Nehemiah 7:6

KJV

These [are] the children of the province, that went up out of the captivity, of those that had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away, and came again to Jerusalem and to Judah, every one unto his city;

KJV (with Strong's)

These are the children {H1121} of the province {H4082}, that went up {H5927} out of the captivity {H7628}, of those that had been carried away {H1473}, whom Nebuchadnezzar {H5019} the king {H4428} of Babylon {H894} had carried away {H1540}, and came again {H7725} to Jerusalem {H3389} and to Judah {H3063}, every one {H376} unto his city {H5892};

Complete Jewish Bible

"Here is a list of the people of the province who had been exiled, carried off to Bavel by N'vukhadnetzar king of Bavel, but who later returned from exile and went up to Yerushalayim and Y'hudah, each to his own city;

Berean Standard Bible

These are the people of the province who came up from the captivity of the exiles carried away to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar its king. They returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his own town,

American Standard Version

These are the children of the province, that went up out of the captivity of those that had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away, and that returned unto Jerusalem and to Judah, every one unto his city;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 7:6 introduces the meticulous register of Jewish exiles who returned from Babylonian captivity to Jerusalem and Judah, a foundational document for the post-exilic community. This verse not only marks a pivotal moment of physical restoration but also underscores the profound spiritual and communal re-establishment of God's covenant people in their ancestral homeland, reaffirming their identity, lineage, and rightful claim to the land after decades of displacement and judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 7:6 initiates a comprehensive genealogical list (Nehemiah 7:6-73) that is strikingly similar, almost identical, to the one recorded in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The List of Returnees"). This deliberate repetition serves a crucial literary purpose: to emphasize the profound importance and authoritative nature of this record for the returning community. In Nehemiah's narrative, this census immediately follows the monumental completion of Jerusalem's wall (as detailed in [Nehemiah 6](/nehemiah/6 "Nehemiah 6 - Completion of the Wall")) and precedes the spiritual revival and re-establishment of the Law and community life under Ezra and Nehemiah (beginning in [Nehemiah 8](/nehemiah/8 "Nehemiah 8 - Reading of the Law")). The list provides essential legitimacy and a sense of continuity for the people, affirming their identity as the true descendants of the covenant people and rightful inhabitants of the land, thereby setting the stage for the reordering of society, worship, and governance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The verse explicitly references "Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon" and the "captivity," firmly anchoring the narrative in the historical reality of the Babylonian exile. This period, which began with the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 586 BC (a catastrophic event described in [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Exile")), involved the forced deportation of the Jewish elite, skilled laborers, and a significant portion of the population to Babylon. The exiles endured over 70 years in a foreign land, a period precisely foretold by the prophet Jeremiah (compare [Jeremiah 25:11-12](/jeremiah/25-11-12 "Jeremiah 25:11-12 - Prophecy of 70 Years of Exile")). The phrase "children of the province" reflects the contemporary Persian administrative structure, under which Judah was no longer an independent kingdom but a small province (Yehud) within the vast Achaemenid Empire. The return "to Jerusalem and to Judah, every one unto his city" signifies not merely a physical homecoming but a deeply significant cultural, religious, and legal re-engagement with their ancestral heritage, covenant promises, and the re-establishment of family land claims.
* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 7:6 powerfully introduces several major themes central to the post-exilic books of Ezra and Nehemiah. The most prominent is **Restoration and Return**, highlighting God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises by bringing His people back to their homeland after a period of judgment and exile, as prophesied by Isaiah and Jeremiah (e.g., [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10-14 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - God's Plans for Hope and a Future")). This return underscores **Identity and Lineage**, as the meticulous genealogical record that follows was absolutely crucial for verifying who belonged to the covenant community, who was eligible for priestly service, and who could reclaim their ancestral land, thereby ensuring proper social, religious, and economic order. Finally, the entire narrative of the return, orchestrated through foreign kings like Cyrus (see [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1-4 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree for Return")), powerfully demonstrates **Divine Providence**—God's sovereign control over history and nations to fulfill His redemptive purposes for His chosen people, even through periods of devastation and foreign domination.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **children (Hebrew, _bên_ H1121):** From the root meaning "to build," _bên_ literally means "son," but in its widest sense, it refers to descendants, members of a group, or those belonging to a particular quality or condition. In this context, "children of the province" signifies the legitimate descendants of the original inhabitants of Judah, emphasizing their familial and communal connection to the land and their identity as the rightful heirs of the covenant promises, distinct from other populations.
* **province (Hebrew, _mᵉdîynâh_ H4082):** Derived from a root meaning "to judge," _mᵉdîynâh_ denotes a judgeship or jurisdiction, and by implication, a district or region ruled by a judge or governor. Its use here highlights Judah's contemporary political status as a mere administrative unit within the vast Persian Empire, no longer an independent kingdom. This term underscores the reality of their subjugation even as they experienced God's restorative hand.
* **carried away (Hebrew, _gâlâh_ H1540):** This primitive root means "to denude," "to exile," or "to reveal." It appears twice in Nehemiah 7:6, first implicitly in "captivity" (H7628, derived from _gâlâh_) and then explicitly as "had carried away." The repetition emphasizes the traumatic, forced displacement of the Jewish people from their land. It highlights the act of being stripped of their homeland and sovereignty, a direct consequence of divine judgment, and serves as a constant reminder of the historical reality that necessitated their return.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These [are] the children of the province,"**: This opening phrase immediately identifies the subject of the ensuing genealogical list: the legitimate descendants of the former kingdom of Judah, now a Persian administrative district. It establishes their authentic identity and inherent connection to the ancestral land.
* **"that went up out of the captivity,"**: This clause specifies the nature of their journey—a significant "going up" (a common biblical term for ascending to Jerusalem) from a state of forced displacement. "Captivity" refers directly to the period of exile in Babylon, underscoring their experience as a people who had been dispossessed but were now miraculously returning.
* **"of those that had been carried away,"**: This further clarifies the identity of the returnees, emphasizing their direct and familial connection to the generation that suffered the initial deportation. It highlights the historical continuity of the people and the fulfillment of prophetic promises for restoration after a period of divine judgment.
* **"whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away,"**: This clause explicitly names the historical agent of their suffering and displacement, grounding the narrative in a specific, well-known historical event. Nebuchadnezzar's name serves as a powerful reminder of the judgment and the devastating impact of the Babylonian conquest on Judah.
* **"and came again to Jerusalem and to Judah, every one unto his city;"**: This final clause describes the successful and comprehensive nature of their return. "Came again" signifies a restoration to their original state and place. The return to "Jerusalem and to Judah" indicates the re-establishment of the central religious and political hub, as well as the broader ancestral territory. The phrase "every one unto his city" is crucial, indicating the re-occupation of their specific ancestral land inheritances, which was fundamental to the covenant and their identity as God's people.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 7:6 primarily functions as an **Introductory Statement** to a detailed **Genealogical Record** or **Census**. The most prominent literary device at play is **Repetition**, particularly the concept of "carried away" or "captivity," which appears multiple times in various forms within the verse. This **Repetition** serves to emphasize the profound, traumatic, and defining experience of the Babylonian exile, underscoring its historical reality and its significance as the catalyst for the subsequent return. The verse also employs **Historical Allusion** by explicitly naming Nebuchadnezzar, which immediately connects the reader to the well-known and deeply impactful narrative of the destruction of Jerusalem and the subsequent exile. Furthermore, the verse acts as a **Summary Statement**, encapsulating the essence of the following list by concisely identifying the specific group (the children of the province), their origin (out of captivity), and their destination (Jerusalem and Judah). The precise language, including "children of the province" and "every one unto his city," highlights the meticulous nature of the record that follows, demonstrating the paramount importance of **Order and Legitimacy** to the post-exilic community in re-establishing their identity and societal structure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 7:6 is a profound theological statement, affirming God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises despite His people's disobedience and subsequent judgment. The detailed record of returnees, initiated by this verse, testifies to the divine orchestration of history, demonstrating that even through devastating exile, God preserves a remnant and fulfills His word concerning their restoration to the land. This return is not merely a political or demographic event but a deeply spiritual one, signifying the re-gathering of God's scattered flock and the re-establishment of their identity as His chosen people in the place of His dwelling. It is a powerful testament to God's redemptive purpose, showcasing His ability to bring life and order out of chaos and desolation, ensuring the continuity of His covenant line and the unfolding of His grand plan for salvation.

