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 7:20 is a precise entry within a comprehensive census of the Jewish people who returned to Judah and Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. It specifically records "The children of Adin, six hundred fifty and five," highlighting the meticulous record-keeping essential for re-establishing the post-exilic community. This numerical detail underscores the profound importance of identity, lineage, and God's unwavering faithfulness in gathering and re-establishing His covenant people in their land, laying a crucial foundation for the spiritual and social restoration of Jerusalem.
Context
Literary Context
Nehemiah 7 immediately follows the triumphant completion of Jerusalem's walls, a monumental physical restoration detailed in Nehemiah 6. With the city's defenses secured, the narrative pivots to the equally vital task of repopulating Jerusalem and organizing the returned exiles. This chapter presents a detailed census, which bears remarkable similarity to the list found in Ezra 2, serving as a foundational document for the re-establishment of civic and religious life. The inclusion of specific family names and their numbers, such as "the children of Adin" in verse 20, emphasizes the meticulous effort to identify and integrate every individual into the restored community, ensuring proper tribal identities, land inheritances, and the purity of priestly and Levitical lines. This detailed accounting sets the stage for the public reading of the Law and the subsequent spiritual revival described in Nehemiah 8.
Historical & Cultural Context
The events of Nehemiah 7 are situated in the mid-5th century BC, during the critical post-exilic period, approximately a century after the initial return from Babylonian captivity. This return, prophesied by Jeremiah 29:10, marked a pivotal moment in Israelite history. Genealogies and detailed census records were of paramount importance in ancient Israelite society, functioning as legal documents for land ownership, tribal affiliation, and eligibility for religious service, especially for priests and Levites. For the returning exiles, these lists were crucial for re-establishing their identity as the covenant people of God, confirming their right to the land, and ensuring the continuity of their traditions. The meticulousness of this record reflects a deep cultural value placed on lineage and a profound desire to restore order and legitimacy after generations of displacement and cultural disruption.
Key Themes
Nehemiah 7, and verse 20 within it, contributes significantly to several overarching themes. Firstly, Identity and Heritage are central; the detailed genealogies underscore the profound importance of lineage and belonging within the covenant community. For the returning exiles, knowing their family and tribal connections was foundational to their sense of self and their place in the restored nation, as echoed in the meticulous genealogical records found throughout 1 Chronicles 1-9. Secondly, the very existence of these lists is a powerful testament to God's Faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to bring His people back to their land after the seventy-year captivity. This divine commitment to restoration is a recurring motif, seen in prophecies like Isaiah 43:5-7. Thirdly, the meticulous census reflects a divine and human commitment to Order and Organization within the community. Each family, no matter its size, was accounted for, demonstrating a structured approach to rebuilding both the city and the nation, reminiscent of the careful organization described in Numbers 1. Finally, the entire chapter speaks to the theme of Restoration and Rebuilding, as these individuals were the living foundation of the renewed Judah, marking a significant step in the physical and spiritual re-establishment of Jerusalem and the temple.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term, derived from a root meaning "to build," signifies a "son" in the widest sense, encompassing not just biological offspring but also descendants, members of a family or clan, and even those who contribute to the "building" of a family name or lineage. In Nehemiah 7:20, "the children of Adin" refers to the entire clan or family unit descended from Adin, emphasizing their collective identity and their role as foundational members in the rebuilding of the post-exilic community. This word highlights the importance of familial continuity and the preservation of identity within God's covenant people.
This is a specific personal and family name, identifying a particular clan among the returnees. While the name itself may derive from a root meaning "dainty" or "delicate," its primary function here is as a marker of identity. The inclusion of "Adin" and its associated numerical count underscores the meticulous detail with which the post-exilic community sought to record and preserve its tribal and family structures. Far from being a mere statistic, this name represents a living family with a unique history and a vital role to play in the re-establishment of Israel, emphasizing the importance of individual and familial identity within God's covenant plan.
This primitive numeral, here combined with "six hundred fifty," indicates the precise count of individuals within the family of Adin. The exactness of this number, repeated consistently across the census lists (e.g., in Ezra), signifies the meticulous and verifiable nature of the record-keeping. It reflects a deep concern for accuracy and accountability in the re-establishment of the community, ensuring that every member of the covenant people was accounted for and properly integrated into the renewed society.
Verse Breakdown
"The children of Adin"
This phrase precisely identifies a specific family or clan, the descendants of an individual named Adin, who were part of the initial wave of returnees from Babylonian exile. It underscores the profound importance of family units and lineage in the social and religious fabric of ancient Israel, where identity, inheritance, and communal responsibilities were intricately tied to one's ancestral line. This designation signifies not just a biological connection but a communal identity within the broader covenant people, highlighting their collective return and their role in the restoration.
"six hundred fifty and five"
This numerical entry specifies the exact count of individuals belonging to the family of Adin who returned to Judah. This precise figure, which is also corroborated in Ezra 2:15, emphasizes the meticulous record-keeping undertaken by the leaders of the post-exilic community. It serves as a vital historical demographic record, providing concrete data about the size and composition of the returned remnant. More profoundly, it underscores the value placed on each individual and family unit within God's restored people, demonstrating a divine and human commitment to order, accountability, and the comprehensive rebuilding process.
Literary Devices
Nehemiah 7:20 is an integral part of an extensive List or Genealogy, a prominent literary device employed throughout biblical literature, especially in historical and prophetic books. This specific list functions as a Census, meticulously cataloging the individuals and families who returned from Babylonian exile. The inclusion of precise numbers for each family, such as "The children of Adin, six hundred fifty and five," emphasizes the Accuracy and Verifiability of the record, reinforcing its historical reliability. Furthermore, the almost verbatim repetition of this list in Ezra 2 employs the device of Parallelism or Duplication, which serves to confirm the validity of the data and underscore its immense importance to the post-exilic community. This meticulous record-keeping reflects a deep concern for identity, heritage, and the re-establishment of a divinely ordered society, ensuring that every member of the covenant community was accounted for and recognized as vital to the nation's renewal.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Nehemiah 7:20, while seemingly a simple numerical entry, speaks volumes about God's meticulous care for His people and the profound importance of every individual within His grand redemptive plan. The emphasis on lineage and precise numbers highlights the divine commitment to order, identity, and the fulfillment of covenant promises. It reminds us that God sees and values each person, integrating them into His larger story of restoration. This detailed accounting for the returned remnant underscores the faithfulness of God to His promises to gather His scattered people, demonstrating His sovereignty over history and His unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel, even through periods of judgment and exile. It is a testament to the enduring nature of God's covenant love.
Reflection and Application
In a world that often reduces individuals to statistics or overlooks the seemingly insignificant, Nehemiah 7:20 offers a profound counter-narrative. It reminds us that every person, every family, and every detail matters to God. Just as the returning exiles were meticulously counted and valued for their role in rebuilding, so too are believers today called to recognize their unique place and contribution within the body of Christ. This verse encourages us to embrace our spiritual heritage, understanding that we are part of a grand narrative of redemption, heirs to promises fulfilled in Christ. It challenges us to live with intentionality, participating actively in God's ongoing work of restoration in our communities and the world, knowing that our "number" is known and cherished by the divine Architect. Our identity is not lost in the crowd but is intricately woven into God's sovereign plan, giving purpose and dignity to every life.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why are these detailed lists of names and numbers so important in biblical books like Nehemiah?
These lists, like the one in Nehemiah 7, served several crucial purposes for the post-exilic community. Firstly, they affirmed identity and heritage, allowing families to trace their lineage back to the tribes of Israel, which was vital for land inheritance, social standing, and participation in religious life. Secondly, they ensured legitimacy and purity, especially for priestly and Levitical lines, confirming who was authorized to serve in the rebuilt temple (as seen in Nehemiah 7:64-65). Thirdly, they were essential for organization and administration, providing a basis for distributing resources, allocating housing, and establishing civic order in Jerusalem and Judah. Finally, they served as a historical record, testifying to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to bring His people back from exile, as prophesied in Jeremiah 29:10.
Is there a discrepancy between the numbers in Nehemiah 7 and Ezra 2?
While the overall structure and many individual family counts are remarkably similar between Nehemiah 7 and Ezra 2, there are minor numerical differences for some family groups. For example, Nehemiah 7:20 lists "The children of Adin, six hundred fifty and five," which is identical to Ezra 2:15. The slight discrepancies in other entries are generally attributed by scholars to various factors: different times of compilation, scribal variations, or perhaps different methods of counting (e.g., counting heads vs. counting households). Despite these minor variations, the overwhelming consistency confirms the historical reliability and immense importance of these records as a testament to the returned remnant and God's faithfulness in preserving His people.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The meticulous counting of the "children of Adin" and other families in Nehemiah 7, representing the physical restoration of Israel, profoundly foreshadows a greater spiritual census—the gathering of God's people into the new covenant community through Christ. Just as physical lineage was vital for the old covenant Israel, so too is a spiritual lineage established through faith in Jesus. He is the true head of the new Israel, the church, where identity is no longer primarily defined by physical descent but by spiritual adoption into God's family (as articulated in Galatians 3:28-29 and Romans 9:6-8). Christ Himself, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, came to gather those who were scattered, establishing a new spiritual nation whose names are written in the Book of Life. In Him, every believer, regardless of earthly origin, finds their true heritage and an eternal place within God's meticulously ordered and eternally restored kingdom, a kingdom where every "number" is known, valued, and eternally secure in the heavenly Jerusalem, built not with human hands but by divine grace.