TRV
Study This Verse
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.
Continue studying Nehemiah 7:27 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Nehemiah 7:27 records a specific entry within the comprehensive census of those who returned to Judah from Babylonian exile, meticulously stating, "The men of Anathoth, an hundred twenty and eight." This concise verse, part of a larger register primarily found in Nehemiah 7 and Ezra 2, serves as a foundational historical and genealogical document, underscoring the precise, tangible nature of Israel's post-exilic restoration and the re-establishment of its community and identity. It highlights God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to regather His people and rebuild their nation.
Context
Literary Context
Following the triumphant completion of Jerusalem's walls under Nehemiah's leadership, as detailed in Nehemiah 6:15, the narrative shifts to the critical task of repopulating and organizing the city and surrounding areas. Chapter 7 introduces a detailed census of the returnees, which largely parallels the list found in Ezra 2. This register was not merely a demographic count but a vital administrative and theological document. It established the identity, lineage, and tribal affiliations of the repatriated community, ensuring the purity of the priesthood, the proper distribution of inheritances, and the re-establishment of the covenant community on its ancestral land. The inclusion of specific numbers, even for smaller groups like the men of Anathoth, highlights the meticulousness and administrative rigor of this post-exilic period, laying the groundwork for the future of Judah as a distinct, divinely-ordered society.
Historical & Cultural Context
The return from Babylonian exile, prophesied by figures like Jeremiah (e.g., Jeremiah 29:10), marked a pivotal moment in Israelite history. The exiles, having endured seventy years of captivity, were now tasked with rebuilding not just physical structures but their national and religious identity. In ancient Near Eastern societies, lineage, tribal affiliation, and land ownership were paramount. These census lists were crucial for validating claims to ancestral lands, ensuring proper temple service by confirming priestly and Levitical descent, and maintaining social order and purity within the community. Anathoth itself was a significant Levitical city within the territory of Benjamin, known notably as the hometown of the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:1). The return of its inhabitants, therefore, represented a tangible reconnection with the land's prophetic and priestly heritage, signaling a return to covenant normalcy.
Key Themes
Nehemiah 7:27, as part of this extensive register, contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Nehemiah and the broader post-exilic narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of Restoration and Return, demonstrating God's faithfulness in bringing His people back to their land after the Babylonian captivity. This was a fulfillment of divine promise and a testament to God's enduring covenant with Israel. Secondly, it emphasizes Identity and Heritage, as the meticulous recording of family and town origins affirmed who belonged to the covenant community and their rightful place within it. This was crucial for re-establishing a cohesive society and ensuring the purity of the people of God. Thirdly, the precision of the numbers, even for a seemingly small group, highlights God's Attention to Detail and Providence, suggesting that every individual and every segment of His people were significant in His divine plan for rebuilding the nation and its spiritual life. Finally, the collective sum of these individual families and towns underscores the theme of Community Building, as the returnees formed the revitalized nation of Israel, laying the groundwork for spiritual and social renewal in Jerusalem and Judah.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Properly, a mortal, differing from the more dignified אָדָם (Adam). In this context, it refers to adult males, often implying heads of households or those capable of contributing to the community's rebuilding efforts. It signifies the active, responsible members who would re-establish family lines and contribute to the repopulation and reconstruction of the town and nation, underscoring the demographic foundation of the returning community.
This refers to a Levitical city in the territory of Benjamin, located a few miles northeast of Jerusalem. Its significance extends beyond geography, as it was the hometown of the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:1). The mention of "Anathoth" here connects the returning community to a place with deep historical, priestly, and prophetic roots, symbolizing continuity with Israel's past even after the trauma of exile and affirming the re-establishment of ancestral lands.
A primitive numeral signifying a count of one hundred. In this verse, it is part of the precise numerical count ("an hundred twenty and eight") that is characteristic of the entire census in Nehemiah 7. This specificity emphasizes the meticulous nature of the record-keeping, which was essential for administrative purposes such as land redistribution, tax assessment, and military organization, highlighting the tangible reality of the return and the careful accounting of every segment of the repatriated population.
Verse Breakdown
"The men of Anathoth"
This phrase precisely identifies a specific group of returnees by their place of origin. It signifies that the return was not merely a collection of individuals but the re-gathering of distinct communities and family units, each with its own history, identity, and ancestral claim. The mention of Anathoth, a significant Levitical city, also subtly links the restoration to Israel's religious heritage and the re-establishment of proper worship and covenant life within the land.
"an hundred twenty and eight"
This numerical detail provides the exact count of adult males from Anathoth who returned. The precision of this figure is crucial for the administrative and genealogical purposes of the census. It underscores the thoroughness of Nehemiah's record-keeping and the tangible, verifiable nature of the post-exilic community's re-establishment, ensuring accountability, order, and the proper allocation of resources in the newly forming society. This specific count contributes to the overall picture of a divinely orchestrated, meticulously managed restoration.
