Nehemiah 7:7

KJV

Who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number, [I say], of the men of the people of Israel [was this];

KJV (with Strong's)

Who came {H935} with Zerubbabel {H2216}, Jeshua {H3442}, Nehemiah {H5166}, Azariah {H5838}, Raamiah {H7485}, Nahamani {H5167}, Mordecai {H4782}, Bilshan {H1114}, Mispereth {H4559}, Bigvai {H902}, Nehum {H5149}, Baanah {H1196}. The number {H4557}, I say, of the men {H582} of the people {H5971} of Israel {H3478} was this;

Complete Jewish Bible

they went with Z'rubavel, Yeshua, Nechemyah, 'Azaryah, Ra'amyah, Nachmani, Mordekhai, Bilshan, Misperet, Bigvai, N'chum and Ba'anah. "The number of men from the people of Isra'el:

Berean Standard Bible

accompanied by Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, and Baanah. This is the count of the men of Israel:

American Standard Version

who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 7:7 introduces a foundational register of the prominent leaders who spearheaded the initial return of Jewish exiles from Babylonian captivity to Jerusalem. This verse, mirroring the record found in Ezra 2:2, establishes the authoritative lineage and identity of the nascent post-exilic community. It meticulously transitions from identifying these key figures to introducing the comprehensive census of the entire people of Israel, thereby underscoring the divine providence, meticulous organization, and enduring covenant faithfulness that underpinned the restoration of God's chosen people to their ancestral land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 7:7 is strategically placed within a crucial administrative and organizational section of the book, immediately following the monumental achievement of completing Jerusalem's wall, as detailed in [Nehemiah 6](/nehemiah/6 "Nehemiah 6 - Completion of the Wall"). With the physical security of the city established, Nehemiah shifts focus to the spiritual and demographic rebuilding of the community. Chapter 7 functions as a comprehensive census, a vital register of those who returned from Babylonian captivity. This specific verse initiates the enumeration by listing the foundational leaders who accompanied the very first wave of returnees, a full generation or more before Nehemiah's own arrival. The subsequent verses ([Nehemiah 7:8-65](/nehemiah/7-8-65 "Nehemiah 7:8-65 - The Census of Returnees")) then meticulously detail the numbers of various families, cities, and groups, culminating in a summary of the entire assembly and their contributions to the temple. The inclusion of this historical list firmly grounds the contemporary restoration efforts in the enduring faithfulness of God, demonstrated through earlier generations of His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The return from Babylonian exile was not a singular event but occurred in distinct waves over several decades. The first significant return, led by Zerubbabel (a descendant of David and governor) and Jeshua (the high priest), took place around 538 BC, catalyzed by Cyrus the Great's decree, as comprehensively recorded in [Ezra 1](/ezra/1 "Ezra 1 - Cyrus's Decree and the First Return"). Nehemiah's own mission to Jerusalem commenced much later, around 445 BC. The meticulous record-keeping evident in Nehemiah 7:7 and the subsequent census was culturally and administratively indispensable in the post-exilic period. Lineage, tribal affiliation, and family identity were paramount for establishing legitimate claims to ancestral lands, determining eligibility for priestly and Levitical duties, and maintaining overall social and religious order. Given the generations spent in exile, during which assimilation was a constant threat, this census was not merely an administrative task but a profound theological act, affirming the continuity of God's covenant people and their distinct identity despite the profound disruption of the [Babylonian captivity](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Exile").
* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 7:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of Nehemiah and the broader post-exilic narrative. Firstly, it powerfully highlights **Divine Faithfulness and Restoration**. The very existence of this detailed list, enumerating those who returned, serves as a tangible testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, fulfilling prophecies of return from exile (e.g., [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Promise of Return from Exile")). Secondly, it underscores the **Importance of Identity and Genealogy**. The meticulous record-keeping was absolutely crucial for maintaining the distinct identity of Israel, validating claims to ancestral lands, priestly duties, and tribal affiliations, thereby ensuring the purity and integrity of the community. This pervasive focus on lineage is also prominently featured in the genealogies found in [1 Chronicles 9](/1_chronicles/9 "1 Chronicles 9 - Genealogies of the Returned Exiles"). Lastly, the verse profoundly emphasizes **Leadership in Restoration**. The individuals named were far more than a mere roll call; they represented key figures who courageously led the initial return and played indispensable roles in the challenging and arduous task of rebuilding the nation, both physically and spiritually, after the devastating impact of the exile.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Zerubbabel (Hebrew, _Zᵉrubbâbel'_):** This prominent leader, a descendant of King David, served as governor of Judah during the first return from exile. His name, meaning "descended of (i.e. from) Babylon" or "born there," directly reflects his birth during the captivity. He was instrumental in the rebuilding of the Second Temple alongside Jeshua ([Ezra 3](/ezra/3 "Ezra 3 - Rebuilding the Altar and Temple Foundation")). His presence as a Davidic descendant carried significant messianic hope, pointing forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant promises in the Messiah.
* **Jeshua (Hebrew, _Yêšūwaʻ'_):** The High Priest who returned with Zerubbabel, his name is a shortened form of Joshua or Jehoshua, meaning "he will save" or "Yahweh is salvation." As the spiritual leader, he was responsible for the restoration of proper temple worship and sacrifices, as documented in [Ezra 3:2](/ezra/3-2 "Ezra 3:2 - Jeshua and Zerubbabel Build the Altar"). His collaboration with Zerubbabel symbolized the vital partnership between kingly (or civil) and priestly authority essential for the complete restoration of the community.
* **Nehemiah (Hebrew, _Nᵉchemyâh'_):** While bearing the same name as the book's author, the Nehemiah mentioned here is a distinct individual who returned with the initial wave of exiles, decades before Governor Nehemiah's arrival. His name, meaning "consolation of Jah," underscores the pervasive theme of divine comfort and restoration that permeated the post-exilic period, highlighting God's continuous work through various leaders across generations to bring His people back to Himself and their land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah."**: This opening clause meticulously lists twelve prominent individuals who served as foundational leaders of the first wave of returnees from Babylonian exile. The near-identical nature of this list to [Ezra 2:2](/ezra/2-2 "Ezra 2:2 - The Leaders of the First Return") underscores its historical accuracy and authoritative significance. These men were not merely names on a scroll; they were divinely appointed figures who bore the immense responsibility of guiding a displaced people back to their ancestral homeland and initiating the arduous process of national and spiritual rebuilding. Their enumeration signifies the divine orchestration of leadership for the restoration of Israel.
* **"The number, [I say], of the men of the people of Israel [was this];"**: This concluding phrase serves as a crucial transition, signaling that the preceding list of key leaders is an introduction to the comprehensive enumeration of the total population of the returning exiles that follows. The parenthetical "I say" in the KJV, while an explanatory insertion by the translators, accurately captures the intent of the Hebrew text to clarify that a detailed numerical census is about to be presented. This emphasis on "the number" highlights the meticulous administrative and theological importance of the record-keeping, affirming that the return was not a haphazard event but a divinely ordered and carefully documented movement of God's covenant people.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 7:7 primarily employs the literary device of **Catalog** or **List**, presenting a detailed enumeration of the foundational leaders of the post-exilic community. This serves a crucial historical, administrative, and theological purpose, establishing the authoritative figures who spearheaded the initial return and thereby legitimizing the subsequent census. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates significant **Repetition** or **Parallelism** through its almost identical correspondence with [Ezra 2:2](/ezra/2-2 "Ezra 2:2 - The Leaders of the First Return"). This repetition is not mere redundancy but functions as a powerful authentication of the record, emphasizing the continuity of God's redemptive work across different chroniclers and reinforcing the paramount importance of this specific list for the identity, lineage, and historical memory of the returning exiles. The meticulous naming of individuals within the broader context of a national census also subtly highlights the **Significance of the Individual** within God's overarching collective plan for His people, affirming that each person, even those unnamed, contributes to the divine narrative of restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 7:7, through its precise listing of these foundational leaders, powerfully illustrates the unwavering faithfulness of God in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises to restore His people to their land after the desolation of exile. It vividly underscores the divine orchestration of historical events and the sovereign raising up of specific individuals to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The meticulous record-keeping reflects God's ordered nature and His profound care for the identity, heritage, and continuity of His people across generations. This passage serves as a profound reminder that even after periods of divine judgment, dispersion, and apparent abandonment, God remains utterly committed to gathering and re-establishing His community, a theme richly echoed throughout prophetic literature. Moreover, it highlights the indispensable role of human leadership and collaborative effort within God's grand redemptive plan, as these named individuals sacrificially led the way for the larger community's return and rebuilding.

