Nehemiah 7:55

KJV

The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Tamah,

KJV (with Strong's)

The children {H1121} of Barkos {H1302}, the children {H1121} of Sisera {H5516}, the children {H1121} of Tamah {H8547},

Complete Jewish Bible

descendants of Barkos, descendants of Sisra, descendants of Temach,

Berean Standard Bible

the descendants of Barkos, the descendants of Sisera, the descendants of Temah,

American Standard Version

the children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Temah,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 7:55 is a precise entry within a comprehensive census of those who returned from Babylonian exile to Judah, specifically listing "The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Tamah." These families are identified elsewhere in the book as "Solomon's servants" or Nethinim, a class of non-Israelite temple servants. This verse, though seemingly a dry list of names, underscores the meticulous record-keeping crucial for the re-establishment of the post-exilic community, highlighting the inclusion and value of all who contributed to the restoration of Jerusalem and its temple service, regardless of their origin or social standing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 7:55 is situated within a lengthy and detailed register (Nehemiah 7:6-73) that meticulously records all the exiles who returned from Babylon to Judah. This census immediately follows the successful rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, marking a transition from physical reconstruction to the re-establishment of the community's social, religious, and civic order. The list enumerates various groups, including priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and finally, the Nethinim and the descendants of Solomon's servants (Nehemiah 7:46-56), to which Barkos, Sisera, and Tamah belong. This detailed accounting served to identify legitimate members of the community, assign them to their proper towns, and ensure the continuity of temple service and tribal inheritances, laying the groundwork for the repopulation of Jerusalem and the surrounding areas. The chapter concludes with a summary of the total number of returnees, emphasizing the scale of God's restorative work.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Nehemiah unfold in the mid-5th century BCE, during the Persian Empire's rule. Nehemiah, serving as the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes I, was granted permission to return to Jerusalem as governor to rebuild its walls. The post-exilic period was characterized by a fervent desire to restore the nation's identity, religious purity, and covenant relationship with God after seventy years of exile. Lineage and tribal affiliation were paramount in ancient Israelite society, determining land rights, priestly succession, and social standing. The inclusion of "Solomon's servants" (Nehemiah 7:57) and Nethinim in this census is particularly significant. These were non-Israelite groups, likely descendants of those conquered by King David and King Solomon, who were assigned menial tasks for the sanctuary, such as drawing water and cutting wood (compare [Ezra 2:58](/ezra/2-58 "Ezra 2:58 - Descendants of Solomon's Servants")). Their presence in the list demonstrates the comprehensive nature of the return and the importance of all roles, even those considered servile, in the functioning of the restored temple and community.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing in Nehemiah 7, including verse 55, highlights several crucial themes. First, **Restoration and Reconstitution** are central, as the detailed census signifies the re-gathering of God's scattered people and the rebuilding of their communal life, not just their physical city. Second, **Divine Providence and Faithfulness** are evident in the sheer number of people who returned, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises to Israel, even after their unfaithfulness led to exile. This return was a miraculous act of God's grace, enabling the nation to be re-established. Third, the theme of **Order and Organization** is paramount; Nehemiah's leadership emphasizes the necessity of structure, administration, and proper identification for a stable and functioning society, especially in the context of religious purity and temple service. Finally, the inclusion of families like those of Barkos, Sisera, and Tamah, who were "Solomon's servants," underscores the theme of **Inclusion and Value of All Contributions**. It reveals that every individual and family, regardless of their social standing or specific task, was vital to the grand work of restoration and held a legitimate place within the re-established community of God's people, echoing the principle that all parts of the body are necessary (compare [1 Corinthians 12:22-24](/1_corinthians/12-22-24 "1 Corinthians 12:22-24 - The Necessity of All Members")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Barkos (Hebrew, _Barqos_):** This proper noun likely means "son of the painter" or "son of the dyer." While its etymology does not carry direct theological significance, its inclusion here is purely for identification. It signifies a specific family line among the Nethinim or Solomon's servants, demonstrating the meticulousness of the census in identifying every distinct household returning from exile.
* **Sisera (Hebrew, _Sisera_):** This name is famously associated with the Canaanite general defeated by Deborah and Barak in the book of Judges (Judges 4-5). However, the Sisera mentioned here is clearly a different individual or family line, identified by their role as temple servants rather than military figures. The name's origin is uncertain, possibly Philistine or Canaanite, further reinforcing the non-Israelite background of this group of temple servants. Its presence in the list underscores the integration of diverse elements into the post-exilic community.
* **Tamah (Hebrew, _Tamah_):** This proper noun could mean "laughter" or "blot/blemish." Similar to Barkos, its primary function in this verse is to identify another distinct family unit among the Nethinim. The specific meaning of the name does not contribute to the theological message of the verse beyond its role in the comprehensive enumeration of the returning exiles.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The children of Barkos,"**: This phrase identifies the first of three family units listed in this verse. The use of "children of" (Hebrew, _b'nei_) emphasizes lineage and the continuity of the family line, which was crucial for establishing identity and rights within the post-exilic community. This family belonged to the class of temple servants known as Solomon's servants or Nethinim.
* **"the children of Sisera,"**: This is the second family unit identified. As noted in the Key Word Analysis, this Sisera is distinct from the famous Canaanite general. Its inclusion highlights the diverse origins of the groups returning to Jerusalem and the comprehensive nature of Nehemiah's census, which accounted for all who contributed to the re-establishment of the community and its temple service.
* **"the children of Tamah,"**: The third and final family listed in this specific verse. Like the preceding two, this phrase denotes a distinct household within the broader category of non-Israelite temple servants. The repetition of "the children of" across these clauses reinforces the focus on family units as the fundamental building blocks of the returning community, each contributing to the overall strength and functionality of the restored nation.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Nehemiah 7:55, and indeed throughout the entire chapter, is **Catalog** or **List**. This meticulous enumeration of names and family lines serves several crucial purposes. First, it lends an air of historical authenticity and verifiable detail to the narrative, emphasizing the factual basis of the return and the re-establishment of Jerusalem. Second, the **Repetition** of the phrase "the children of" underscores the importance of lineage and family units in the post-exilic society, where identity, inheritance, and roles within the community were largely determined by one's ancestry. This detailed listing also functions as a **Symbolism** of the comprehensive nature of God's restorative work; it is not merely a wall that is rebuilt, but an entire community, meticulously gathered and ordered. The inclusion of diverse groups, even those of non-Israelite origin serving in humble roles, symbolizes the expansive and inclusive nature of God's redemptive plan, where every individual has a place and a purpose in the divine economy. This careful record-keeping also reflects the emphasis on order and legitimacy that was vital for the survival and flourishing of the nascent Jewish state.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 7:55, though seemingly a dry genealogical entry, carries profound theological weight. It speaks to God's meticulous care for His people and His sovereign oversight of every detail in His redemptive plan. The inclusion of these specific families, identified as "Solomon's servants" or Nethinim, underscores the principle that every individual, regardless of their social standing or perceived importance, plays a vital role in God's grand narrative of restoration. Their return and inclusion in the census signify that God values all who are willing to serve Him and contribute to the building of His kingdom. This detailed record-keeping also highlights the importance of order, identity, and accountability within the community of faith, ensuring that the restored temple service and civic life could function according to divine standards. It reminds us that God sees and acknowledges every act of faithfulness and service, no matter how humble or unseen it may appear to human eyes.

