TRV
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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Nehemiah 7:5–73. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We have here another good project of Nehemiah's; for wise and zealous men will be always contriving something or other for the glory of God and the edification of his church. He knew very well that the safety of a city, under God, depends more upon the number and valour of the inhabitants than upon the height or strength of its walls; and therefore, observing that the people were few that dwelt in it, he thought fit to take an account of the people, that he might find what families had formerly had their settlement in Jerusalem, but were now removed into the country, that he might bring them back, and what families could in any other way be influenced by their religion, or by their business, to come and rebuild the houses in Jerusalem and dwell in them. So little reason have we to wish that we may be placed alone in the earth, or in Jerusalem itself, that much of our safety and comfort depends upon our neighbours and friends; the more the stronger, the more the merrier. It is the wisdom of the governors of a nation to keep the balance even between the city and country, that the metropolis be not so extravagantly large as to drain and impoverish the country, nor yet so weak as not to be able to protect it. Now observe,
I.Whence this good design of Nehemiah's came.
He owns, My God put it into my heart, Neh 7:5. Note, Whatever good motion is in our minds, either prudent or pious, we must acknowledge it to come from God. It was he that put it into our hearts; for every good gift and every good work are from above. He gives knowledge; he gives grace; all is of him, and therefore all must be to him. What is done by human prudence must be ascribed to the direction of divine Providence; he that teaches the husbandman his discretion (Isa 28:26) teaches the statesman his.
II.What method he took in prosecution of it.
1.He called the rulers together, and the people, that he might have an account of the present state of their families - their number and strength, and where they were settled. It is probable that when he summoned them to come together he ordered them to bring such an account along with them out of their several districts. And I doubt they were not so many but that it might be soon done.
2.He reviewed the old register of the genealogy of those who came up at the first, and compared the present accounts with that; and here we have the repetition of that out of Ezra 2. The title is the same here (Neh 7:6, Neh 7:7) as there (Ezr 2:1): These are the children of the province, etc. Two things are here repeated and recorded a second time from thence - the names and numbers of their several families, and their oblations to the service of the temple. The repetition of these accounts may intimate to us the delight which the great God is pleased to take in the persons, families, and services of his spiritual Israel, and the particular notice he takes of them. He knows those that are his, knows them all, knows them by name, has his eye on the register of those children of the captivity, and does all according to the ancient counsel of his will concerning them.
(1.)Here is an account of the heads of the several families that first came up, v. 6-69. As to this,
[1.]Though it seem of little use to us now, yet then it was of great use, to compare what they had been with what they now were. We may suppose they were much increased by this time; but it would do well for them to remember their small beginnings, that they might acknowledge God in multiplying their families and building them up. By this means likewise their genealogies would be preserved, and the distinction of their families kept up, till the Messiah should come, and then an end be put to all their genealogies, which were preserved for his sake, but afterwards were endless. But,
[2.]There are many differences in the numbers between this catalogue and that in Ezra. Most of them indeed are exactly the same, and some others within a very few under or over (one or two perhaps); and therefore I cannot think, as some do, that that was the number of these families at their first coming and this as they were now, which was at least forty years after (some make it much more); for we cannot suppose so many families to be not at all, or but little, altered in their numbers in all that time; therefore what differences there are we may suppose to arise either from the mistakes of transcribers, which easily happen in numbers, or from the diversity of the copies from which they were taken. Or perhaps one was the account of them when they set out from Babylon with Zerubbabel, the other when they came to Jerusalem. The sum totals are all just the same there and here, except of the singing-men and singing-women, which there are 200, here 245. These were not of such importance as that they should keep any strict account of them.
(2.)Here is an account of the offerings which were given towards the work of God, Neh 7:70, etc. This differs much from that in Ezr 2:68, Ezr 2:69, and it may be questioned whether it refers to the same contribution; here the tirshatha, or chief governor, who there was not mentioned, begins the offering; and the single sum mentioned there exceeds all those here put together; yet it is probable that it was the same, but that followed one copy of the lists, this another; for the last verse is the same here that it was Ezr 2:70, adding Ezr 3:1. Blessed be God that our faith and hope are not built upon the niceties of names and numbers, genealogy and chronology, but on the great things of the law and gospel. Whatever is given to the work of God, he is not unrighteous to forget it; nor shall even a cup of cold water, wherewith he is honoured, go without its reward.
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Summary
Nehemiah 7:68 meticulously records the number of horses and mules belonging to the Jewish exiles who returned from Babylonian captivity to Jerusalem. This precise entry is part of a comprehensive census detailing the human and material resources of the post-exilic community, highlighting the tangible assets crucial for their journey, the monumental task of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, and the re-establishment of their social, economic, and spiritual life in the land of Judah.
Context
Literary Context
Nehemiah 7 serves as a vital administrative and historical record, immediately following the triumphant completion of the wall in Nehemiah 6 and preceding the profound spiritual revival and covenant renewal initiated by Ezra in Nehemiah 8. This chapter provides a detailed register of the families and their possessions who returned to Judah, mirroring a nearly identical list found in Ezra 2. The inclusion of such a meticulous census underscores the foundational importance of identity, order, and resources for the nascent community. It establishes the legitimate lineage of the returnees and provides a basis for land allocation, communal organization, and the re-establishment of temple service, emphasizing that the physical rebuilding was inextricably linked to the re-formation of God's covenant people.
Historical & Cultural Context
The historical backdrop is the mid-5th century BC, during the Persian Empire's rule, a period marked by the return of Jewish exiles to their homeland under the decrees of Persian kings like Cyrus and Artaxerxes. Jerusalem lay desolate, its walls in ruins, and its population significantly diminished. The returning exiles faced immense challenges, including hostile neighbors, economic hardship, and the daunting physical labor of reconstruction. In this environment, livestock, particularly horses and mules, were indispensable. Horses were valuable for swift travel, communication, and prestige, while mules, known for their strength, endurance, and ability to navigate rugged terrain, were crucial for heavy labor such as hauling building materials, plowing fields, and transporting goods. The presence of these animals signified not only the material provision for the returnees but also their practical capacity to undertake the arduous tasks of rebuilding the city and re-establishing an agricultural economy, fulfilling the divine promise of provision for their return (Ezra 1:4-6).
Key Themes
Nehemiah 7:68, embedded within the broader census, contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Nehemiah. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates Divine Providence and Preservation, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving a remnant of His people through exile and providing them with the necessary resources to return and rebuild. The very existence of such a detailed record points to God's meticulous care for His covenant people, ensuring their survival and equipping them for His purposes. Secondly, the precise enumeration highlights the theme of Order, Accountability, and Stewardship. The careful accounting of individuals and assets emphasizes the critical need for diligent organization and administration within the community, vital for the successful rebuilding of both the physical city and the spiritual life of the people. This attention to detail reflects God's own orderly character and the importance of wise management of His provisions. Finally, the listing of horses and mules directly speaks to the theme of Resources for Rebuilding and Restoration. These animals represent tangible wealth and practical utility, symbolizing the material means available for the immense task of re-establishing Jerusalem and the nation, underscoring that God equips His people with both spiritual fortitude and practical assets to fulfill His redemptive plan (Philippians 4:19).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Derived from a root meaning "to skip" or "leap," çûwç refers to a horse, an animal highly valued in the ancient Near East primarily for its speed, use in warfare, and as a symbol of status and wealth. In the context of the returning exiles, the presence of 736 horses indicates a significant capacity for rapid transport, communication, and perhaps even a degree of military preparedness or prestige, suggesting a well-resourced and organized community rather than a destitute group. Their inclusion in the census speaks to the practical means available for establishing a functional society.
From a root meaning "to separate" or "divide" (perhaps alluding to its hybrid nature or solitary habits), pered denotes a mule, the sterile offspring of a male donkey and a female horse. Mules were highly prized for their superior strength, endurance, and sure-footedness compared to donkeys or horses, making them ideal for carrying heavy burdens, agricultural labor (plowing, threshing), and traversing difficult, mountainous terrain. The 245 mules listed highlight the practical, utilitarian resources essential for the demanding physical tasks of reconstruction, agriculture, and daily sustenance in the challenging post-exilic environment.
A primitive numeral, mêʼâh signifies "a hundred." Its repeated use in this verse ("seven hundred thirty and six" and "two hundred forty and five") underscores the meticulous nature of the census and the precise numerical accounting. This level of detail reflects a diligent effort to document every asset and individual, crucial for the tribal identification, land allocation, taxation, and overall organization of the re-emerging community. It speaks to a culture that valued order, accountability, and thoroughness, essential for the stability and future prosperity of the nation.
Verse Breakdown
"Their horses, seven hundred thirty and six"
This clause provides the specific count of horses owned by the returning exiles. The substantial number of 736 horses indicates that the community, despite having endured generations of captivity, possessed valuable assets for transport, communication, and potentially for demonstrating their re-established status. This detail contributes to the overall picture of a well-equipped, though still vulnerable, remnant embarking on the arduous task of rebuilding Jerusalem and re-establishing their lives in the land.
"their mules, two hundred forty and five"
This clause enumerates the mules belonging to the returnees, totaling 245. Mules were indispensable animals for heavy labor and enduring travel, especially over rugged terrain. Their presence, though fewer in number than horses, signifies the practical, work-oriented resources available to the community. These animals were crucial for the physical demands of clearing rubble, transporting building materials for the wall and temple, cultivating the land, and supporting the daily life of the community, underscoring the pragmatic provision for their immediate needs and long-term sustainability.
Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Nehemiah 7:68, and indeed throughout the entirety of Nehemiah 7, is Catalog or Enumeration. This meticulous listing of individuals, families, and their possessions serves several critical functions. Firstly, it provides a precise Historical Record and administrative document, establishing the legitimate lineage, tribal affiliations, and material resources of the post-exilic community. This was vital for re-establishing social order, land claims, and the proper functioning of the Levitical priesthood. Secondly, the sheer Precision of the numbers, down to individual animals, emphasizes the importance of order, accountability, and thoroughness in the monumental rebuilding effort. It reflects a divine and human commitment to meticulous detail in the restoration process. The near-verbatim Repetition of this list from Ezra 2 further underscores its significance and historical veracity, reinforcing its authoritative nature as a foundational document for the re-established nation and highlighting the divine hand in preserving and documenting His people.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Nehemiah 7:68, though seemingly a dry administrative detail, is profoundly theological in its implications. It testifies to God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving a remnant of His people through generations of exile and providing them with the necessary resources for their return and the monumental task of rebuilding. The meticulous accounting of horses and mules underscores that God's providence extends even to the practical, mundane details of life. It reminds us that God is a God of order and that He equips His people with tangible means to fulfill His purposes. This attention to detail in the ancient census encourages us to recognize and steward the resources—both material and spiritual—that God has entrusted to us today for the advancement of His kingdom. It speaks to the principle that God often works through human diligence and the wise use of available assets, even as He supernaturally provides.
Reflection and Application
The detailed enumeration of resources in Nehemiah 7:68, while a historical record, offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. It highlights the divine value placed on order, accountability, and the diligent stewardship of all resources. Just as the returning exiles carefully accounted for their horses and mules, we are called to be meticulous in managing all that God has entrusted to us—our time, talents, material possessions, and spiritual gifts. This verse reminds us that even in the midst of grand spiritual undertakings, the practical details matter to God. It encourages us to trust in God's provision, recognizing that He equips us not only with spiritual strength and wisdom but also with tangible means to carry out His will in the world. Our faithful and wise use of these resources contributes directly to the larger work of building His kingdom, just as the animals contributed to the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem. This passage calls us to examine our own lives: are we good stewards of the "horses and mules" God has given us for His purposes?
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is this detailed list of animals included in a biblical book, and what is its significance?
This detailed list, including the precise number of horses and mules, is included for several crucial reasons. Firstly, it serves as an authentic historical and administrative record, validating the identity, lineage, and tribal affiliations of the returning exiles. This was vital for re-establishing land ownership, social order, and the proper functioning of the community in post-exilic Judah. Secondly, it highlights the tangible resources available to the community for the immense task of rebuilding Jerusalem and re-establishing their lives. Horses and mules were essential for transport, agriculture, and heavy labor, signifying the practical means God provided. Thirdly, it underscores the meticulousness and order with which the community was organized, reflecting the importance of good administration and stewardship in God's work. Finally, it subtly points to God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant and providing them with the necessary means to fulfill His purposes, even down to the practical details of their journey and settlement, as seen in the parallel account in Ezra 2.
Are there discrepancies between the numbers in Nehemiah 7 and Ezra 2, and how should we understand them?
Yes, while the overall structure and most categories are nearly identical, there are slight numerical discrepancies between the census lists in Nehemiah 7 and Ezra 2. For example, while the numbers for horses (736) and mules (245) are consistent in both accounts (Nehemiah 7:68 and Ezra 2:66), the total number of people listed differs slightly between the two books (42,360 in both, but the sum of individual family groups varies). These minor differences are generally attributed to various factors such as different stages of compilation, scribal variations, or perhaps different methods of counting (e.g., counting heads vs. counting households, or including/excluding certain groups over time). Despite these minor variations, the overall consistency confirms the historical reliability and importance of the census as a foundational document for the returning community, demonstrating God's providential care in preserving His people.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While Nehemiah 7:68 directly details the material resources for the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem, it subtly foreshadows the ultimate provision and meticulous care God exercises in building His spiritual kingdom through Christ. The horses and mules, essential for the physical restoration and re-establishment of the post-exilic community, point to Christ as the ultimate and all-sufficient resource for the spiritual restoration of humanity. Just as the returning exiles were equipped to rebuild a physical city and temple, believers are equipped by Christ to be living stones in a spiritual temple, the Church, with Christ as the chief cornerstone (1 Peter 2:5 and Ephesians 2:20). Jesus declared, "I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it," indicating His active role as the master builder and the ultimate provision for His people. The meticulous accounting in Nehemiah reflects God's divine order and attention to every detail in His redemptive plan, a plan perfectly executed in Christ. Through His sacrifice and resurrection, Christ provides not merely physical means but spiritual life, eternal sustenance, and the power to live abundantly (John 10:10). The precise census of the physical remnant thus serves as a type for God's purposeful work in gathering and equipping His spiritual remnant, the body of Christ, for the ultimate work of building His eternal kingdom, a work that began with Christ and continues through His Spirit (Ephesians 4:11-16).