Nehemiah 7:31

KJV

The men of Michmas, an hundred and twenty and two.

KJV (with Strong's)

The men {H582} of Michmas {H4363}, an hundred {H3967} and twenty {H6242} and two {H8147}.

Complete Jewish Bible

people of Mikhmas 122

Berean Standard Bible

the men of Michmash, 122;

American Standard Version

The men of Michmas, a hundred and twenty and two.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 7:31 is 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](/nehemiah/7-6 "Nehemiah 7 - The List of Returnees"). 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](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The First Return from Exile"), 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.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The return from Babylonian exile, prophesied by Jeremiah ([Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Return")), 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. 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](/1_samuel/13-2 "1 Samuel 13:2 - Saul and Jonathan at Michmas")). The meticulous counting reflected a deep cultural value placed on tribal and family identity, crucial for reconstituting a stable and covenant-keeping society.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of this detailed census, including specific entries like [Nehemiah 7:31](/nehemiah/7-31 "Nehemiah 7:31 - The Men of Michmas"), 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](/nehemiah/2-17 "Nehemiah's Call to Rebuild Jerusalem's Wall")), 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
* **Michmas (Hebrew, מִכְמָס, _Mikhmash'_):** This is a specific town located in the tribal territory of Benjamin, situated north of Jerusalem. Its mention grounds the census in real geography and history, signifying the tangible return of the exiles to their ancestral lands. The inclusion of Michmas, alongside other specific towns, underscores the meticulous and comprehensive nature of Nehemiah's administrative efforts to resettle and organize the returning community.
* **Men (Hebrew, אֲנָשִׁים, _'anashim'_):** This term specifically refers to adult males, typically those who would be counted for military service, land allocation, and as heads of households or representatives within the community. The focus on "men" in the census lists 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.
* **Hundred and twenty and two (Hebrew, מֵאָה וְעֶשְׂרִים וּשְׁנַיִם, _me'ah v'esrim u'shnayim'_):** This precise numerical count 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. It reflects 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.
* **"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.

#### 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](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The List of Returnees") employs **Repetition**, which reinforces the authenticity and authoritative nature of the record, underscoring its foundational significance for the restored Israelite society.

### 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.

* [Ezra 2:1](/ezra/2-1 "Ezra 2:1 - Parallel List of Returnees")
* [Luke 12:7](/luke/12-7 "Luke 12:7 - God's Knowledge of Individuals")
* [Psalm 147:4](/psalms/147-4 "Psalm 147:4 - God Counts the Stars")

### 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.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of this census challenge our view of "insignificant" details in our lives or in God's plan?**
* **In what ways can we, like the returning exiles, contribute to the rebuilding and flourishing of our spiritual communities today?**
* **How does the emphasis on identity and belonging in Nehemiah 7:31 relate to our identity in Christ and our belonging to His church?**

### FAQ

**Why is such a detailed list included in the Bible?**

Answer: The inclusion of such a detailed list, as seen in [Nehemiah 7](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - The Census of Returnees") and its parallel in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The First Return from Exile"), 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?**

Answer: 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](/1_samuel/13 "1 Samuel 13 - Saul and Jonathan at Michmas"), 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.

**Does this verse have any relevance for us today?**

Answer: 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.

### 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](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9-10 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")). 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](/john/10-27 "John 10:27-28 - Jesus Knows His Sheep")). 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](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). 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](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")).

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

1 Samuel 13:5

And the Philistines gathered themselves together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which [is] on the sea shore in multitude: and they came up, and pitched in Michmash, eastward from Bethaven.

1 Samuel 13:23

And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the passage of Michmash.

Ezra 2:27

The men of Michmas, an hundred twenty and two.

Isaiah 10:28

He is come to Aiath, he is passed to Migron; at Michmash he hath laid up his carriages: