Nehemiah 7:20

Context of Nehemiah 7:20

Nehemiah 7 provides a detailed census of the people who returned from the Babylonian exile to Judah and Jerusalem. This chapter largely mirrors the list found in Ezra chapter 2, serving as a vital record for the post-exilic community. After the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt under Nehemiah's leadership, the focus shifted to repopulating the city and organizing its inhabitants. This meticulous record-keeping was crucial for establishing tribal identities, determining land inheritances, and ensuring the purity of the priestly lines. Verse 20, specifically, lists the number of individuals belonging to the family of Adin, highlighting the comprehensive nature of this registration.

Key Themes and Messages

• Identity and Heritage: The detailed genealogies underscore the importance of lineage and belonging within the covenant community. For the returning exiles, knowing their family and tribal connections was central to their identity and their place in the restored nation.
• God's Faithfulness: The very presence of these lists is a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to bring His people back to their land after the seventy-year captivity, as prophesied by Jeremiah.
• Order and Organization: The meticulous census reflects a divine and human commitment to order within the community. Each family, no matter how large or small, was accounted for, demonstrating a structured approach to rebuilding both the city and the nation.
• Restoration and Rebuilding: These individuals were the foundation of the renewed Judah. Their return marked a significant step in the physical and spiritual restoration of Jerusalem and the temple, paving the way for a re-established society.

Linguistic Insights

The name Adin (Hebrew: אָדִין, 'Adin) is a personal or family name, meaning "dainty" or "delicate." In this context, it refers to a prominent family or clan among those who returned from exile. The verse simply provides the numerical count, "six hundred fifty and five," indicating the size of this particular family unit. This exact number is also found in Ezra 2:15, reinforcing the consistency and accuracy of these ancient records.

Practical Application

While Nehemiah 7:20 might seem like a mere numerical entry, it carries profound significance for us today:

• Value of Every Individual: Every person counted in this list was important to God's plan for the restoration of Israel. Similarly, in God's kingdom, every individual has value and a unique role, even if they feel like just "a number."
• Importance of Spiritual Heritage: Just as the Israelites valued their physical heritage, believers today are called to appreciate their spiritual heritage, understanding their place within the family of God and the history of His work.
• Participation in God's Work: These individuals returned to participate in the rebuilding of Jerusalem. We too are called to be active participants in God's ongoing work in the world, contributing our unique gifts and presence to His purposes, whether it's through building up the church or serving our communities.