Nehemiah 7:24

KJV

The children of Hariph, an hundred and twelve.

KJV (with Strong's)

The children {H1121} of Hariph {H2756}, an hundred {H3967} and twelve {H8147}{H6240}.

Complete Jewish Bible

descendants of Harif 112

Berean Standard Bible

the descendants of Hariph, 112;

American Standard Version

The children of Hariph, a hundred and twelve.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 7:24, detailing "The children of Hariph, an hundred and twelve," is a concise entry within a meticulous census of the Jewish exiles who returned to Jerusalem from Babylon. This verse, seemingly a simple numerical record, underscores the profound importance of identity, lineage, and community in the post-exilic restoration. It highlights God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant and Nehemiah's commitment to orderly reconstruction, demonstrating that every family, no matter its size, was a vital component in the reestablishment of the covenant community in the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 7 serves as a crucial administrative and historical record, immediately following the triumphant completion of Jerusalem's walls in [Nehemiah 6:15](/nehemiah/6-15 "Nehemiah 6:15 - Completion of the Wall"). With the city's physical defenses secured, Nehemiah's focus shifts to its repopulation and organization. This chapter provides a detailed register of those who returned from Babylonian captivity with Zerubbabel, serving as a foundational document for the restored community. It largely parallels the list found in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The First Return from Exile"), indicating its historical accuracy and significance as a reliable record of the initial wave of returnees. The inclusion of specific family names and numbers, like that of the children of Hariph, emphasizes the meticulous nature of Nehemiah's leadership and the importance of establishing a legitimate, organized population within the newly rebuilt city.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The return from Babylonian exile (beginning in 538 BC under Cyrus the Great's decree) was a pivotal moment in Israelite history, marking the end of a seventy-year period of judgment and the beginning of a new era of restoration. For the returning exiles, tribal and family lineage was paramount, not merely for social standing but for legal and religious purposes. Genealogical records determined eligibility for land inheritance, priestly and Levitical service, and participation in the community's governance. The precise counting of individuals, even those from smaller family units like the "children of Hariph," reflects the meticulous record-keeping practices of the ancient Near East and the Jewish people's deep-seated understanding of their identity rooted in their ancestral heritage. Furthermore, the Persian Empire, under which Judah operated, often required such censuses for administrative and taxation purposes, lending an additional layer of practical necessity to Nehemiah's efforts.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous census in [Nehemiah 7](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - The Census of the Returnees") highlights several key themes central to the book and the post-exilic period. First, **Identity and Lineage** are paramount, as the lists affirm the continuity of God's covenant people despite generations of exile. Knowing one's family and tribal affiliation was essential for re-establishing the social and religious fabric of Israel. Second, **Order and Organization** are evident in Nehemiah's leadership. Beyond building walls, Nehemiah understood that a thriving community required structure, proper administration, and a clear understanding of its human resources. This reflects a divine principle that spiritual renewal often accompanies diligent, practical organization. Third, the very existence of these thousands of returnees, including the "hundred and twelve" from Hariph, is a powerful testament to **God's Faithfulness** in preserving His remnant, fulfilling His promises of restoration despite Israel's past disobedience (as seen in [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - God's Plans for Hope and a Future")). Finally, the detailed enumeration underscores **The Value of Every Member**, emphasizing that each individual and family, regardless of size, played a crucial and recognized role in the larger narrative of Israel's restoration.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hariph (Hebrew, _ḥārîp_):** This name, meaning "autumnal" or "sharp," refers to a specific family or clan head whose descendants returned from exile. While the etymological meaning of the name itself does not carry deep theological significance within this context, its inclusion underscores the meticulous nature of the census. It signifies the precise identification of distinct family units, each contributing to the overall count of the returning community. The emphasis is not on the meaning of the name but on the historical reality of the family's existence and their participation in the restoration.
* **children (Hebrew, _bĕnê_):** The term "children" here refers to the descendants or members of the family or clan of Hariph. It highlights the communal and familial structure of ancient Israelite society. The census is not merely counting individuals but identifying them as part of established family units, reinforcing the importance of lineage and collective identity within the covenant community. This familial designation was crucial for establishing land claims, tribal affiliations, and roles within the restored society.
* **hundred and twelve (Hebrew, _mēʾâ ūšĕnêm ʿāśār_):** This precise number signifies the exact count of the male members of the Hariph family who returned. The specificity of the number, repeated for dozens of families throughout the chapter, emphasizes the thoroughness and accuracy of the census. It reflects a commitment to detailed record-keeping, which was vital for administrative purposes, resource allocation, and confirming the legitimacy of the returnees. Even a relatively small number like "one hundred and twelve" is carefully recorded, demonstrating that every contributing family unit was accounted for and valued in the rebuilding effort.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The children of Hariph":** This clause identifies a specific family unit or clan that was part of the post-exilic return to Jerusalem. "Hariph" serves as the ancestral head or progenitor of this particular group, indicating their lineage and collective identity. The inclusion of this specific name among many others in the census highlights the meticulous and comprehensive nature of the record-keeping, emphasizing that the return was not a chaotic influx but an organized re-establishment of specific, identifiable family lines.
* **"an hundred and twelve":** This phrase provides the exact numerical count of the male members belonging to the family of Hariph who returned. The precision of this number, consistent with the detailed enumeration throughout Nehemiah 7, underscores the administrative rigor applied to the repopulation of Jerusalem. It signifies that even smaller family groups were carefully accounted for, demonstrating the value placed on every individual and family's contribution to the restoration of the community and the nation.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 7:24, as part of a larger list, primarily employs **Enumeration** or **Cataloging**. This literary device involves the systematic listing of items, in this case, family names and their respective numbers of returning members. The purpose of this extensive catalog is multi-faceted: it serves as a precise historical record, validates the legitimacy of the returnees, and underscores the meticulous organization undertaken by Nehemiah. The sheer volume of names and numbers creates a sense of **Verisimilitude**, lending credibility and authenticity to the narrative by presenting detailed, factual information. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of the pattern "The children of X, N number" throughout the chapter emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the census and the collective effort involved in the repopulation. While seemingly mundane, this device effectively communicates the scale of the return and the importance of each individual component in the grand rebuilding project.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 7:24, though a single line in a lengthy list, profoundly illustrates God's covenant faithfulness and the meticulous care with which He preserves His people. The very act of counting and recording each family, no matter how small, speaks to a divine economy where every individual matters. This census is not merely an administrative exercise; it is a theological statement affirming the continuity of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, even after generations of exile. It highlights the importance of identity within the covenant community and the necessity of order for spiritual flourishing. God's plan for restoration involved not just a physical return to the land but the re-establishment of a holy people, organized and counted, ready to live in obedience to His commands. This detail-oriented approach to the community's structure reflects God's own nature as a God of order, who orchestrates even the seemingly mundane details of history to fulfill His redemptive purposes.

