancient Israelite society, identity and social standing were profoundly rooted in one's family and ancestral lineage. To be listed as "the children of Bigvai" meant belonging to a recognized and legitimate group among the returning exiles, carrying with it a shared history, communal responsibility, and an established place within the re-established covenant community. This highlights the foundational and indispensable role of the family unit in the spiritual and social restoration of Israel.
"two thousand threescore and seven"
This numerical entry provides the exact count of individuals belonging to the Bigvai clan, specifically 2,067. The precision of this number, rather than an approximation, underscores the thoroughness and accuracy of the census-taking process. Such large numbers for individual families or clans indicate the significant scale of the return from exile and the substantial contribution of specific family groups to the overall population and workforce of the restored community. It also reflects the considerable administrative diligence required to manage, organize, and resettle such a large and diverse group of people for the monumental tasks of rebuilding and re-establishing their national life.
Literary Devices
The primary literary device prominently featured in Nehemiah 7:19 and the surrounding verses is the List or Register. This is a pervasive characteristic in biblical historical and genealogical texts (e.g., Numbers, Chronicles, Ezra), serving as a foundational literary form. The meticulous enumeration of families and individuals within this register fulfills several crucial purposes: it establishes historical authenticity, provides a verifiable and authoritative record of those who returned, and profoundly underscores the paramount importance of lineage for identity, communal organization, and the re-establishment of a functional society. The sheer detail embedded within the list, including precise numerical counts for each family, conveys a powerful sense of Order and Accountability, reflecting the immense administrative efforts and divine providence required to systematically re-establish a nation from ruin. Furthermore, the almost identical nature of this list to the one found in Ezra 2 demonstrates the literary technique of Repetition, which in this specific context serves to confirm and reinforce the validity, reliability, and profound significance of the census, thereby solidifying its authority as an indispensable foundational document for the post-exilic community.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Nehemiah 7:19, as an integral component of the comprehensive census, powerfully illustrates God's meticulous care for His covenant people and His unwavering commitment to His ancient promises. The very act of counting and recording each family unit, even those with names potentially reflecting foreign influence like Bigvai, speaks volumes about God's sovereign providence in preserving a faithful remnant and His intentionality in orchestrating their return to the promised land. It highlights that God's grand plan of restoration is not merely an abstract concept but is intimately concerned with specific individuals and families, each valued, accounted for, and purposed within His divine narrative. This detailed record-keeping also profoundly underscores the importance of order, identity, and proper structure within the community of faith, reflecting a divine principle that a well-ordered and identified people are better equipped to serve God effectively and fulfill His redemptive purposes in the world.
Reflection and Application
Even seemingly mundane lists within the biblical narrative, such as the census meticulously recorded in Nehemiah 7, carry profound spiritual meaning and offer invaluable insights for contemporary believers. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God, in His infinite wisdom and love, cares deeply about every individual and every family within His grand redemptive narrative. Just as the returning exiles desperately needed to know their place and identity within the re-established community, we too find our true belonging, purpose, and security within the spiritual family of God, the Church. The meticulous record-keeping challenges us to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the significance of every detail in God's inspired Word and to recognize His providential, often unseen, care for the intricate details of our own lives. Furthermore, it encourages us to wholeheartedly embrace our unique part in the ongoing work of building up the body of Christ, recognizing that each member, no matter how seemingly small or insignificant in their own eyes, contributes uniquely and indispensably to the collective strength, spiritual health, and missional effectiveness of the community of faith.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is this list so similar to the one in Ezra 2?
The near-identical nature of the list in Nehemiah 7 to that found in Ezra 2 is a compelling indicator of their shared historical source. Both Nehemiah and Ezra, as divinely inspired authors and leaders, were deeply concerned with the accurate, legitimate, and orderly re-establishment of the Jewish community in Judah after the traumatic Babylonian exile. It is highly probable that both books drew from a common, official register or census document that meticulously recorded the initial wave of returnees who came back under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua. This repetition serves a vital purpose: it validates the historical accuracy and profound significance of the census, emphasizing the critical importance of a verifiable record for the post-exilic community's identity, lineage, and administrative organization. It powerfully underscores the shared commitment of these great leaders to ensure the spiritual purity, proper structure, and communal order of the re-established nation, demonstrating God's hand in preserving His people and their records.
What is the significance of "Bigvai" being potentially Persian?
The name "Bigvai" (Hebrew: בִּגְוַי, Bigvay') is widely considered by scholars to be of Persian origin, possibly meaning "my desire" or "my gift." Its inclusion among the prominent families returning from exile is significant for several interconnected reasons. Firstly, it reflects the complex reality that not all individuals who identified as Jewish and returned to Judah had purely Israelite lineage in the strictest sense, or they had adopted names from the dominant Persian culture during their prolonged exile. Secondly, it suggests a degree of assimilation or integration that occurred during the Babylonian and Persian periods, where individuals or families of non-Hebrew background might have genuinely converted to Judaism or fully embraced the Jewish faith and identity. Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly from a theological perspective, the fact that a family with a potentially Persian name is listed in this crucial genealogical register confirms their recognized and legitimate status within the covenant community. This highlights a broader, inclusive dimension within God's redemptive plan: while centered on Israel, God has always welcomed those from other nations who commit themselves to Him, foreshadowing the expansive, multi-ethnic nature of the church in the New Testament, where national or ethnic origin is ultimately superseded by saving faith in Christ, as powerfully declared in Galatians 3:28.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While Nehemiah 7:19 meticulously details the physical lineage and numerical strength of those returning to rebuild an earthly Jerusalem, its ultimate and profound fulfillment is found in Jesus Christ and the spiritual community He establishes. The earthly census in Nehemiah underscores the foundational importance of identity and belonging within God's covenant people, a theme that finds its perfect, eternal, and universal expression in the new covenant. In Christ, our true identity is no longer defined by earthly genealogies, national origin, or tribal affiliation, but by spiritual rebirth and adoption into God's family. As John 1:12 profoundly proclaims, "to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." Jesus is the ultimate restorer and rebuilder, not of crumbling physical walls, but of broken humanity, establishing a vibrant spiritual temple made of living stones, as described in 1 Peter 2:5. The meticulous record-keeping in Nehemiah, accounting for every returning family, foreshadows the ultimate "census" of God's redeemed people, whose names are eternally recorded in the Lamb's Book of Life, a testament to God's perfect knowledge and sovereign election. Through Christ, the scattered "children" of God, drawn from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation, are miraculously gathered into one unified body, fulfilling the deepest longing for belonging and purpose that the returning exiles sought to re-establish in their physical community, for in Him, we are "no longer strangers and aliens, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" (Ephesians 2:19).