Nehemiah 7:22

KJV

The children of Hashum, three hundred twenty and eight.

KJV (with Strong's)

The children {H1121} of Hashum {H2828}, three {H7969} hundred {H3967} twenty {H6242} and eight {H8083}.

Complete Jewish Bible

descendants of Hashum 328

Berean Standard Bible

the descendants of Hashum, 328;

American Standard Version

The children of Hashum, three hundred twenty and eight.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 7:22 is a precise entry within the extensive register of those who returned from Babylonian exile to Judah, specifically identifying the family unit known as "the children of Hashum" and enumerating their number as three hundred twenty-eight individuals. This seemingly simple demographic detail underscores the meticulous record-keeping essential for the post-exilic community's re-establishment, reflecting God's faithfulness in preserving His people and the importance of every family's contribution to the restoration of Jerusalem and its spiritual life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 7:22 is embedded within a comprehensive genealogical register spanning Nehemiah 7:6-69, which meticulously lists the families, individuals, and their numbers who returned from Babylonian captivity. This chapter immediately follows the triumphant completion of the wall around Jerusalem in Nehemiah 6, marking a pivotal shift from physical reconstruction to civic and religious re-organization. The register serves as a foundational document for Nehemiah's administration, establishing legitimate residency, ensuring proper distribution of resources, and laying the groundwork for the re-establishment of the community's civic and religious life, including the temple service. This list is nearly identical to the one found in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - List of Returning Exiles"), highlighting its authoritative nature and shared significance for the post-exilic community's identity and governance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The return from Babylonian exile was a monumental event in Israelite history, marking the end of a seventy-year period of judgment and the beginning of a new era of restoration. Following the decree of Cyrus the Great in 538 BC, successive waves of exiles returned to Judah. Nehemiah's arrival in 445 BC, over a century after the first return, found Jerusalem's walls in ruins and its community disorganized. The census, therefore, was not merely a historical record but a practical necessity for rebuilding a functional society. It facilitated land redistribution, taxation, military organization, and, crucially, the identification of those eligible for temple service, as purity of lineage was paramount for priests and Levites. The meticulous nature of such registers was common in the ancient Near East, but for Israel, it carried profound theological weight, connecting the present community to their covenantal past and future.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of the broader register, contributes to several overarching themes in Nehemiah. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises by preserving a remnant and bringing them back to their homeland, despite their past disobedience and exile (compare [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - God's Plans for Restoration")). Secondly, it emphasizes **Order and Accountability**, showcasing the importance of structured community life and meticulous record-keeping for effective governance and spiritual purity within God's people. Every individual and family group was known and accounted for, vital for the rebuilding efforts and the functioning of society (see [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God of Order")). Finally, the register underscores **Identity and Heritage**, as these lists were fundamental for the returning exiles to establish their lineage and affirm their place within the covenant community, especially for those with priestly or Levitical duties, ensuring the continuity of their sacred traditions and their right to the land (as seen in [Ezra 2:62](/ezra/2-62 "Ezra 2:62 - Exclusion from Priesthood due to Unclear Lineage")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hashum (Hebrew, חָשֻׁם, _Chashum_):** This is a proper noun, a family name. While its etymological roots might suggest meanings like "rich" or "silent," its primary significance in this context is its function as an identifier for a specific family unit within the returning exiles. The very inclusion of such detailed family names throughout Nehemiah and Ezra underscores the Hebraic value placed on genealogy and the individual identity within the collective history of God's people, highlighting that even seemingly "small" family units were significant in God's larger plan for restoration.
* **Children (Hebrew, בְּנֵי, _b'nei_):** This term denotes the descendants or members of a particular family or clan. In ancient Israelite society, identity was often tied to one's family and tribal affiliation. The phrase "the children of Hashum" therefore signifies a distinct, cohesive family unit, emphasizing the collective identity and shared heritage of this group as they participated in the rebuilding efforts.
* **Three hundred twenty and eight (Hebrew, שְׁלֹשׁ מֵאוֹת וּשְׁמֹנִים וּשְׁמֹנָה, _shlosh me'ot u'shmonim v'shmonah_):** This precise numerical count is characteristic of the entire register. It signifies a meticulous accounting, not merely an approximation. The exactness conveys the administrative rigor applied by Nehemiah and the importance of knowing the exact composition and strength of the returning community for purposes of resettlement, resource allocation, and civic organization. It reflects a divine and human concern for order and detail in the re-establishment of the nation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The children of Hashum":** This initial phrase identifies a specific family or clan, "Hashum," as one of the many groups that participated in the return from exile. The use of "children of" (בְּנֵי, _b'nei_) emphasizes the familial and hereditary nature of their identity within the larger Israelite community. It signifies their lineage and their recognized place among the covenant people who were re-establishing themselves in Judah.
* **"three hundred twenty and eight":** This numerical component provides the exact count of individuals belonging to the "children of Hashum" who returned. This precision is not arbitrary; it speaks to the administrative necessity of the census for organizing the nascent community. It allowed for accurate planning regarding housing, food distribution, labor for reconstruction, and the allocation of responsibilities, including those related to temple service and civic duties. It highlights the tangible reality of the remnant's return and their collective strength.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Nehemiah 7:22, and indeed throughout the entire chapter, is the **Register** or **Census**. This is a common ancient Near Eastern literary form used to list individuals, families, or groups, often with numerical counts, for administrative, historical, or genealogical purposes. Its inclusion here lends an air of historical authenticity and meticulousness to the narrative, emphasizing the concrete reality of the return and the organized effort of rebuilding. Furthermore, the repetitive nature of the entries (family name, number) employs **Pattern** and **Repetition**, which reinforces the comprehensive nature of the census and the vast number of individuals involved in the restoration project. The exact numerical figures, such as "three hundred twenty and eight," demonstrate **Precision** and **Detail**, underscoring the thoroughness of Nehemiah's administration and the importance of every individual within the collective.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 7:22, though a simple numerical entry, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous care for His people and the significance of every individual within His redemptive plan. The very act of counting and recording each family unit, even seemingly minor ones like the "children of Hashum," testifies to God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant and bringing them back to their land, fulfilling ancient prophecies. This detailed accounting underscores the divine value placed on order, identity, and the collective participation required for the restoration of His covenant community. It reminds us that God is intimately acquainted with His people, knowing each by name and number, and orchestrating their movements for His sovereign purposes.