* [Ezra 2:58](/ezra/2-58 "Ezra 2:58 - Descendants of Solomon's Servants")
* [1 Corinthians 12:27](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - You are the Body of Christ")
* [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4-5 "Romans 12:4-5 - Many Members, One Body")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly mundane list of names in Nehemiah 7:55 offers a powerful reminder for believers today: every person and every contribution matters in the grand tapestry of God's kingdom work. Just as the descendants of Barkos, Sisera, and Tamah, who served in humble capacities, were meticulously recorded and valued in the rebuilding of Jerusalem, so too is every member of the body of Christ indispensable. This verse challenges us to recognize and affirm the dignity of all forms of service within the church, from the most visible leadership roles to the quiet, behind-the-scenes ministries that often go unnoticed. It cultivates a spirit of humility, reminding us that God's meticulous care extends to every individual, knowing each by name and valuing their unique contribution. We are called to embody the same spirit of inclusion and appreciation, fostering communities where every member feels seen, valued, and empowered to use their gifts for the common good. Furthermore, the emphasis on order and organization in Nehemiah's census encourages us to pursue excellence, intentionality, and good stewardship in our ministries and communal life, recognizing that structure can facilitate flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous record-keeping in Nehemiah 7, including seemingly minor families, challenge our perception of what is "important" in God's eyes?**
* **In what ways might we be overlooking or devaluing the "unseen" contributions of others within our own communities or churches?**
* **What does Nehemiah's attention to detail teach us about God's character and His care for every individual involved in His redemptive plan?**
* **How can we cultivate a greater sense of belonging and value for every member within our spiritual communities, regardless of their role or background?**