* [Jeremiah 32:37](/jeremiah/32-37 "God Gathers His People from All Lands")
* [Ezekiel 37:12-14](/ekeziel/37-12-14 "The Valley of Dry Bones and Return to the Land")
* [Isaiah 43:5-7](/isaiah/43-5-7 "God Gathers His Scattered People from Afar")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 7:6, though a seemingly dry genealogical introduction, carries immense spiritual weight and profound implications for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is a God of meticulous detail, sovereign control, and ultimate restoration. Just as He precisely remembered and returned the exiles to Jerusalem, He is faithful to bring about renewal, healing, and purpose in our lives, even after periods of spiritual wandering, profound hardship, or brokenness. This verse inspires profound hope, demonstrating that God's plans for His people will ultimately prevail, leading them back to their intended purpose and rightful place in His kingdom. It encourages us to trust in God's unwavering faithfulness even when circumstances seem dire or chaotic, recognizing that He remembers His covenant and orchestrates all events to bring about His redemptive purposes. Our true identity is rooted not in our past failures or present circumstances, but in God's unwavering commitment to His people and His promise of complete restoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of God's record-keeping in this verse encourage you about His personal attention to detail in your own life?**
* **In what specific areas of your life are you currently in need of God's restorative touch, and how does the historical return from exile in Nehemiah 7:6 offer you tangible hope?**
* **How does understanding the "captivity" and subsequent "return" of the Israelites deepen your appreciation for God's enduring faithfulness to all His promises?**
* **What does it mean for you to "return to your city" or "intended purpose" in light of God's sovereign call and design for your life?**

### FAQ

**Why is this genealogical list so important, and why is it repeated in Ezra?**

Answer: The genealogical list, introduced by Nehemiah 7:6 and paralleled in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The List of Returnees"), was critically important for the post-exilic community for several reasons. First, it established the legitimate identity of those returning, verifying who truly belonged to the covenant people of Israel after generations in exile. This was crucial for re-establishing social order, ensuring proper lineage for leadership, and maintaining communal purity. Second, it determined who had rightful claims to ancestral lands in Judah, a key aspect of their heritage and economic stability, as land ownership was tied to tribal inheritance. Third, and perhaps most importantly, it identified those eligible for priestly and Levitical service (as seen in [Nehemiah 7:63-65](/nehemiah/7-63-65 "Nehemiah 7:63-65 - Priests Excluded from Service")), ensuring the purity and proper functioning of temple worship and the sacrificial system. The repetition in both Ezra and Nehemiah underscores its immense significance, serving as a foundational document for the re-constitution of the Jewish community and a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant.

**What does "children of the province" tell us about the status of Judah at this time?**

Answer: The phrase "children of the province" (Hebrew: *bĕnê hammĕdînâ*) indicates that Judah, or Yehud, was no longer an independent kingdom with its own monarch but an administrative province within the vast Persian Empire. This status meant they were under Persian rule, subject to Persian laws, and governed by Persian-appointed officials (like Nehemiah himself, who served as a Persian governor). While they were granted a degree of autonomy in their internal religious and community affairs, their ultimate sovereignty rested with Persia. This designation highlights the historical reality of their subjugation following the Babylonian conquest, even as they experienced the miraculous return and reconstruction of Jerusalem. It sets the stage for the challenges and opportunities faced by a people seeking to live out their covenant identity under foreign dominion, a theme that continues throughout the books of Ezra and Nehemiah and even into the New Testament era (cf. [Luke 2:1-2](/luke/2-1-2 "Luke 2:1-2 - Caesar Augustus's Decree and the Census")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 7:6, with its meticulous record of those returning from exile, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate, greater return and restoration found in Jesus Christ. The physical re-gathering of Israel from Babylon points to the spiritual re-gathering of God's people—both Jew and Gentile—into His eternal kingdom through the redemptive work of the Messiah. Just as the exiles were "carried away" due to sin and rebellion against God, humanity is universally "carried away" by the pervasive captivity of sin (cf. [Romans 7:23-24](/romans/7-23-24 "Romans 7:23-24 - The Law of Sin and Death")). Jesus, the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), came precisely to set the captives free, proclaiming liberty to those bound by sin (cf. [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus's Mission Statement")). He is the one who enables us to "come again" not merely to a physical city, but to a spiritual Jerusalem, the [city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem](/hebrews/12-22-24 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - The Heavenly Jerusalem and New Covenant"). Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, He establishes a new covenant community, a spiritual "province" where all who believe are counted among the "children of God" (cf. [John 1:12-13](/john/1-12-13 "John 1:12-13 - Children of God by Faith")) and are given an eternal inheritance in the heavenly city (cf. [Hebrews 11:16](/hebrews/11-16 "Hebrews 11:16 - Longing for a Better Country")). The meticulous record in Nehemiah highlights the importance of earthly identity and lineage, but in Christ, our identity is profoundly redefined not by physical descent but by spiritual rebirth, making us citizens of heaven (cf. [Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship is in Heaven")) and co-heirs with Christ (cf. [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")).

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 2:1

¶ Now these [are] the children of the province that went up out of the captivity, of those which had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away unto Babylon, and came again unto Jerusalem and Judah, every one unto his city;

Ezra 2:70

So the priests, and the Levites, and [some] of the people, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, dwelt in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.

Ezra 5:8

Be it known unto the king, that we went into the province of Judea, to the house of the great God, which is builded with great stones, and timber is laid in the walls, and this work goeth fast on, and prospereth in their hands.

Jeremiah 52:1

¶ Zedekiah [was] one and twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name [was] Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.

Jeremiah 52:34

And [for] his diet, there was a continual diet given him of the king of Babylon, every day a portion until the day of his death, all the days of his life.

2 Chronicles 36:1

¶ Then the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, and made him king in his father's stead in Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 36:23

Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath the LORD God of heaven given me; and he hath charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem, which [is] in Judah. Who [is there] among you of all his people? The LORD his God [be] with him, and let him go up.