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 7:39 provides a precise demographic detail within the larger census of those who returned from Babylonian exile to Judah, specifically enumerating nine hundred seventy-three descendants of the priestly family of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua. This meticulous record is part of Nehemiah's comprehensive efforts to re-establish the social, civic, and religious infrastructure of post-exilic Jerusalem, underscoring the vital importance of legitimate priestly lineage for the restoration of proper temple worship and the spiritual well-being of the covenant community.
Context
Literary Context
Nehemiah 7 serves as a crucial transition point in the book, immediately following the triumphant completion of the wall of Jerusalem in Nehemiah 6. With the physical defenses secured, Nehemiah's focus shifts to the internal organization and repopulation of the city, ensuring its spiritual and civic vitality. This chapter presents a detailed register of the returning exiles, mirroring the list found in Ezra 2. The inclusion of such an extensive genealogy and census highlights the profound importance of identity, lineage, and orderly structure for the re-establishing community. It meticulously lays the groundwork for the subsequent re-institution of temple worship and the climactic public reading of the Law in Nehemiah 8. The specific enumeration of priestly families, such as Jedaiah's, is indispensable, as their presence and verifiable lineage were paramount for the proper functioning of the restored cultic life and the spiritual integrity of the nation.
Historical & Cultural Context
The return from seventy years of Babylonian exile was a watershed moment in Israelite history, signifying divine faithfulness and the dawn of a new era of restoration. For the returning exiles, particularly the priests, the maintenance of accurate genealogical records transcended mere bureaucracy; it was a matter of profound religious, social, and legal imperative. The right to serve in the Temple, to offer sacrifices, and to handle sacred objects was exclusively reserved for those who could irrefutably prove their direct descent from Aaron, the first high priest. Without such verifiable ancestry, individuals, even if they claimed priestly heritage, were strictly barred from sacred service, as vividly illustrated in Ezra 2:62. This detailed census, therefore, was a critical and foundational step in re-establishing the legitimate religious hierarchy and ensuring the purity and authenticity of worship in the Second Temple period. Beyond religious concerns, it also served practical administrative purposes under Persian rule, facilitating land allocation, taxation, and the organization of the nascent Judean province.
Key Themes
This verse, situated within the broader context of Nehemiah 7, significantly contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of Restoration and Re-establishment, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness in bringing His people back to their ancestral land and empowering them to rebuild not only physical structures but also their societal and religious institutions. The return of a substantial number of priests explicitly signals the active re-establishment of the Temple cult and its associated sacred duties. Secondly, Genealogical Purity and Legitimacy is presented as paramount, especially concerning the priesthood. The meticulous recording of families and their precise numbers, particularly for priestly lines, highlights the deep concern for maintaining proper lineage to ensure legitimate service within the sacred sphere, thereby preventing unauthorized access to holy duties and preserving the sanctity of worship. Lastly, the entire census reflects a profound sense of Divine Order and Providence. Nehemiah's diligent and precise record-keeping, mirroring God's own meticulous care for His covenant people, reveals that the restoration was not a haphazard event but a divinely guided process, ensuring that every necessary role, from governor to priest, was accounted for and properly filled for the community's spiritual and physical flourishing.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From the active participle of the root meaning "to officiate," this term denotes one who performs sacred duties, specifically in the context of the Israelite cult. In Nehemiah 7:39, it refers to the descendants of Aaron who were divinely appointed to mediate between God and the people through sacrifices and rituals. Their enumeration here underscores their indispensable role in the re-establishment of the Temple worship and the spiritual life of the post-exilic community, signifying the restoration of proper order and legitimate service.
Derived from a root meaning "to build," this word primarily signifies "son" but extends to include descendants, offspring, or members of a family or group. In this verse, "children of Jedaiah" emphasizes the familial and hereditary nature of the priestly office. It highlights the continuity of the priestly line through generations, reinforcing the importance of lineage for legitimate service and demonstrating the preservation of specific family units despite the disruptions of exile.
While literally meaning "house" or "dwelling," this term frequently extends to denote a "household," "family," or "dynasty." In the phrase "of the house of Jeshua," it signifies a particular ancestral line or sub-branch within the larger priestly family of Jedaiah. This precision in identification underscores the meticulous genealogical tracking crucial for validating priestly claims and maintaining the integrity of the sacred service in the newly restored Temple.
Verse Breakdown
"The priests:"
This opening phrase immediately sets the context, identifying the specific professional and religious group being enumerated. It signals the verse's focus on those essential for the re-establishment of the sacrificial system and the proper functioning of the Second Temple, highlighting their distinct and foundational role within the returning community.
"the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua,"
This clause provides the precise genealogical identification of the priestly group. "The children of Jedaiah" refers to the descendants belonging to one of the twenty-four priestly divisions established by King David (1 Chronicles 24:7). "Of the house of Jeshua" further refines this identification, indicating a specific sub-lineage or prominent ancestral branch within the larger Jedaiah family. This meticulous detail underscores the critical importance of exact genealogical verification for priestly legitimacy and service in post-exilic Judah.
