Nehemiah 7:43

KJV

The Levites: the children of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, [and] of the children of Hodevah, seventy and four.

KJV (with Strong's)

The Levites {H3881}: the children {H1121} of Jeshua {H3442}, of Kadmiel {H6934}, and of the children {H1121} of Hodevah {H1937}, seventy {H7657} and four {H702}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"The L'vi'im: descendants of Yeshua, of Kadmi'el, of the descendants of Hodvah 74

Berean Standard Bible

The Levites: the descendants of Jeshua (through Kadmiel, through the line of Hodevah), 74.

American Standard Version

The Levites: the children of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, of the children of Hodevah, seventy and four.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 7:43 meticulously records the return of a specific contingent of Levites from Babylonian exile, identifying them by their ancestral heads—Jeshua, Kadmiel, and Hodevah—and specifying their total number as seventy-four. This verse is an integral part of the comprehensive census in Nehemiah chapter 7, which systematically documents the families and individuals who resettled Jerusalem and the surrounding regions after the successful completion of the city wall, underscoring the vital role of these priestly families in the re-establishment of worship and communal order.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 7:43 is situated within a detailed genealogical register that follows the momentous completion of Jerusalem's walls, as celebrated in [Nehemiah 6:15](/nehemiah/6-15 "Nehemiah 6:15 - Completion of the Wall"). With the physical security of the city established, Nehemiah's focus shifts to the spiritual and social restoration of the community. This chapter functions as a critical census, listing those who returned from Babylonian captivity with Zerubbabel decades earlier, aiming to repopulate Jerusalem and establish proper order for its administration and worship. The list is remarkably similar to the one found in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - List of Returnees"), highlighting its historical veracity and significance for affirming the identity and rightful place of each family within the restored Israelite nation. The inclusion of Levites, specifically, was paramount for the re-establishment of proper Temple worship and service, as they were divinely appointed for these sacred duties.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The return from Babylonian exile was a pivotal moment in Israelite history, marking a new phase of covenant renewal and national identity formation. For a people whose identity was deeply rooted in their lineage and tribal affiliations, meticulous genealogical records were not merely administrative but existential. They confirmed one's right to land, inheritance, and, crucially for the Levites, their eligibility for sacred service in the rebuilt Temple. The Levites, as descendants of Levi, were set apart to assist the priests (Aaronites) in the Temple, performing duties ranging from guarding the sanctuary, preparing sacrifices, maintaining the Temple, and leading musical worship (see [Numbers 3:6-9](/numbers/3-6 "Numbers 3:6-9 - Duties of the Levites")). Their presence and verified lineage were essential for the legitimate functioning of the sacrificial system and the entire cultic life prescribed by the Mosaic Law. The act of recording these names and numbers underscored the community's commitment to restoring God's ordained order in every facet of their national life.
* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 7:43, as part of this broader census, powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Nehemiah and the post-exilic narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes the **importance of lineage and identity**, particularly for those designated for sacred service. Verifiable genealogy ensured adherence to divine requirements for roles, preserving the integrity of worship and confirming one's place in the covenant community. Secondly, the inclusion of Levites underscores the **restoration of worship and order**. Their return was indispensable for the full operation of the rebuilt Temple, signaling a renewed commitment to the sacrificial system, musical worship, and other duties outlined in the Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 10:8](/deuteronomy/10-8 "Deuteronomy 10:8 - Levites Set Apart")). Finally, the meticulous detail of this census, down to specific family heads and precise numbers, highlights **God's meticulous care and divine order**. It reflects a purposeful and sovereign hand guiding the rebuilding of the nation, demonstrating that even seemingly administrative details are part of God's grand plan for His people's restoration and flourishing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jeshua (Hebrew, _Yeshua'_):** This is a common Hebrew name, a shortened form of Yehoshua (Joshua), meaning "Yahweh is salvation" or "the Lord saves." Its inclusion here, as an ancestral head of a Levitical family, subtly points to the overarching theme of God's salvific work in bringing His people back from exile and restoring them.
* **Kadmiel (Hebrew, _Qadmi'el'_):** This name is typically understood to mean "God is ancient" or "before God." It may reflect a recognition of God's eternal nature and His pre-eminence, or perhaps the family's ancient lineage and standing "before God" in their sacred service.
* **Hodevah (Hebrew, _Hodevah'_):** Also appearing as Hodaviah (הוֹדַוְיָה, *Hodavyah*) in [Ezra 2:40](/ezra/2-40 "Ezra 2:40 - Hodaviah"), this name means "Praise ye the Lord" or "the Lord is my praise." It beautifully encapsulates the core function of the Levites, who were often responsible for leading the people in praise and worship within the Temple.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The Levites:"** This opening phrase immediately identifies the specific group being enumerated, emphasizing their unique tribal designation and their divinely appointed role within Israelite society. It sets the stage for detailing those responsible for sacred service.
* **"the children of Jeshua, of Kadmiel,"** This clause specifies two of the three ancestral lines or family heads of the Levites who returned. It underscores the importance of lineage and family identity in defining an individual's place and function within the post-exilic community. These names represent distinct branches of the Levitical tribe.
* **"[and] of the children of Hodevah,"** This adds the third ancestral line, completing the list of Levitical families being counted. The conjunction "and" links this final group to the preceding ones, indicating a collective return of these specific Levitical branches.
* **"seventy and four."** This precise number provides the total count for the Levites from these three families. The exactness of the figure highlights the meticulous nature of the census, reflecting a concern for order, accountability, and the accurate re-establishment of the community's structure.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 7:43 primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Genealogy**. The verse is part of an extensive list, systematically counting and categorizing the returning exiles, a clear example of enumeration. This numerical precision serves to underscore the meticulousness with which the community was being re-established and the divine order governing their return. Furthermore, the identification of individuals as "children of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, and of Hodevah" is a direct use of **Genealogy**, tracing individuals back to their ancestral heads. This device was crucial for establishing legitimacy, particularly for the Levites whose service was dependent on their lineage. The repetition of this detailed census list, almost verbatim, in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The Census of Returnees") also demonstrates a form of **Repetition**, reinforcing the historical accuracy and importance of these records for the post-exilic community's identity and administrative structure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 7:43, though a seemingly administrative detail, carries profound theological weight. It speaks to God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant of His people and His meticulous care for the re-establishment of His covenant community. The return of the Levites was not merely a logistical necessity but a divine imperative for the restoration of proper worship, signifying a renewed commitment to the Law and the sacred order God had established. This attention to detail, from names to numbers, reflects a God who is intimately involved in the lives of His people, orchestrating their return and providing for the spiritual infrastructure necessary for their flourishing. It underscores the enduring importance of divine order and the continuity of God's covenant promises, even through periods of judgment and exile.