* [Ezra 2:19](/ezra/2-19 "Ezra 2:19 - The Children of Hashum in Ezra's List")
* [Psalm 139:13-16](/psalm/139-13 "Psalm 139:13-16 - God's Intimate Knowledge of Individuals")
* [Luke 12:7](/luke/12-7 "Luke 12:7 - God's Knowledge of Every Hair")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 7:22, seemingly a dry statistical entry, offers profound spiritual lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to consider the significance of every individual within the body of Christ, reminding us that no one is insignificant in God's grand narrative. Just as the "children of Hashum" were counted and valued for their contribution to the rebuilding of Jerusalem, so too are we, with our unique gifts and callings, essential to the ongoing work of God's kingdom. This verse encourages us to embrace our place within the community of faith, recognizing that our collective strength and impact are built upon the faithful participation of each member. It also speaks to God's meticulous nature, assuring us that He is a God of order who oversees even the smallest details of our lives and His purposes, providing comfort and confidence in His sovereign care.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous counting of families in Nehemiah 7, including the "children of Hashum," affirm God's personal knowledge and care for each individual within His community?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge the modern tendency to feel insignificant or overlooked in large communities or organizations?**
* **What is the importance of knowing one's spiritual heritage or place within the larger story of God's people, as exemplified by these genealogical lists?**
* **How can we, as individuals, contribute to the "rebuilding" or strengthening of our spiritual communities today, drawing inspiration from the collective effort described in Nehemiah?**

### FAQ
**Why is such a detailed list of names and numbers included in the Bible?**

Answer: The inclusion of detailed lists like the one in Nehemiah 7, of which Nehemiah 7:22 is a part, serves several crucial purposes. Historically, it authenticates the narrative, providing a verifiable record of the returning exiles and demonstrating the concrete reality of God's promise to restore His people. Administratively, it was essential for Nehemiah's work in organizing the rebuilt community, allocating land, assigning responsibilities, and ensuring proper temple service. Theologically, these lists underscore God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant and fulfilling His covenant. They also highlight the importance of identity and lineage within Israel, particularly for determining who belonged to the covenant community and who was eligible for sacred duties (see [Ezra 2:61-63](/ezra/2-61 "Ezra 2:61-63 - Exclusion from Priesthood due to Unclear Lineage")). Ultimately, it shows God's meticulous care for His people, knowing each one by name and number.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Nehemiah 7:22 is a specific historical record of post-exilic Israel, it points forward to Christ in profound ways. The emphasis on lineage and meticulous counting in the Old Testament census foreshadows the ultimate and perfect "register" of God's people, not based on physical descent alone, but on spiritual birth. Just as the "children of Hashum" were counted among the faithful remnant returning to Jerusalem, so too are believers today counted among the spiritual lineage of Abraham, through faith in Christ. The genealogies of Jesus in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - Genealogy of Jesus") demonstrate God's meticulous plan for the arrival of the Messiah, ensuring His perfect human lineage. Ultimately, Christ is the true "seed" of Abraham, and through Him, all who believe are adopted into God's family, their names written not in an earthly register, but in the [Lamb's Book of Life](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - The Book of Life"). This New Covenant community, comprised of people from every tribe and nation, fulfills the promise of a vast, innumerable people of God, unified not by earthly lineage or census, but by their common identity in Christ Jesus, the true builder of God's eternal city ([Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - The Heavenly Jerusalem")).

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

Ezra 2:19

The children of Hashum, two hundred twenty and three.