### FAQ
**Who were "Solomon's servants" or Nethinim, and why are they listed in this census?**

Answer: "Solomon's servants" (mentioned specifically in [Nehemiah 7:57](/nehemiah/7-57 "Nehemiah 7:57 - Solomon's Servants")) and the Nethinim (Hebrew for "given ones") were classes of temple servants who were not of Israelite descent. They were likely descendants of foreigners conquered by David and Solomon, who were assigned to perform menial tasks for the sanctuary, such as drawing water, cutting wood, and other laborious duties (compare [Ezra 2:58](/ezra/2-58 "Ezra 2:58 - Descendants of Solomon's Servants")). Their inclusion in Nehemiah's census is significant because it demonstrates the comprehensive nature of the post-exilic community and the importance of all who contributed to the restoration of Jerusalem and its temple. It underscores that even those in humble or servile roles were considered vital for the functioning of the restored religious and civic life, and their contributions were recognized and valued by God and the community leaders.

**Why is such a detailed list of names, like those in Nehemiah 7:55, so important in the book of Nehemiah?**

Answer: The meticulous listing of names in Nehemiah 7, including "the children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Tamah," serves several crucial purposes for the post-exilic community. First, it established the **legitimacy and identity** of those who returned, distinguishing true Israelites and their associates from those who had remained in the land or were foreign opportunists. This was vital for land claims, tribal inheritances, and ensuring purity of lineage, especially for priests and Levites. Second, it provided a basis for **organization and order**, allowing Nehemiah to assign inhabitants to Jerusalem and other towns, ensuring proper administration and the functioning of temple services. Third, it served as a **testament to God's faithfulness** in gathering His remnant, demonstrating the fulfillment of His promises to restore His people. Finally, it highlights the **inclusion and value of all contributors**, even those in servile roles like the Nethinim, emphasizing that every individual's participation was essential for the rebuilding of the nation and the re-establishment of its sacred institutions.

**Is the "Sisera" mentioned in Nehemiah 7:55 the same as the Canaanite general from the book of Judges?**

Answer: No, the "Sisera" mentioned in Nehemiah 7:55 is **not** the same as the Canaanite general Sisera, who was defeated by Deborah and Barak in the book of Judges (see [Judges 4](/judges/4 "Judges 4 - Deborah and Barak Defeat Sisera")). While the name is the same, the context and historical period are entirely different. The Sisera in Nehemiah 7:55 refers to the head of a family line among the "Solomon's servants" or Nethinim, who were non-Israelite temple servants returning from Babylonian exile. This highlights that names could be reused across different periods and cultures, and the identity of individuals must always be determined by their specific historical and literary context.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 7:55, with its listing of "the children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Tamah," families identified as "Solomon's servants" or Nethinim, foreshadows profound truths realized in Christ. The meticulous inclusion of these non-Israelite temple servants in the census points to God's expansive redemptive plan that extends beyond ethnic Israel. Just as these individuals, once marginalized, were brought into the community and given a vital role in the restored temple service, so too does Christ break down all barriers, inviting all nations and peoples into His new covenant community. Jesus Himself came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Matthew 20:28](/matthew/20-28 "Matthew 20:28 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). He elevates the humble and includes the outcast, making them fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). The physical temple, which these servants maintained, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ Himself, who is the true temple ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")), and in the Church, which is His body, built of living stones from every tribe and nation ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones") and [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Multitude from Every Nation")). Thus, the inclusion of these humble servants in Nehemiah's census prefigures the radical inclusivity of the gospel, where all who believe in Christ, regardless of their background or past status, are valued, given purpose, and integrated into the glorious spiritual temple that is the Church.

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 2:53

The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Thamah,