"nine hundred seventy and three."
This precise numerical figure indicates the total count of individuals within this specific priestly family who returned to Jerusalem. The exactitude of this and other figures throughout the census highlights the thoroughness of Nehemiah's record-keeping and the significant number of people committed to rebuilding not only the physical city but also its sacred institutions and communal life.
Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Nehemiah 7:39, and indeed throughout much of Nehemiah 7, is Enumeration or Cataloging. This involves the systematic listing of names, families, and precise numerical counts. This device serves not merely as a historical record but also to emphasize the sheer scale of the return from exile, the meticulous organization of the community, and the importance of each group within the re-established society. The inclusion of exact numbers, such as "nine hundred seventy and three," lends a strong sense of Documentary Style or Verisimilitude, making the account feel authentic, historically reliable, and divinely ordered. Furthermore, the act of specifically listing priestly families highlights the Symbolism of lineage, purity, and legitimacy, which were crucial for the proper and acceptable worship in the post-exilic period. The very existence of these detailed lists is a profound testament to God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant and enabling their return to re-establish the covenant community according to His design.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Nehemiah 7:39, though seemingly a dry demographic detail, is rich with theological significance. It powerfully underscores God's meticulous care for His covenant people and His unwavering commitment to restoring them, not only physically to their land but also spiritually to proper worship and covenant fidelity. The emphasis on priestly lineage reflects the Old Covenant's strict requirements for mediation between a holy God and sinful humanity, highlighting the sanctity of the divine-human encounter and the necessity of appointed, pure channels for worship. This verse also speaks profoundly to the theme of continuity and divine faithfulness across generations; despite the seventy years of exile, the priestly lines endured, preserved by God's providence, ready to resume their sacred duties. It is a testament to divine preservation and the human commitment to upholding God's established order for His people's flourishing.
Reflection and Application
This seemingly mundane verse about numbers offers profound insights for contemporary believers. Just as the priests' identity and calling were rooted in their verifiable lineage and adherence to divine standards, our identity and calling as believers are rooted in our spiritual lineage through Christ. We are called to understand who we are in Him—a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession (1 Peter 2:9)—and to live out the profound implications of that identity in our daily lives. The meticulous record-keeping of Nehemiah reminds us that God is a God of order, who pays attention to the details of His people and His grand redemptive plans. No one is overlooked in His divine purposes, and every individual, regardless of their perceived significance, plays a vital part in His grand design for His kingdom. The unwavering commitment of these returning exiles, who left the relative comfort of Babylon to rebuild a devastated land and restore true worship, challenges us to critically examine our own level of commitment and intentionality toward God's kingdom and the local Christian community. Our service, like theirs, should be marked by diligence, integrity, and a deep understanding of our God-given role and spiritual heritage.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is the precise number of priests so important in this verse and chapter?
The precise enumeration of priests in Nehemiah 7:39 and throughout the chapter is crucial for several interconnected reasons. Firstly, it serves as an invaluable historical record, meticulously documenting the actual scale of the return from Babylonian exile and the demographic composition of the re-established community in Judah. This detail provides tangible evidence of God's faithfulness in preserving and restoring His people. Secondly, and most critically for the priests specifically, these numbers were vital for establishing their legitimacy and their divinely ordained right to serve in the Temple. Priestly service was strictly hereditary, limited exclusively to those who could irrefutably prove their direct lineage from Aaron. This meticulous counting ensured that the sacred Temple rituals would be performed only by authorized individuals, thereby maintaining the sanctity, purity, and theological integrity of worship in the Second Temple. Finally, it reflects the careful organization, strategic planning, and profound commitment undertaken by Nehemiah and the leaders to rebuild not only the physical walls of Jerusalem but also the entire civic and religious life of the city, demonstrating a deep commitment to divine order, accountability, and the restoration of covenant faithfulness.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Nehemiah 7:39, with its meticulous focus on a legitimate, numerous, and returning priesthood, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament priesthood, with its emphasis on physical lineage, ritual purity, and repeated sacrifices, served as a profound foreshadowing of the perfect and eternal priesthood of our Lord. Unlike the Levitical priests, whose service was temporary, whose lineage was subject to human record-keeping, and whose lives were marked by impurity and death, Jesus' priesthood is "not according to a legal requirement concerning bodily descent but by the power of an indestructible life" (Hebrews 7:16). He is the great High Priest who, through His single, perfect, and once-for-all sacrifice on the cross, rendered the continuous animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant obsolete and unnecessary (Hebrews 9:11-14). Through His atoning work, the need for a specific, physical priestly lineage to mediate access to God is entirely removed. Instead, all who place their faith in Him are made part of a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), empowered to draw near to God directly and confidently through Him, our perfect Mediator (Hebrews 4:14-16). Thus, the meticulous counting of the returning priests in Nehemiah points forward to the comprehensive and perfect provision of Christ, who not only fulfills the priestly office in His own person but also inaugurates a new covenant where all believers share in His priestly access to God.