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 7:69 provides a precise numerical account of the camels and asses (donkeys) owned by the Jewish exiles returning to Jerusalem from Babylonian captivity. This seemingly simple enumeration of livestock is profoundly significant, serving as a powerful testament to the immense logistical undertaking of the post-exilic restoration. It highlights God's meticulous and faithful provision for His people's physical needs, supplying the practical resources essential for rebuilding their community, economy, and the very fabric of Jerusalem, underscoring the divine orchestration of every detail in their re-establishment in the promised land.
Context
Literary Context
Nehemiah 7:69 is embedded within a detailed census list (Nehemiah 7:6-73) that meticulously records the families, individuals, and material possessions of those who returned to Judah from Babylonian exile. This comprehensive roster is almost identical to the one found in Ezra 2, affirming its historical accuracy and its function as an official, divinely preserved record. The strategic placement of this census immediately following the triumphant completion of Jerusalem's wall (Nehemiah 6) and preceding the profound spiritual renewal initiated by the public reading of the Law (Nehemiah 8) is crucial. It underscores Nehemiah's commitment to divine order and communal structure, ensuring that the repatriated community was thoroughly organized and accounted for before embarking on deeper spiritual and civic reforms. The meticulous listing of human and animal resources, down to the specific numbers of livestock, firmly establishes the legitimate claim of the returnees to the land and demonstrates their preparedness for the monumental task of rebuilding.
Historical & Cultural Context
The return from Babylonian exile, prophesied by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 29:10), was a monumental series of events spanning several decades, commencing with Cyrus the Great's decree in 538 BC. The journey from Babylon to Jerusalem was an arduous trek of hundreds of miles, traversing vast deserts and challenging terrain. In the ancient Near East, camels were indispensable for long-distance transport, renowned for their ability to carry heavy loads across arid landscapes for extended periods without water. Asses (donkeys), on the other hand, were the workhorses of daily life, essential for shorter-distance transport, agricultural labor (plowing, threshing), and general utility within settlements. The presence of such substantial numbers of both types of animals in the returning contingent signifies the significant wealth, logistical planning, and practical resources required for this mass migration and subsequent resettlement. These animals were not mere possessions; they were vital assets for survival, agriculture, trade, and the immense task of physically rebuilding the city, the temple, and the economic infrastructure of the nascent community in Judah.
Key Themes
Nehemiah 7:69, as part of the broader census, contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Nehemiah. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates Divine Providence and Faithfulness. The inclusion of such precise numbers, even for livestock, emphasizes God's meticulous care and comprehensive provision for His people. He not only orchestrated their return but also equipped them with the necessary material resources, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. This divine oversight is evident throughout the book, from the initial favor granted by the Persian kings (Nehemiah 2:8) to the successful completion of the wall despite opposition (Nehemiah 6:15-16). Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of Restoration and Rebuilding. The animals were practical assets, indispensable for the physical reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls (as detailed in Nehemiah 3) and for establishing a sustainable agricultural and economic foundation for the community. Lastly, the detailed record-keeping underscores the theme of Order and Accountability, reflecting a community committed to proper administration, the preservation of its identity, and the meticulous stewardship of resources as they re-established themselves in the land.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Apparently from a root in the sense of labor or burden-bearing, referring to a camel. These large, resilient pack animals were crucial for long-distance travel across arid regions, capable of carrying substantial loads of goods and supplies over many days without needing frequent watering. Their presence in such numbers (435) indicates the significant wealth and logistical capacity of the returning exiles, as well as the sheer volume of materials and provisions transported from Babylon to Judah. They symbolize the arduous journey and the substantial resources God provided for the return.
A male ass (from its dun red). Donkeys were the ubiquitous work animals of the ancient world, used for shorter-distance transport, agricultural labor (plowing, threshing), and general utility. The much larger number of asses (6,720) compared to camels reflects their broader utility for daily life, farming, and local transportation within the newly settled community. Their abundance underscores the practical foundation laid for the community's immediate and long-term sustenance and agricultural productivity.
Meaning a thousand. This numeral, along with others in the verse, highlights the meticulous nature of the census. The use of "thousand" for the asses underscores the sheer scale of the animal population and, by extension, the significant agricultural and labor capacity the returning community possessed. It speaks to the comprehensive nature of the return and the substantial resources God provided for the re-establishment of His people.
Verse Breakdown
"[Their] camels, four hundred thirty and five"
This initial clause precisely enumerates the camels, highlighting their specific value as beasts of burden for the long, arduous journey from Babylon and as significant assets for the community's future economic stability. The exact number emphasizes the meticulous nature of the census and the tangible, divinely orchestrated provision for the returnees' challenging endeavor of repatriation.
