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 7:31 serves as a precise entry within the comprehensive census of the Jewish community that returned to Judah following the Babylonian exile. This verse meticulously records the number of adult males from the town of Michmas who resettled in their ancestral territory. Far from being a mere statistic, this detailed enumeration underscores the diligent efforts to re-establish the Israelite nation, affirm identity and lineage, and lay the foundational administrative structure for the post-exilic society as part of God's faithful restoration plan.
Context
Literary Context
Nehemiah 7:31 is situated within a lengthy and detailed genealogical and demographic list spanning Nehemiah 7:6-73. This extensive register meticulously records the families and numbers of those who returned from Babylonian captivity to Judah. Notably, this list is almost identical to the one found in Ezra 2, highlighting its authoritative nature and significance for the post-exilic community. The census in Nehemiah follows the successful completion of the wall of Jerusalem and precedes the public reading of the Law, serving as a foundational administrative act to organize the newly re-established community, assign land, and ensure the proper functioning of temple service and civic life. The inclusion of such a detailed list emphasizes the importance of order and identity in the restoration process.
Historical & Cultural Context
The return from Babylonian exile, prophesied by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 29:10), marked a pivotal moment in Israelite history. After seventy years of displacement, the Persian Empire's decree (Cyrus's edict) allowed the Jews to return to their homeland. In this post-exilic period, establishing clear identity, lineage, and population distribution was paramount. Lineage determined land rights, the purity of the priesthood, and social standing, all vital for reconstituting a stable and covenant-keeping society. Michmas, a town located in the territory of Benjamin, north of Jerusalem, had historical significance, notably as a strategic location during the time of King Saul (1 Samuel 13:2). The meticulous counting reflected a deep cultural and theological value placed on tribal and family identity, crucial for rebuilding a distinct and holy nation.
Key Themes
The inclusion of this detailed census, including specific entries like Nehemiah 7:31, contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Nehemiah. Firstly, it emphasizes Restoration and Rebuilding, not just of physical structures like the wall of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2:17), but of the nation itself. The census provided the human resources and organizational framework for this monumental task. Secondly, it highlights the critical importance of Identity and Purity, as meticulous record-keeping ensured the integrity of the Israelite lineage, particularly for priestly and Levitical service, and for maintaining the distinctiveness of God's covenant people. Thirdly, the entire narrative, including these detailed lists, serves as a powerful testament to God's Faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to bring His people back to their land, even after judgment. Each number represents individuals who experienced God's grace and guiding hand. Finally, the administrative diligence of Nehemiah in conducting this census underscores the theme of Divine Order and Governance, essential for establishing a functional and stable society under God's law.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term (H582) from the root אָנַשׁ, properly refers to a mortal, distinguishing from the more dignified אָדָם. In this context, it signifies a man in general, often implying adult males capable of contributing to the community, whether for military service, land allocation, or as heads of households. The focus on "men" in the census highlights the practical concern for the functional, contributing members essential for the immense tasks of rebuilding the city, cultivating the land, and re-establishing social and religious life.
This proper noun (H4363) refers to a specific town in Palestine, located in the tribal territory of Benjamin, north of Jerusalem. Its inclusion grounds the census in real geography and history, signifying the tangible return of the exiles to their ancestral lands. The mention of Michmas, alongside other specific towns, underscores the meticulous and comprehensive nature of Nehemiah's administrative efforts to resettle and organize the returning community, demonstrating a precise accounting of the re-established population.
This numeral (H3967) signifies a hundred. As part of "an hundred and twenty and two," it represents the primary unit of the numerical count. The precision of this number, along with the other numerical components, emphasizes the meticulousness and thoroughness of the census taken by Nehemiah. The exactness of the numbers, repeated throughout the chapter, signifies administrative diligence and the importance of every individual in the colossal undertaking of national restoration, reflecting a concern for order, accountability, and the proper allocation of resources and responsibilities within the nascent post-exilic community.
Verse Breakdown
"The men of Michmas"
This clause precisely identifies the group of returnees by their town of origin, Michmas. It highlights the geographical aspect of the return, as families and individuals were resettling in or near their ancestral lands. This specific identification was crucial for establishing land claims, tribal affiliations, and community structures in the re-established Judah, ensuring proper order and continuity.
"an hundred and twenty and two"
This provides the exact number of adult males from Michmas who participated in the return. The precision of this numerical detail is not random; it underscores the meticulous record-keeping that was vital for the administrative organization of the post-exilic community. This count was essential for purposes such as land distribution, military conscription, and the overall demographic understanding necessary for effective governance and rebuilding, reflecting a profound commitment to order and accountability.
Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Nehemiah 7:31, and indeed throughout the entire chapter, is the Census or Genealogical List. This device serves multiple functions: it establishes legitimacy by tracing lineage, provides a historical record of the returning community, and forms the administrative basis for the re-establishment of the nation. The sheer Precision and Detail in the enumeration of individuals from each town emphasize the thoroughness of Nehemiah's administrative efforts and the importance placed on every member of the community. Furthermore, the near-identical nature of this list to the one found in Ezra 2 employs Repetition, which reinforces the authenticity and authoritative nature of the record, underscoring its foundational significance for the restored Israelite society and highlighting the divine hand in their meticulous restoration.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Nehemiah 7:31, though a simple statistic, carries profound theological weight. It speaks to God's meticulous care for His people, even down to the individual level. Just as God knew the number of men from Michmas, He knows each of us intimately. The very act of taking this census reflects God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to restore Israel to their land, demonstrating His sovereignty over history and His commitment to His people's well-being. This detailed accounting also underscores the importance of every individual's contribution to the collective work of God's kingdom, whether in rebuilding a physical city or establishing a spiritual community. It reminds us that every person, no matter how seemingly small their contribution, is valued and has a place in God's grand redemptive narrative.
Reflection and Application
While Nehemiah 7:31 might appear to be a dry, statistical entry, it offers rich opportunities for reflection and application. It reminds us that God is a God of order and detail, who cares not only for the grand sweep of history but also for the individual lives that comprise it. Just as the returning exiles were meticulously counted and organized for the rebuilding of Jerusalem, so too does God value every member of His spiritual community, the Church. Our contributions, whether seemingly large or small, are significant in His eyes and contribute to the overall flourishing of His kingdom. This verse encourages us to embrace diligence in our callings, to value the importance of community and belonging, and to recognize that God works through the collective efforts of His people, each playing their unique part. It challenges us to see the profound significance in the "ordinary" details of life, knowing that God is intimately involved in them and that our faithfulness in small matters contributes to His greater purposes.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is such a detailed list included in the Bible?
The inclusion of such a detailed list, as seen in Nehemiah 7 and its parallel in Ezra 2, served several crucial purposes for the post-exilic community. Firstly, it provided a legitimate record of those who had returned, establishing their right to dwell in the land and participate in the rebuilding efforts. Secondly, it was essential for administrative purposes, such as land allocation, taxation, and the organization of civic and religious life. Thirdly, it ensured the purity of lineage, particularly for those serving in the priesthood and as Levites, maintaining the integrity of the covenant community. Finally, from a theological perspective, it stands as a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to restore His people to their land after the seventy-year exile, demonstrating His meticulous care for each individual and family involved in His redemptive plan.
What is the significance of Michmas?
Michmas was a historically significant town located in the territory of Benjamin, north of Jerusalem. Its mention in the census signifies the return of the exiles to specific, ancestral lands, reinforcing the theme of restoration and re-establishment. Michmas is also known from earlier biblical accounts, notably in 1 Samuel 13, where it was the site of a significant battle between King Saul's forces and the Philistines. Its inclusion in Nehemiah's census grounds the narrative in real geography and history, demonstrating the tangible re-population of the land by the covenant people and the continuity of God's plan for His chosen nation.
Does this verse have any relevance for us today?
Absolutely. While seemingly a simple statistic, Nehemiah 7:31 carries enduring relevance. It reminds us that God is a God of order and detail, who cares for every individual within His community. Just as He meticulously accounted for the men of Michmas, He knows each of us intimately and values our unique contributions to His kingdom. This verse underscores the importance of identity and belonging within the people of God, highlighting that every member, regardless of their perceived status, is vital to the flourishing of the whole. It also encourages diligence, organization, and a communal spirit in our efforts to build up the church and serve God's purposes in the world today, recognizing that even the seemingly mundane details of our lives are seen and valued by God.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The meticulous census in Nehemiah 7, including the specific entry for Michmas, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant community, the Church. While the Old Testament census focused on physical lineage and territorial restoration, Christ inaugurates a spiritual restoration that transcends ethnic and geographical boundaries. In Christ, our true identity is found not in earthly descent or ancestral land, but in being "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession" (1 Peter 2:9-10). The detailed counting of returnees foreshadows the divine knowledge of God, who knows each of His own, much like the Shepherd who knows His sheep by name (John 10:27-28). Furthermore, the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and the re-establishment of the community point to the ultimate spiritual edifice, the Church, which is "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone" (Ephesians 2:19-22). Every believer, like the men of Michmas, is a vital, counted member of this new, glorious community, contributing to God's redemptive plan that culminates in the new heavens and new earth, where God dwells with His people forever (Revelation 21:1-4).