Nehemiah 7:73

KJV

So the priests, and the Levites, and the porters, and the singers, and [some] of the people, and the Nethinims, and all Israel, dwelt in their cities; and when the seventh month came, the children of Israel [were] in their cities.

KJV (with Strong's)

So the priests {H3548}, and the Levites {H3881}, and the porters {H7778}, and the singers {H7891}, and some of the people {H5971}, and the Nethinims {H5411}, and all Israel {H3478}, dwelt {H3427} in their cities {H5892}; and when the seventh {H7637} month {H2320} came {H5060}, the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} were in their cities {H5892}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"So the cohanim, the L'vi'im, the gatekeepers, the singers, some of the people, the temple servants and all Isra'el lived in their towns."

Berean Standard Bible

So the priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, and temple servants, along with some of the people and the rest of the Israelites, settled in their own towns. And by the seventh month the Israelites had settled in their towns.

American Standard Version

So the priests, and the Levites, and the porters, and the singers, and some of the people, and the Nethinim, and all Israel, dwelt in their cities. And when the seventh month was come, the children of Israel were in their cities.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 7:73 serves as the culminating statement of the meticulous census and resettlement efforts of the post-exilic community in Judah, signifying a crucial milestone in their physical restoration and communal organization. This verse marks the successful re-establishment of the diverse groups of returned exiles—including priests, Levites, temple servants, and the general populace—into their ancestral towns, thereby setting the stage for the profound spiritual renewal and covenant reaffirmation that would immediately follow in the narrative, particularly with the arrival of the significant seventh month.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 7:73 provides a definitive conclusion to the lengthy and meticulous register of those who returned from Babylonian exile, a list that closely parallels the one found in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The List of Returnees"). This chapter immediately follows the triumphant completion of Jerusalem's walls, as detailed in [Nehemiah 6:15](/nehemiah/6-15 "Nehemiah 6:15 - Completion of the Wall"), signifying a pivotal transition from physical reconstruction to civic and spiritual reorganization. The strategic placement of this verse at the chapter's end functions as a narrative bridge, summarizing the logistical achievement of widespread resettlement and preparing the reader for the dramatic spiritual events of [Nehemiah 8](/nehemiah/8 "Nehemiah 8 - The Reading of the Law") and subsequent chapters. It underscores that the physical re-establishment of the people in their designated dwelling places was a necessary and divinely orchestrated precursor to the profound spiritual re-establishment of the nation through the public reading and understanding of the Law.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described is the post-exilic era, specifically around 445 BC, following the decrees of Persian kings that permitted the Jewish people to return to their homeland after decades of Babylonian captivity. Upon their return, the exiles faced the formidable task of rebuilding not merely a city but an entire society from its foundations. The various groups enumerated—priests, Levites, porters (gatekeepers), singers (for temple worship), Nethinims (temple servants), and "some of the people" (lay Israelites)—reflect the diverse yet structured community essential for the proper functioning of both civil and religious life. Their settling "in their cities" across Judah, rather than exclusively concentrating in Jerusalem, indicates a broader re-population and re-establishment of the land, fulfilling ancient promises of God. The specific mention of "the seventh month" (Tishrei) is profoundly significant culturally and religiously, as it was a period packed with major annual festivals: Rosh Hashanah (Feast of Trumpets), Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), and Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles). This precise timing suggests a divine orchestration, positioning the people for a collective spiritual encounter and renewal during a time of sacred observance and national introspection.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes central to the book of Nehemiah and the broader post-exilic literature. Firstly, **Divine Faithfulness and Restoration** is paramount, illustrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people by bringing them back from exile and enabling them to reclaim their land and heritage, fulfilling prophecies like that found in [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Return after Seventy Years"). Secondly, **Order and Organization** are highlighted through the meticulous listing of various societal and religious groups and their return to their designated places, emphasizing the importance of structure, designated roles, and communal stability for a thriving society. The return to "their cities" signifies a re-establishment of normal, ordered life after decades of disruption. Thirdly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Preparation for Spiritual Renewal**. The physical act of settling and ordering the community is presented as a necessary prelude to the profound spiritual awakening that begins in [Nehemiah 8](/nehemiah/8 "Nehemiah 8 - The Reading of the Law"), underscoring that practical obedience and readiness often precede and facilitate divine outpouring. Finally, there is a theme of **Unity in Diversity**, as "all Israel," including those with specific roles and even the Nethinims (who were not ethnically Israelite), are united in their resettlement, demonstrating a collective purpose in rebuilding the nation under God's guidance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dwelt (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** From the primitive root H3427, _yâshab_ properly means "to sit down," but by implication, it signifies "to dwell," "to remain," or "to settle." In Nehemiah 7:73, its use indicates a state of established habitation and stability, moving beyond the transient nature of returnees or temporary residents. This word conveys a sense of permanence and security, marking a significant step in the physical restoration of Israel as the people re-established their homes and communal life after the upheaval of exile.
* **Seventh (Hebrew, _shᵉbîyʻîy'_):** From the ordinal H7637, _shᵉbîyʻîy_ refers to the numerical "seventh." When combined with "month" (H2320, _chôdesh_, meaning "new moon" or "month"), "the seventh month" (Tishrei) is not merely a chronological marker but a profound theological signal. This month was saturated with major annual festivals (Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot), indicating a time of sacred assembly, repentance, and joyous celebration. Its mention here anticipates the spiritual awakening and covenant renewal that would unfold during this period, highlighting divine timing and preparation for a deeper encounter with God.
* **Nethinims (Hebrew, _Nâthîyn'_):** From H5411, _Nâthîyn_ (plural _Nethinim_) literally means "one given" or "dedicated one." These were a class of temple servants, distinct from the Levites, who were assigned to assist in the sanctuary's manual labor, such as drawing water and cutting wood. Historically, many Nethinims were descendants of non-Israelites, such as the Gibeonites who were "given" to the service of the house of God ([Joshua 9:27](/joshua/9-27 "Joshua 9:27 - Gibeonites as Servants")). Their inclusion in this census highlights the comprehensive and diverse nature of the returned community, acknowledging all essential roles required for the functioning of the temple and the nation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So the priests, and the Levites, and the porters, and the singers, and [some] of the people, and the Nethinims, and all Israel, dwelt in their cities;":** This initial clause meticulously enumerates the various segments of the returned community, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the census and the organized structure of the re-established society. "Priests" and "Levites" represent the spiritual leadership and those responsible for temple service and instruction. "Porters" (gatekeepers) and "singers" were specialized Levites or temple servants crucial for the order and worship within the sanctuary. "Some of the people" refers to the lay Israelites, the general populace, while the inclusion of "Nethinims" underscores the diverse yet unified effort required for the nation's re-establishment, acknowledging those dedicated to temple service who were not ethnically Israelite. The phrase "dwelt in their cities" signifies a successful and widespread resettlement, indicating that the people had returned to their ancestral lands and established stable homes, marking a significant step in the physical restoration of Israel.
* **"and when the seventh month came, the children of Israel [were] in their cities.":** This second clause provides a crucial temporal marker and reiterates the settled state of the community, emphasizing their readiness. The "seventh month" (Tishrei) is highly significant, being a period of major religious festivals that called for national assembly. The repetition of "the children of Israel were in their cities" reinforces their widespread and stable habitation. This timing is not coincidental; it sets the stage for the profound spiritual events that immediately follow in [Nehemiah 8](/nehemiah/8 "Nehemiah 8 - The Reading of the Law"), where Ezra reads the Law to a gathered, settled, and prepared people during this very month of sacred observance. It highlights divine providence in orchestrating the physical re-establishment to precede a momentous spiritual revival.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 7:73 employs several effective literary devices to convey its significant message. **Enumeration** is prominently featured, as the verse meticulously lists the various groups within the returned community (priests, Levites, porters, singers, people, Nethinims). This precise listing emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the census and the organized, structured reality of the re-established society, highlighting that every segment played a vital role. The mention of the "seventh month" functions as potent **Symbolism**, representing a divinely appointed time of spiritual significance, new beginnings, and sacred assembly. It is not merely a chronological detail but a theological signal, anticipating the spiritual awakening and covenant renewal that would profoundly unfold during this period of festivals. Furthermore, the verse subtly uses **Anticipation**, building expectation for the events of the following chapters. By stating that "the children of Israel were in their cities" when the seventh month arrived, the text creates a sense of readiness and sets the stage for the dramatic public reading of the Law and the subsequent spiritual revival, implying that the physical act of settling was a necessary preparation for a deeper spiritual work. The repetition of "dwelt in their cities" (or "were in their cities") serves as **Emphasis**, underscoring the completeness and widespread nature of the resettlement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 7:73 powerfully illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to His people, even after periods of judgment and exile. It demonstrates that divine restoration often involves both meticulous physical re-establishment and careful organization, preparing the ground for profound spiritual renewal. The return to "their cities" and the careful enumeration of distinct groups highlight the importance of order, community, and the diverse yet essential roles within God's people for the flourishing of His kingdom. This verse serves as a crucial bridge, showcasing the completion of the physical task of resettlement and setting the stage for the profound spiritual awakening that follows. It reminds us that God is actively involved in bringing His people back to Himself, providing stability and structure as a foundation for deeper relationship and obedience, demonstrating His sovereign hand in every detail of their return and re-establishment.