* [Ezra 2:1-70](/ezra/2-1 "Ezra 2:1-70 - The List of Returnees") – This chapter provides a parallel and nearly identical list of the returnees, confirming the historical accuracy and importance of this census for establishing the identity and legitimacy of the post-exilic community.
* [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - God's Promise of Restoration and Hope") – This passage prophesies God's plan to bring His people back from exile after seventy years, demonstrating His faithfulness to His word and His commitment to restoring His covenant people.
* [Romans 11:5](/romans/11-5 "Romans 11:5 - The Remnant Chosen by Grace") – Paul speaks of a "remnant chosen by grace" in his own time, echoing the Old Testament concept of God preserving a faithful few, a theme powerfully illustrated by the return of specific families like Hariph's.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly dry genealogical list in Nehemiah 7:24 offers rich veins for reflection on God's character and our place within His ongoing story. It reminds us that God is a God of meticulous detail, who values every single person and every contribution to His kingdom. Just as He knew the exact number of the children of Hariph, He knows each of us intimately, down to the number of hairs on our heads ([Matthew 10:30](/matthew/10-30 "Matthew 10:30 - God knows every hair")). This truth should instill in us a profound sense of worth and belonging within the body of Christ. Furthermore, Nehemiah's commitment to order and organization, even in the midst of rebuilding, teaches us the importance of structure and intentionality in our spiritual lives and church communities. While spiritual zeal is vital, it must be accompanied by practical wisdom and diligent administration to ensure lasting impact and healthy growth. We are called to be good stewards of the resources—both human and material—that God entrusts to us, recognizing that every member, no matter how "small" their contribution may seem, is indispensable to the flourishing of the whole.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous record-keeping in Nehemiah 7 challenge our tendency to overlook or devalue seemingly "insignificant" contributions within our communities or personal lives?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals and as a church, more intentionally foster a sense of belonging and value for every member, ensuring no one feels overlooked in God's grand plan?**
* **Considering Nehemiah's emphasis on order and organization, what practical steps can we take to bring greater intentionality and structure to our personal spiritual disciplines or to the ministries within our local church?**