Literary Devices
Nehemiah 7:27, as part of a larger census, primarily employs Enumeration and Cataloging. The entire chapter is a detailed list of names and numbers, serving as a meticulous historical record that documents the scope and scale of the post-exilic return. This literary device emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the return and the importance of every individual and family unit in the re-establishment of the nation. The specific mention of "The men of Anathoth" functions as a form of Metonymy, where the "men" represent the entire community or clan associated with that town, indicating that the collective body from Anathoth returned to their ancestral lands. Furthermore, the verse serves as a Historical Record, providing factual data that validates the scope and scale of the post-exilic repopulation efforts, lending credibility and authority to the narrative of restoration. The precision of the numbers also conveys a strong sense of Order and Structure, reflecting the careful planning and divine oversight in the rebuilding of Judah.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Nehemiah 7:27, though a simple numerical entry, profoundly reflects God's meticulous care and covenant faithfulness in the restoration of His people. The very act of counting and recording each family and town demonstrates that God's plan for Israel's return was not haphazard but divinely orchestrated and precisely executed. It underscores the theological truth that every individual within God's covenant community is known and valued by Him, playing a specific role in His overarching redemptive narrative. This detailed census served as a tangible sign of God fulfilling His prophetic promises to regather His scattered people, re-establish their identity, and renew their land. It speaks to the divine sovereignty that governs even the seemingly mundane details of human history, ensuring that His purposes for His people are brought to fruition, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant.
Reflection and Application
The seemingly dry enumeration in Nehemiah 7:27 offers profound spiritual lessons for contemporary believers. Just as God meticulously accounted for every individual and family returning to Judah, so too does He value and know each person within His spiritual kingdom today. We are not anonymous statistics but cherished members of His body, each uniquely gifted and purposed in His grand design. This verse reminds us of the importance of identity—our identity in Christ, our spiritual heritage as adopted children of God, and our irreplaceable place within the global community of believers. It also highlights the significance of order, accountability, and community in the life of faith. The strength of the returning nation lay in its collective members, each contributing to the whole. Similarly, the church thrives when individuals understand their unique calling and actively participate in building up the body, working together for common goals like evangelism, discipleship, and service. This passage encourages us to embrace our place within God's grand design, knowing that even our seemingly small contributions are vital to His kingdom work and that we are deeply known and loved by our divine architect.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is this specific number important in a biblical text?
The precise number ("an hundred twenty and eight") for the men of Anathoth, along with all other specific counts in Nehemiah 7, is crucial for several reasons. It signifies the meticulous record-keeping of the post-exilic community, vital for re-establishing land claims, tribal identity, and community structure after generations in exile. These numbers were essential for administrative purposes, such as taxation, military organization, and ensuring the purity of priestly and Levitical lines for temple service. The precision underscores the tangible reality of the return and the careful, divinely-guided process of national restoration, demonstrating God's providential hand in every detail.
What is the significance of Anathoth in biblical history?
Anathoth was a Levitical city in the territory of Benjamin, located northeast of Jerusalem. Its most notable significance is as the hometown of the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:1). Jeremiah faced considerable opposition and persecution in Anathoth, even from his own family. The return of people from Anathoth therefore represents a reconnection with a place deeply embedded in Israel's prophetic and priestly heritage, symbolizing continuity and the re-establishment of the land's historical and religious identity, despite past trials.
How does this list in Nehemiah 7 relate to the one found in Ezra 2?
The list in Nehemiah 7 is almost identical to the one in Ezra 2, with only minor variations in numbers for certain groups. This strong parallelism indicates that both books are drawing from a common, authoritative administrative record of the initial returnees under Zerubbabel. The repetition underscores the importance and reliability of these lists for the post-exilic community, serving as a foundational document for their identity, lineage, and claims to the land, confirming the historical accuracy and divine oversight of the restoration.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While Nehemiah 7:27 is a historical record of physical return and repopulation, it finds its ultimate spiritual fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The meticulous counting of the returnees from Anathoth, and indeed all of Israel, foreshadows God's even more precise and intentional gathering of a new people—the Church—through Christ. Just as the census established the identity and place of each Israelite in the restored nation, so Christ establishes the identity of believers as citizens of a heavenly kingdom (Ephesians 2:19) and members of His body, the church. The restoration of Israel from the exile of Babylon points to the greater spiritual restoration from the exile of sin, accomplished by the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!. Christ is the true "Gatherer" who calls His elect from every nation, tribe, people, and language, fulfilling the prophetic promises of a universal restoration that transcends ethnic and geographical boundaries. Ultimately, the names recorded in Nehemiah's census find their eschatological echo in the Lamb's book of life, where every true believer's name is eternally inscribed, signifying their belonging to God's forever family, meticulously known and valued by their Savior, Jesus Christ.