* [Numbers 1:50](/numbers/1-50 "Numbers 1:50 - Levites Appointed for the Tabernacle")
* [1 Chronicles 9:2](/1_chronicles/9-2 "1 Chronicles 9:2 - Levites in Jerusalem")
* [Ezra 2:40](/ezra/2-40 "Ezra 2:40 - Levites in Ezra's Census")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed census in Nehemiah, including the listing of the Levites in Nehemiah 7:43, might initially appear as a dry administrative record, yet it offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order and purpose, who values every individual and every contribution within His divine plan. Just as the Levites were called to specific, vital roles in the Temple, so too are believers today called to faithful service within the body of Christ, each with unique gifts and responsibilities (see [1 Peter 4:10](/1_peter/4-10 "1 Peter 4:10 - Use Your Gifts")). The meticulous record-keeping emphasizes the importance of accountability, integrity, and the proper functioning of the community, whether in ancient Israel or the modern church. It teaches us that even seemingly small or administrative details matter to God when they contribute to the faithful execution of His purposes and the building up of His people. Our faithfulness in our designated roles, no matter how humble, contributes to the larger work of God's kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of this census challenge my perception of what matters to God in the life of His people and the church?**
* **In what ways can I, like the returning Levites, faithfully contribute to the order and spiritual health of my community or church today?**
* **How does understanding the importance of lineage and specific roles in ancient Israel inform my understanding of spiritual identity and calling in Christ?**

### FAQ

**Why was it so important to list the Levites specifically, rather than just a general count of returnees?**

Answer: Listing the Levites specifically was crucial because they held a unique and indispensable role in the religious life of Israel. According to the Law of Moses, only Levites were permitted to perform certain duties in the Temple, such as assisting the priests, maintaining the sanctuary, and leading worship. Their lineage determined their eligibility for these sacred tasks. This meticulous record ensured that the restored community could re-establish proper Temple worship according to divine command, maintaining the integrity and purity of their religious practices. It wasn't just about numbers; it was about divine order and the continuity of God's covenant with His people, ensuring that those serving were legitimate and properly consecrated for their roles, as outlined in passages like [Numbers 3](/numbers/3 "Numbers 3 - The Levites' Role").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Nehemiah 7:43 is a historical record of Levitical families, its underlying themes find profound fulfillment in Christ. The meticulous concern for lineage and order among the Levites, who served in the earthly temple, foreshadows the perfect and eternal High Priesthood of Jesus Christ, who is "a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 7:17](/hebrews/7-17 "Hebrews 7:17 - Jesus, a Priest Forever")). The Levites' role in facilitating worship and atonement pointed to the ultimate sacrifice of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), Jesus Himself, through whom true access to God is granted. The restoration of order and worship in Nehemiah anticipates the spiritual restoration and new covenant community established by Christ, where believers, through Him, become a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God. The very name "Jeshua" (Yeshua), meaning "the Lord saves," embedded in this Levitical lineage, directly points to Jesus as the ultimate salvation, the one who perfectly fulfills all the shadows of the Old Testament service and brings about the true and lasting restoration of God's people.

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

Ezra 2:40

The Levites: the children of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the children of Hodaviah, seventy and four.

Nehemiah 3:9

And next unto them repaired Rephaiah the son of Hur, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem.