Nehemiah 7:55

Commentary on Nehemiah 7:55

Nehemiah 7:55 lists three family lines—the children of Barkos, Sisera, and Tamah—as part of a detailed census of those who returned to Judah from Babylonian exile. This verse is nestled within a larger record (Nehemiah 7:6-73) that meticulously accounts for all who resettled in Jerusalem and the surrounding towns after the rebuilding of the city wall.

Historical and Cultural Context

The book of Nehemiah chronicles the third major return of Jewish exiles from Babylon, led by Nehemiah, who served as governor. After successfully rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, Nehemiah's next crucial task was to repopulate the city and organize its inhabitants. This census was vital for establishing the identity, lineage, and roles of the community members, ensuring proper tribal inheritance and assigning duties for the newly restored temple service.

The names in this verse belong to the category of "Solomon's servants" (Nehemiah 7:57) or "Nethinims." These were non-Israelite temple servants, likely descendants of those assigned by King Solomon to perform menial tasks for the sanctuary, such as drawing water and cutting wood (compare Ezra 2:58). Their inclusion in this census underscores the importance of all who contributed to the restoration effort, regardless of their origin or specific tasks. The meticulous record-keeping reflects the post-exilic community's emphasis on purity of lineage and proper order for religious and civic life.

Key Themes and Messages

• Inclusion and Value: The listing of these families, even those in servile roles, highlights that every person and family who participated in the return and rebuilding of Jerusalem was significant and valued by God. No role was too humble in the grand work of restoration.
• Order and Organization: Nehemiah's careful record-keeping demonstrates the importance of structure and administration in establishing a stable community and a functioning religious system. This attention to detail provided a foundation for the future of the nation.
• Faithfulness and Perseverance: These lists are a testament to the thousands who chose to leave the relative comfort of Babylon to return to a desolate homeland and participate in the arduous task of rebuilding, driven by faith in God's promises.

Linguistic Insights

The names Barkos, Sisera, and Tamah are Hebrew proper nouns. While "Sisera" is a notable name from the book of Judges (referring to a Canaanite general), the Sisera mentioned here is a different individual or family line, distinguished by their role as temple servants rather than military figures. There are no particular linguistic nuances in these names themselves that significantly alter the verse's meaning beyond identifying specific family units.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 7:55, though seemingly just a list of names, offers timeless lessons for believers today:

• Every Contribution Matters: Just as the "Solomon's servants" were vital to the temple's functioning, every member of God's church has a crucial role, no matter how small or unseen it may seem. God values all who serve Him faithfully (see 1 Corinthians 12:27 for the body of Christ).
• God's Meticulous Care: The detailed record-keeping reflects God's attention to every individual involved in His redemptive plan. He knows and cares for each one of us personally.
• The Importance of Order: A well-organized and structured approach to ministry and community life can lead to greater effectiveness and stability, mirroring Nehemiah's leadership in Jerusalem.