### FAQ
**Why is this seemingly mundane list included in the Bible?**

Answer: The inclusion of detailed lists like Nehemiah 7:24 is far from mundane; it serves several crucial purposes. First, it provides historical and legal validation for the returning exiles, confirming their identity, tribal affiliations, and claims to ancestral lands and priestly duties. Second, it demonstrates God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant of His people, fulfilling His covenant promises despite their exile. Third, it highlights Nehemiah's meticulous leadership and the importance of order and organization in rebuilding not just physical structures but also a functioning society and a faithful community. These lists underscore the Bible's commitment to historical accuracy and the divine value placed on every individual within God's redemptive plan.

**How does this list relate to the book of Ezra?**

Answer: The list in [Nehemiah 7](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - The Census of the Returnees") is nearly identical to the one found in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The First Return from Exile"). This close parallel is significant for several reasons. It confirms the historical reliability of both accounts, indicating that these were official records maintained by the post-exilic community. It also emphasizes the continuity of the return from exile, showing that the same families and individuals who initially came back with Zerubbabel were the ones Nehemiah was now organizing to repopulate Jerusalem. The repetition underscores the foundational importance of these returnees in the re-establishment of the Jewish nation and their identity.

**What is the significance of the specific number "one hundred and twelve"?**

Answer: The specific number "one hundred and twelve" for the children of Hariph, like all the precise numbers in the census, signifies the meticulous nature of the record-keeping and the administrative rigor applied to the restoration effort. It indicates that every family unit, regardless of its size, was carefully counted and accounted for. This precision underscores the value God places on each individual and family within His covenant community. It shows that even a relatively small group contributed to the larger repopulation and rebuilding of Jerusalem, emphasizing that no contribution is too insignificant in God's grand plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Nehemiah 7:24 is a historical record of a specific family's return from exile, it points forward to the ultimate gathering and restoration found in Jesus Christ. The meticulous counting of the "children of Hariph" foreshadows the divine precision with which God orchestrates the salvation of His chosen people, the true Israel. In Christ, the concept of lineage and identity is transformed; our belonging is no longer primarily based on physical descent but on spiritual adoption through faith in Him ([Galatians 3:28-29](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28-29 - One in Christ Jesus")). Jesus, the Good Shepherd, knows His sheep by name and ensures that none are lost ([John 10:14](/john/10-14 "John 10:14 - Jesus the Good Shepherd") and [John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them")). The detailed census in Nehemiah highlights God's commitment to preserving a remnant, a theme that culminates in Christ, who gathers people from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation into His new covenant community, the Church ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Great Multitude from Every Nation")). Just as the children of Hariph were vital to the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem, every believer, no matter their perceived significance, is a valued and indispensable member of Christ's spiritual body, contributing to the building of His eternal kingdom ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints and Members of God's Household")).

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 2:18

The children of Jorah, an hundred and twelve.