* [Ezra 2:1-2](/ezra/2-1-2 "Ezra 2:1-2 - The List of Returnees from Exile")
* [Isaiah 43:5-6](/isaiah/43-5-6 "Isaiah 43:5-6 - God Gathers His Scattered People")
* [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10-14 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - God's Plans for Hope and a Future")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 7:7, though seemingly a dry administrative list of names, offers profound and enduring insights for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that God works through specific individuals—both prominent leaders like those named and countless unnamed "men of the people"—to accomplish His grand redemptive purposes throughout history. Just as Nehemiah meticulously recorded those who returned, we are called to deeply appreciate our spiritual heritage and the foundational work of those who came before us, recognizing that our faith journey is part of a continuing, unfolding story of God's unwavering faithfulness. This passage encourages us to cultivate a high value for order, accountability, and historical memory within our own communities of faith, understanding that our present blessings and opportunities often stand on the sacrifices, obedience, and foresight of previous generations. Ultimately, it challenges each of us to prayerfully consider our unique role in God's ongoing work of restoration, whether in leading with vision and courage or in faithfully contributing as a vital member of the "people of Israel," knowing that every contribution, no matter how seemingly small, is indispensable to the flourishing and advancement of God's kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous record-keeping in Nehemiah 7:7 challenge or affirm your understanding of God's attention to detail in His overarching plan for humanity?**
* **In what specific ways can you honor the spiritual heritage and the foundational work of those who came before you in your personal faith journey or in your faith community?**
* **What particular "rebuilding" or "restoration" work is God calling you to participate in today, whether as a leader or a faithful, contributing member of the community?**

### FAQ
**Why is this list of names so similar to the one in Ezra 2:2?**

Answer: The near-identical nature of the list in Nehemiah 7:7 to [Ezra 2:2](/ezra/2-2 "Ezra 2:2 - The Leaders of the First Return") is highly significant. It underscores the historical accuracy and authoritative status of this foundational register. Ezra and Nehemiah cover overlapping periods and frequently reference the same historical events and figures, often drawing from shared official records. The repetition serves to authenticate the record, demonstrating that Nehemiah was drawing upon established and reliable historical documents. This consistency emphasizes the continuity of God's work and the consistent identity of the returning exiles, providing a verifiable record crucial for the community's lineage, claims to ancestral land, and eligibility for priestly and Levitical service. Ultimately, this repetition reinforces the paramount importance of these foundational leaders and the initial, divinely orchestrated return from Babylonian captivity for the identity and future of Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous record of the return from exile in Nehemiah 7:7, led by foundational figures like Zerubbabel and Jeshua, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate and complete spiritual restoration found exclusively in Jesus Christ. Zerubbabel, a direct descendant of King David, powerfully points to Jesus as the true King, the ultimate fulfillment of God's eternal covenant with David, who establishes an everlasting kingdom that will never end (as prophesied in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")). Similarly, Jeshua, the high priest, prefigures Jesus as our perfect, eternal, and compassionate High Priest, who mediates a new and infinitely better covenant, securing eternal salvation through His once-for-all sacrifice (as richly described in [Hebrews 7:22-28](/hebrews/7-22-28 "Hebrews 7:22-28 - Jesus, a Superior Priest")). The physical return of the exiles to Jerusalem, carefully enumerated and documented, serves as a powerful type for the spiritual gathering of God's chosen people from every tribe, tongue, and nation into the new covenant community—the Church—through Christ's atoning work on the cross (as beautifully articulated in [Ephesians 2:13-16](/ephesians/2-13-16 "Ephesians 2:13-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Ultimately, the meticulous record-keeping of those who returned to the physical land points to God's precise, intentional, and sovereign plan of salvation, culminating in Jesus Christ, who gathers all those who believe in Him, bringing them into eternal communion with God and establishing His spiritual kingdom (as promised in [John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Jesus Gathers His Sheep")).

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 2:2

Which came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:

Haggai 1:1

¶ In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet unto Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, saying,

Zechariah 3:1

¶ And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.

Zechariah 3:3

Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel.

Nehemiah 12:3

Shechaniah, Rehum, Meremoth,

Ezra 3:8

¶ Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the remnant of their brethren the priests and the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to set forward the work of the house of the LORD.

Ezra 3:9

Then stood Jeshua [with] his sons and his brethren, Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Judah, together, to set forward the workmen in the house of God: the sons of Henadad, [with] their sons and their brethren the Levites.