Nehemiah 7:57

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

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},

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

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

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

Nehemiah 7:57 is a concise verse within a detailed registry of those who returned to Jerusalem from the Babylonian exile. Specifically, it lists certain families among "the children of Solomon's servants," who were a class of temple attendants.

Context

Chapter 7 of Nehemiah provides a comprehensive list of the individuals and families who returned with Zerubbabel in the first wave of exiles, mirroring the record found in Ezra chapter 2. This meticulous census was crucial for re-establishing the community, allocating resources, and ensuring proper lineage, especially for the priesthood and those dedicated to temple service. "Solomon's servants" were a group often associated with the Nethinim, a term meaning "given ones," who performed various duties for the temple, from menial tasks like fetching water and cutting wood to assisting the Levites. Their inclusion in this list underscores their vital role in the re-establishment of temple worship and the national identity after the seventy-year captivity.

Key Themes

  • Inclusivity in God's People: The presence of "Solomon's servants" highlights that God's community was not exclusively limited to the direct descendants of Abraham or the priestly tribes. It included those dedicated to His service, regardless of their ethnic origin. This principle points to a broader understanding of God's people, where service and faithfulness are paramount.
  • Faithful Return and Rebuilding: Even those in humble service roles were part of the faithful remnant who chose to return to a desolate land and participate in the arduous task of rebuilding Jerusalem and the temple. Their names are recorded, signifying their contribution and commitment.
  • Divine Order and Accountability: The extensive genealogical records throughout Nehemiah and Ezra demonstrate God's meticulous attention to detail and the importance of order within His community. Every individual and family, including those in service, was known and accounted for.
  • Value of Service: The listing of these families emphasizes that every role, no matter how seemingly ordinary, is significant in God's plan. The work of temple servants was essential for the functioning of worship and the spiritual life of the nation.

Linguistic Insights

While the KJV uses "Solomon's servants," the broader category they belong to is often referred to as the Nethinim (Hebrew: נְתִינִים, nethinim), meaning "the given ones" or "those dedicated." This term highlights their identity as individuals consecrated for temple service, often seen as fulfilling a role similar to that prescribed for the Gibeonites in Joshua 9:27, who were made "hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation."

Practical Application

Nehemiah 7:57, seemingly a dry list of names, carries profound lessons for believers today. It reminds us that:

  • Every Role Matters: There are no insignificant roles in God's kingdom. Whether one is a prominent leader or serves behind the scenes, each contribution is valued and remembered by God.
  • Faithfulness is Honored: God takes note of the faithful service of all His people. Just as these servants were recorded, our acts of devotion and service, however humble, are seen by our heavenly Father (Matthew 6:4).
  • Community Strength: A strong community of faith is built on the collective efforts of diverse individuals, each playing their part. The "children of Solomon's servants" were integral to the restored community in Jerusalem, just as every member is vital to the body of Christ today.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.
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