Nehemiah 7:35

Nehemiah 7:35 is a concise entry within a comprehensive census of those who returned to Judah from Babylonian captivity. This verse specifically records the number of individuals belonging to the family or clan of Harim who made the journey back to their ancestral land.

Context

Chapter 7 of Nehemiah serves as a vital register, detailing the families and individuals who returned from the seventy-year exile in Babylon. This list largely mirrors the one found in Ezra chapter 2, highlighting its importance for historical and administrative purposes. After successfully rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, Nehemiah's next crucial task was to repopulate and organize the city and its surrounding areas. This census was fundamental for establishing legitimate claims to lineage, land, and roles within the community, especially for priestly and Levitical service. The meticulous counting, including the "children of Harim," underscores the re-establishment of order and the identity of the returned remnant.

Key Themes

• Identity and Lineage: The detailed genealogical records, like this entry for the children of Harim, were crucial for maintaining the distinct identity of the Israelite people. It affirmed who belonged to the covenant community and had a right to inherit land and participate in temple worship.
• Restoration and Rebuilding: Beyond the physical reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls, this census signifies the spiritual and social rebuilding of the nation. It represents God's faithfulness in bringing His people back and their commitment to re-establish their lives in the promised land.
• Order and Accountability: The precise numbers for each family, including the "three hundred and twenty" from Harim, reflect a strong emphasis on order, administration, and accountability within the newly re-formed community under Nehemiah's leadership. This organization was vital for the future stability of Jerusalem.

Linguistic Insights

The name Harim (Hebrew: חָרִם, Ḥārîm) means "devoted" or "consecrated." This family is mentioned multiple times in the post-exilic records, including among those who signed the covenant in Nehemiah 10:27 and among the priestly families in Nehemiah 12:15. The consistent appearance of this name and others across various lists confirms their significance in the restoration efforts.

Practical Application

While seemingly just a list of names and numbers, Nehemiah 7:35, and the chapter it belongs to, offers valuable lessons:

• Every Individual Matters: Even in a long list, each family and person counted. This reminds us that every individual is known and valued by God, and plays a part in His larger plan for His people.
• Importance of Belonging: The emphasis on family and lineage highlights the human need for identity and belonging within a community. For the returning exiles, this provided a sense of rootedness and purpose.
• Diligence in Administration: Nehemiah's painstaking efforts to record and organize the people demonstrate the importance of good administration and stewardship in any community or organization, including the church.