"six thousand seven hundred and twenty asses"
This second clause details the far greater number of asses. This significant disparity in numbers between camels and asses reflects their distinct primary uses: camels for long-haul transport and symbols of wealth, while asses were indispensable for everyday labor, extensive agriculture, and local movement within the re-established settlements. The high count of asses points to the immediate and widespread need for agricultural and domestic support for the nascent community, ensuring their self-sufficiency and productivity in the land.
Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Nehemiah 7:69, and indeed throughout the entire census in Nehemiah 7, is Enumeration. This meticulous listing of specific, precise numbers for people, animals, and material resources serves to emphasize the historical accuracy and factual basis of the biblical record. It lends profound credibility to the narrative of the post-exilic return and underscores the tangible reality of God's comprehensive provision. The precise figures also convey a powerful sense of Order and Divine Meticulousness, suggesting that every detail of the return and re-establishment was divinely accounted for and orchestrated, reflecting a sovereign hand guiding the entire process. Furthermore, the inclusion of livestock alongside human population and other assets functions as a form of Merism, representing the totality of the community's assets and the comprehensive nature of their re-establishment in the land.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Nehemiah 7:69, with its precise enumeration of livestock, profoundly speaks to the theological truth of God's comprehensive and meticulous provision for His people. It reveals that God's plan for restoration is not merely spiritual or abstract but encompasses the practical, material needs of His servants. Just as He provided the physical resources—camels for the journey, asses for labor—for the rebuilding of Jerusalem, so too does He equip His people for every task He calls them to. This verse stands as a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, demonstrating His active involvement in even the seemingly mundane details of human history, ensuring His purposes are fulfilled. It encourages believers to trust in God's all-encompassing care, knowing that He oversees the grand narrative and the smallest provisions, inviting us to recognize His hand in every aspect of our lives.
Reflection and Application
The detailed accounting of livestock in Nehemiah 7:69 offers a powerful and often overlooked reminder that God's providence extends to every aspect of our lives, even the seemingly insignificant or mundane. Just as He meticulously provided the camels and asses necessary for the physical journey and rebuilding efforts of the returning exiles, so too does He equip us with the resources, talents, and opportunities we need for our spiritual journeys and the work He calls us to do. This verse challenges us to cultivate a posture of profound gratitude for God's provision in all areas, recognizing that every detail, no matter how small, contributes to His overarching purpose. It encourages us to be diligent and faithful stewards of the resources entrusted to us, whether they are material possessions, spiritual gifts, relational connections, or even our time and energy, understanding that they are given not for our own accumulation but for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom. Ultimately, it assures us that God's plans are comprehensive, His care is personal, and His faithfulness is unwavering, providing all that is truly necessary for His will to be accomplished in and through us.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is such a specific and seemingly mundane detail about animals included in a sacred text like Nehemiah?
The inclusion of such specific details, including the precise number of camels and asses, serves several crucial purposes within the biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the historical authenticity and meticulous record-keeping characteristic of the ancient Near East, lending profound credibility to the biblical narrative as a factual account of the post-exilic return. Secondly, it highlights the immense logistical challenge and the sheer scale of the repatriation effort; these animals were not luxuries but indispensable assets for long-distance transport, agricultural work, and the economic re-establishment of the community in a desolate land. Their numbers reflect the tangible resources God provided for His people's physical needs, demonstrating the practical dimensions of His care. Theologically, it powerfully illustrates God's comprehensive providence, showing that His care extends to every detail, no matter how small or seemingly mundane, of His grand plan for His people's restoration and the rebuilding of His kingdom. It emphasizes that God's faithfulness is both spiritual and practical, all-encompassing in its scope. This meticulous accounting also sets the stage for the proper administration and organization of the community, as seen in the subsequent chapters detailing the reading of the Law and the re-establishment of temple worship (Nehemiah 8).
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While Nehemiah 7:69 meticulously details the physical provisions for a physical return to a physical land, it profoundly foreshadows the far greater and more comprehensive provision found in Jesus Christ for our spiritual return and eternal restoration. The meticulous care God showed in providing camels and asses for the arduous journey back to Jerusalem speaks to His divine oversight of every detail, ultimately culminating in the sending of His Son. Just as the animals were essential tools for rebuilding the earthly city and its economy, Christ is the ultimate and indispensable provision for the rebuilding of humanity's broken relationship with God and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, the cornerstone upon whom the spiritual temple of the church is built, and the one who builds His church, against which the gates of hell shall not prevail. The physical resources of Nehemiah point to the spiritual resources of grace, forgiveness, and new life found in Christ, who perfectly fulfills God's covenant promises and provides all that is truly needed for eternal restoration and the building of His heavenly city, the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:1-4).