Nehemiah 7:57

KJV

The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Perida,

KJV (with Strong's)

The children {H1121} of Solomon's {H8010} servants {H5650}: the children {H1121} of Sotai {H5479}, the children {H1121} of Sophereth {H5618}, the children {H1121} of Perida {H6514},

Complete Jewish Bible

"The descendants of Shlomo's servants: descendants of Sotai, descendants of Soferet, descendants of P'rida,

Berean Standard Bible

The descendants of the servants of Solomon: the descendants of Sotai, the descendants of Sophereth, the descendants of Perida,

American Standard Version

The children of Solomon’s servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Perida,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 7:57 is a concise yet significant entry within the extensive genealogical and census records of those who returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian exile. It specifically lists three families—Sotai, Sophereth, and Perida—who belonged to the class known as "Solomon's servants." These individuals, often categorized as Nethinim, were dedicated to performing essential, though often humble, tasks for the temple service. Their inclusion in this meticulous register underscores the comprehensive nature of the post-exilic community's re-establishment, highlighting the value placed on all who contributed to the restoration of worship and national identity, regardless of their social standing or ethnic origin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 7 serves as a crucial bridge between the completion of the wall in [Nehemiah 6](/nehemiah/6 "Nehemiah 6 - Completion of the Wall") and the subsequent spiritual revival and covenant renewal described in [Nehemiah 8-10](/nehemiah/8 "Nehemiah 8 - Reading of the Law"). Following the successful reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls, Nehemiah's immediate concern was to repopulate the city and organize its inhabitants. This chapter provides a detailed census of the returning exiles, mirroring the list found in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - List of Exiles Who Returned"), which records those who came back with Zerubbabel in the first wave. The meticulous nature of this register was vital for establishing legitimate claims to land, priestly lineage, and roles within the newly reconstituted community, ensuring proper order and accountability for the temple service and the nation's future.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The return from Babylonian exile was a monumental undertaking, marking the re-establishment of the Jewish nation in their ancestral land after seventy years of captivity. The Persian Empire, under whose authority this return occurred, often supported local religious practices as a means of maintaining stability. The meticulous genealogical records, like the one in Nehemiah 7, were not merely bureaucratic but served a profound theological purpose: to affirm the continuity of God's covenant people and to ensure the purity of the priesthood and the temple service. "Solomon's servants" belonged to a class of temple attendants, often non-Israelite in origin (descendants of war captives or those dedicated to temple service), who performed menial but necessary duties. Their presence in this register highlights the diverse composition of the returning community and the practical needs of the restored temple.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of "Solomon's servants" in this detailed list contributes to several overarching themes within Nehemiah and the broader post-exilic narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Inclusivity in God's People**, demonstrating that the community of faith was not solely defined by direct Israelite lineage but also by dedication and service to God, reflecting a broader understanding of who belongs to the covenant people. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Faithful Return and Rebuilding**, as even those in seemingly humble service roles were part of the faithful remnant who committed themselves to the arduous task of restoring Jerusalem and its temple, as seen in Nehemiah's call to rebuild in [Nehemiah 2:17](/nehemiah/2-17 "Nehemiah 2:17 - Nehemiah's Call to Rebuild"). Thirdly, the meticulous nature of the census highlights **Divine Order and Accountability**, showing God's attention to detail and the importance of every individual's place within His plan. Lastly, it powerfully illustrates the **Value of Service**, affirming that every role, no matter how ordinary or behind-the-scenes, is significant and honored in God's kingdom, essential for the functioning of worship and the spiritual life of the nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Solomon's servants (Hebrew, _ʿabde Shlomo'_):** This term refers to a distinct class of temple servants, often associated with the Nethinim (Hebrew: נְתִינִים, _nethinim_, meaning "the given ones" or "those dedicated"). Their origin traces back to those whom King Solomon assigned to assist the Levites in temple duties, likely including descendants of non-Israelite captives or those consecrated for service, such as the Gibeonites mentioned in [Joshua 9:27](/joshua/9-27 "Joshua 9:27 - Gibeonites Become Servants"). Their role involved performing various menial but essential tasks, such as fetching water, cutting wood, and general upkeep of the temple precincts. Their inclusion in this post-exilic register signifies their continued, vital role in the restored temple worship.
* **children of (Hebrew, _bene_):** This recurring phrase emphasizes lineage and family identity. In ancient Israelite society, one's identity was strongly tied to their family and ancestral house. The repetition of "children of" before each family name (Sotai, Sophereth, Perida) highlights the continuity of these specific families through generations, underscoring that their dedication to temple service was a hereditary calling or tradition that persisted even through the seventy years of exile. It validates their claim to their traditional roles and their place within the returning community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The children of Solomon's servants:"** This opening phrase identifies the broader category of individuals being listed. It immediately signals that the following names belong to a specific group known for their historical association with temple service, tracing their heritage back to the time of King Solomon. This designation distinguishes them from the priests, Levites, or other tribal groups, yet firmly places them within the community of those dedicated to God's house.
* **"the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Perida,"** This part of the verse provides specific family names within the larger group of "Solomon's servants." The listing of these particular families (Sotai, Sophereth, Perida) demonstrates the meticulous detail of the census. It's not just a general category but a precise accounting of specific households who returned. This specificity validates their identity and their right to participate in the re-established community, emphasizing that even those in less prominent roles were individually known and accounted for by the scribes and, implicitly, by God.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Nehemiah 7:57, and indeed throughout much of [Nehemiah 7](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - List of Returnees"), is **Enumeration** or **Cataloging**. This involves the systematic listing of names, families, and groups. Its purpose is not merely to provide dry data but to establish legitimacy, demonstrate the comprehensive nature of the return, and create a sense of order and accountability within the newly formed community. The repetitive phrase "the children of" functions as a form of **Anaphora**, emphasizing the generational continuity and the importance of lineage in defining identity and role within the post-exilic society. This meticulous listing underscores the divine hand in gathering and organizing His people for the work of restoration, ensuring that every contributing family, even those in humble service, was recognized and their contribution documented.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 7:57, by meticulously listing families of "Solomon's servants," offers profound theological insights into God's economy and the nature of His people. It challenges a narrow, ethnocentric view of God's community by including those who were not direct descendants of Abraham or from the prominent tribes, but rather those dedicated to temple service, often of foreign origin. This inclusion prefigures the New Covenant's radical inclusivity, where belonging is determined not by lineage or social status but by faith and service. It demonstrates God's meticulous care for every member of His household, affirming that every role, no matter how humble, is vital for the functioning of His kingdom. The divine record honors the faithfulness of all who contribute to His work, reminding us that God sees and values every act of service performed for His glory.

* [Ezra 2:58](/ezra/2-58 "Ezra 2:58 - The Nethinim Listed")
* [Joshua 9:27](/joshua/9-27 "Joshua 9:27 - Gibeonites as Servants")
* [Matthew 6:4](/matthew/6-4 "Matthew 6:4 - Your Father Who Sees in Secret")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly mundane listing of names in Nehemiah 7:57 carries a powerful and enduring message for believers today. It reminds us that in God's kingdom, there are no insignificant roles or forgotten people. Just as the "children of Solomon's servants" were meticulously recorded and valued for their essential contributions to the temple, so too is every act of service, every hidden sacrifice, and every faithful effort within the body of Christ seen and cherished by our Heavenly Father. This verse calls us to embrace humility in service, recognizing that the strength of the community lies in the collective dedication of all its members, whether they are in prominent leadership or quietly serving behind the scenes. It encourages us to find dignity and purpose in whatever task God has called us to, knowing that our faithfulness, not our visibility, is what truly matters to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the inclusion of "Solomon's servants" challenge my perception of who is truly valued in God's kingdom?**
* **What "behind-the-scenes" roles or tasks in my church or community might I be overlooking or underestimating, and how can I better affirm those who perform them?**
* **In what ways can I embrace a more humble posture of service, knowing that God sees and honors every faithful contribution, regardless of its public recognition?**

### FAQ
**Who were "Solomon's servants" and why are they listed in Nehemiah 7?**

Answer: "Solomon's servants" were a specific class of temple functionaries, often referred to as the Nethinim (Hebrew for "the given ones"). Their origin can be traced back to individuals whom King Solomon assigned to assist the Levites in the upkeep and service of the temple. This group likely included descendants of non-Israelite captives (such as the Gibeonites, who became "hewers of wood and drawers of water" in [Joshua 9:27](/joshua/9-27 "Joshua 9:27 - Gibeonites Become Servants")) or others consecrated for temple duties. They performed essential, though often menial, tasks like fetching water, cutting wood, and general maintenance. They are listed in [Nehemiah 7](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - List of Returnees") (and its parallel in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - List of Exiles Who Returned")) because this chapter provides a comprehensive census of all who returned from Babylonian exile. Their inclusion underscores their vital role in the re-establishment of the temple worship and the post-exilic community. Their presence in the register validates their identity and their right to participate in the restored nation, demonstrating that every segment of the community, regardless of social standing or ethnic origin, was crucial for the collective effort of rebuilding.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 7:57, with its meticulous listing of "Solomon's servants," finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant's radical redefinition of God's people and the value of service. While these ancient servants performed essential duties for the earthly temple, Christ's coming inaugurated a new spiritual temple, the Church, where every believer is a "living stone" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")). Jesus himself exemplified ultimate service, not coming to be served but "to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). The inclusion of "Solomon's servants," who were often of non-Israelite descent, foreshadows the boundless inclusivity of the Gospel, where "there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - One in Christ")). In Christ, every act of service, no matter how humble or hidden, is elevated and honored, as He teaches that even a cup of cold water given in His name will not lose its reward ([Matthew 10:42](/matthew/10-42 "Matthew 10:42 - Reward for Service")). The meticulous record-keeping in Nehemiah points to God's intimate knowledge of each individual, a truth perfectly embodied in Christ, who knows His sheep by name ([John 10:3](/john/10-3 "John 10:3 - The Shepherd Knows His Sheep")) and promises that even the least of His followers will be remembered and rewarded in His eternal kingdom ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Serving the Least of These")).

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 2:55

The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Peruda,

Nehemiah 11:3

Now these [are] the chief of the province that dwelt in Jerusalem: but in the cities of Judah dwelt every one in his possession in their cities, [to wit], Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants.