Nehemiah 7:67

KJV

Beside their manservants and their maidservants, of whom [there were] seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and they had two hundred forty and five singing men and singing women.

KJV (with Strong's)

Beside their manservants {H5650} and their maidservants {H519}, of whom there were seven {H7651} thousand {H505} three {H7969} hundred {H3967} thirty {H7970} and seven {H7651}: and they had two hundred {H3967} forty {H705} and five {H2568} singing men {H7891} and singing women {H7891}.

Complete Jewish Bible

not including their male and female slaves, of whom there were 7,337. They also had 245 male and female singers.

Berean Standard Bible

in addition to their 7,337 menservants and maidservants, as well as their 245 male and female singers.

American Standard Version

besides their men-servants and their maid-servants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and they had two hundred forty and five singing men and singing women.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 7:67 concludes a meticulous census of the Jewish community that returned from Babylonian exile, specifically itemizing the number of their domestic servants—seven thousand three hundred thirty-seven—and their professional musicians—two hundred forty-five singing men and singing women. This precise enumeration underscores the comprehensive nature of the post-exilic restoration, highlighting not only the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem but also the reconstitution of a vibrant, socially structured, and spiritually devoted community, with every segment contributing to the re-establishment of Israelite life in the land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 7:67 serves as the penultimate verse in a lengthy and detailed genealogical register (Nehemiah 7:6-67), which meticulously lists the families, clans, and individuals who returned with Zerubbabel from Babylon. This extensive census is nearly identical to the one recorded in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The First Returnees Census"), emphasizing its authoritative and foundational importance for the post-exilic community's identity and organization. The chapter begins with Nehemiah's strategic decision, prompted by divine inspiration, to conduct a census of the people after the wall was rebuilt, aiming to organize the community and assign responsibilities, particularly for those involved in temple service ([Nehemiah 7:4-5](/nehemiah/7-4 "Nehemiah 7:4-5 - Nehemiah's Census Initiative")). The careful accounting in this verse provides a specific tally for two distinct, yet vital, groups within this returning population—servants and musicians—immediately preceding the grand total for the entire assembly in [Nehemiah 7:68-69](/nehemiah/7-68 "Nehemiah 7:68-69 - Grand Totals of the Returnees").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The return from Babylonian exile, following a 70-year period of captivity prophesied by Jeremiah ([Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Return")), marked a pivotal moment in Jewish history. The community was tasked with re-establishing itself in a land that had suffered desolation for decades, all under the overarching authority of the Persian Empire. The inclusion of "manservants and maidservants" in the census is a reflection of the socio-economic realities of the ancient Near East, where possessing a significant number of domestic laborers indicated a degree of wealth, social standing, and the capacity for large-scale rebuilding and sustenance of households. These individuals would have performed essential domestic, agricultural, and construction tasks. The specific mention of "singing men and singing women" highlights the profound cultural and religious priorities of the returning exiles. Music was an indispensable element of ancient Israelite worship, especially in the temple, and these individuals were likely professional liturgical musicians, trained to lead the community in praise, lament, and thanksgiving, ensuring the restoration of the sacred musical traditions that were central to Israel's identity before the exile.

* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 7:67 contributes significantly to several overarching themes present in the book of Nehemiah and the broader post-exilic narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Comprehensive Restoration**. The meticulous accounting of every segment of the population—from leaders and priests to ordinary families, their servants, and specialized musicians—underscores a holistic effort to reconstitute a fully functioning society, extending beyond mere physical reconstruction to encompass the entire social and spiritual fabric of Jewish life. Secondly, the explicit mention of "singing men and singing women" emphasizes the **Centrality of Worship** in the restored community. Their presence signifies that spiritual and liturgical restoration was considered as vital as the physical rebuilding of walls and homes, echoing the joyful sounds of praise heard during the laying of the temple's foundation in [Ezra 3:11](/ezra/3-11 "Ezra 3:11 - Praise at the Temple's Foundation"). Finally, the very existence of this diverse and capable returning remnant serves as a profound testimony to **God's Faithfulness and Preservation**. Despite decades of exile and the immense challenges of resettlement, God remained true to His covenant, preserving His people and bringing them back to fulfill His promises, demonstrating His unwavering love and sovereign care.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Manservants (Hebrew, _ʻebed'_ H5650):** This term refers to male servants or slaves. In ancient Near Eastern societies, servants were often acquired through various means (birth, debt, war) and formed an integral part of a household's economic and social structure. Their presence indicated the wealth and capacity of the family or community they served. The significant number of manservants (part of the 7,337 total) among the returnees suggests that many exiles were not impoverished but had managed to retain or acquire substantial resources, which would be crucial for the arduous task of rebuilding Jerusalem and re-establishing their lives.
* **Maidservants (Hebrew, _ʼâmâh'_ H519):** This term denotes female servants or slaves, fulfilling roles similar to manservants but often more focused on domestic duties. Like their male counterparts, maidservants were a common feature of ancient households, contributing to the daily operations and economic productivity. Their inclusion in the census alongside manservants further highlights the comprehensive nature of the returning population and their established social structures, indicating a degree of stability and resourcefulness necessary for the monumental task of resettlement and reconstruction.
* **Singing Men and Singing Women (Hebrew, _shîyr'_ H7891):** This phrase specifically identifies professional musicians, individuals dedicated to the art of singing, particularly in a liturgical context. In ancient Israel, temple musicians played a vital role in communal worship, leading congregational praise, lament, and thanksgiving. Their inclusion in this census, distinct from the general populace and servants, underscores the community's profound commitment to restoring the full complement of temple services and the indispensable role of music in their spiritual life, reminiscent of David's meticulous organization of temple musicians in [1 Chronicles 25:7](/1_chronicles/25-7 "1 Chronicles 25:7 - David Organizes Temple Musicians").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Beside their manservants and their maidservants, of whom [there were] seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven":** This clause provides a precise numerical account of the domestic servants who accompanied the exiles returning to Judah. The substantial figure of 7,337 indicates that a significant portion of the returnees possessed considerable wealth and established households, allowing them to support a large retinue of servants. This suggests a degree of economic stability and social organization among the leading families and individuals, which was absolutely essential for undertaking the monumental task of rebuilding Jerusalem and re-establishing the community.
* **"and they had two hundred forty and five singing men and singing women."**: This clause specifies the number of professional musicians among the returnees. The presence of such a dedicated group of 245 individuals highlights the community's profound prioritization of organized worship and the arts. These musicians were crucial for re-establishing the musical aspects of temple service, ensuring that sounds of praise and adoration would once again resonate in Jerusalem. Their inclusion signifies not only physical restoration but also a deep commitment to spiritual revival and the re-institution of the liturgical practices central to Israel's identity.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 7:67, consistent with the broader chapter, primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Census** as its core literary devices. The meticulous listing of precise numbers for servants and musicians underscores the comprehensive and orderly nature of the post-exilic community's re-establishment. This precision lends an air of historical accuracy and divine oversight to the narrative, emphasizing the thoroughness with which the community was being reconstituted. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates **Inclusivity** by explicitly mentioning these two distinct groups—servants and professional musicians—alongside the general family units, priests, and Levites. This highlights that the restoration was not limited to specific classes or roles but encompassed all facets of society, each contributing to the collective well-being. There is also a subtle **Juxtaposition**, as the practical, labor-oriented role of servants is listed immediately before the spiritual, aesthetic role of the singers. This pairing subtly underscores the holistic nature of the restored community, where both physical sustenance and spiritual expression were deemed essential and interconnected for a flourishing society.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 7:67 powerfully articulates the meticulous care of God for His people and the comprehensive nature of His redemptive plan. The detailed accounting of every segment of the returning community, down to servants and musicians, reveals that God's restoration is holistic, addressing not only physical structures but also the social fabric and spiritual life of His chosen people. It underscores the theological truth that every member, regardless of their societal role, is valuable in God's eyes and contributes to the flourishing of His kingdom. The emphasis on "singing men and singing women" particularly highlights the enduring importance of worship as a central expression of faith and gratitude within the covenant community, demonstrating that spiritual vitality is paramount to true restoration and that God delights in the praise of His people.

* [Ezra 2:64-65](/ezra/2-64-65 "Ezra 2:64-65 - Parallel Census Totals")
* [1 Chronicles 25:7](/1_chronicles/25-7 "1 Chronicles 25:7 - Organization of Temple Musicians")
* [Psalm 150:3-6](/psalm/150-3-6 "Psalm 150:3-6 - Call to Praise with All Instruments")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 7:67 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us that every individual within the community of faith has a vital and valued role to play, regardless of how seemingly humble or prominent. Just as the servants provided essential labor and the singers brought spiritual vibrancy to the post-exilic community, so too does the body of Christ thrive when diverse gifts and callings are recognized, valued, and utilized for the common good and God's glory. This verse encourages us to appreciate the often-unseen contributions of those who serve diligently behind the scenes and to prioritize the corporate expression of worship, recognizing its profound power to unify, uplift, and glorify God. It challenges us to foster a community where both practical service and joyful praise are celebrated as indispensable elements of our collective spiritual journey, demonstrating that true restoration and flourishing involve the holistic engagement of all members in both their practical and spiritual capacities, reflecting God's comprehensive design for His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the inclusion of both servants and musicians in this census challenge our modern perceptions of value and contribution within a community of faith?**
* **In what specific ways does your local church or community of faith intentionally recognize and affirm the diverse "servants" and "singers" among its members?**
* **What does the emphasis on "singing men and singing women" teach us about the enduring importance of worship, musical expression, and the arts in our spiritual lives today?**
* **How can we, like the returning exiles, intentionally prioritize both practical service and joyful praise in our personal and communal walk with God, ensuring a holistic approach to our faith?**

### FAQ
**Why is it important that the census includes both servants and singing men and women?**

Answer: The inclusion of both servants and singing men and women in the census is crucial for several reasons, providing a comprehensive snapshot of the returning community. First, it highlights the social and economic structure of the exiles. The presence of a large number of servants (7,337) indicates that the returnees were not a homogeneous group of impoverished individuals but included those with significant resources, capable of supporting a substantial workforce for the rebuilding efforts. This demonstrates a degree of stability and organization essential for the monumental task ahead. Second, the specific mention of professional musicians (245 singing men and women) underscores the community's profound commitment to restoring not only the physical temple and city but also its spiritual and liturgical functions. It demonstrates that worship, music, and the arts were considered integral to their identity and future, signaling a holistic approach to restoration that encompassed both practical needs and spiritual devotion. This detailed accounting emphasizes the divine providence that preserved a diverse and capable remnant for the task of re-establishing God's people in the land and their worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 7:67, with its meticulous accounting of diverse community members, including servants and worshipers, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ and the nature of the New Covenant community. Christ Himself is the quintessential Servant, who "did not come 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 - Jesus the Servant")). He fully embodies the selfless dedication seen in the faithful servants, taking on the very nature of a servant ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility")) to accomplish God's redemptive plan. Furthermore, Jesus is the Head of the Church, the new spiritual temple, where all believers are called to be both servants and worshipers. Under the New Covenant, the distinction between professional "singing men and singing women" and the general populace is transcended, as all believers are made "a royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), empowered by the Holy Spirit to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and worship ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Sacrifice of Praise")). The ultimate fulfillment of the "singing men and singing women" is found in the heavenly choir, where a multitude from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation sings a new song of praise to the Lamb who was slain ([Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9-10 "Revelation 5:9-10 - The New Song of the Redeemed")), culminating in the eternal worship of God and the Lamb in the new heavens and new earth ([Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3-4 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with His People")). Thus, Nehemiah 7:67 foreshadows the comprehensive and worship-centered community established by Christ, where every member serves and praises God in unity and truth.

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 2:65

Beside their servants and their maids, of whom [there were] seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and [there were] among them two hundred singing men and singing women.

Isaiah 45:1

¶ Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;

Isaiah 45:2

I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:

Jeremiah 27:7

And all nations shall serve him, and his son, and his son's son, until the very time of his land come: and then many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of him.