* [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Return after Seventy Years")
* [Ezra 2:1](/ezra/2-1 "Ezra 2:1 - The List of Returnees from Exile")
* [Zechariah 8:7-8](/zechariah/8-7-8 "Zechariah 8:7-8 - God's Promise to Bring His People Back")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 7:73 offers profound insights for contemporary believers and communities, underscoring the principle that God often works through ordered preparation and human diligence to bring about His greater purposes. Just as the Israelites needed to settle physically and organize their community before experiencing a profound spiritual revival, we are called to cultivate order and stability in our lives and within our communities. This might involve practical steps of organization, faithfully fulfilling our specific roles within the body of Christ, or simply creating intentional space for God to move. The verse reminds us that every member, from the most prominent leader to the seemingly humble servant, is vital for the overall health and functioning of God's people. Our collective readiness, both physically and spiritually, can open the door for significant breakthroughs and divine encounters. It encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness to restore and renew, even after periods of difficulty, and to actively participate in the process of rebuilding and preparing for His transformative work in our midst.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my personal life or my community might God be calling for greater order and stability as a prelude to deeper spiritual growth?**
* **How does recognizing the diverse roles within the returned community (priests, Levites, Nethinims) help me appreciate the unique value and contribution of every member in the church today?**
* **What "seventh month" moments—times of significant spiritual potential or divine appointment—might I be overlooking, and how can I better prepare myself and my community to fully engage with them?**

### FAQ

**Who were the Nethinims, and why are they included in this important census?**

Answer: The Nethinims (from the Hebrew word meaning "given ones" or "dedicated ones") were a class of temple servants who were not ethnically Israelite or Levites, but who were dedicated to assisting the Levites in the manual labor of the sanctuary. Their duties often included drawing water, cutting wood, and other laborious tasks associated with temple maintenance and sacrifices. A notable historical example is the Gibeonites, who, after deceiving Joshua, were condemned to be "hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation and for the altar of the Lord" ([Joshua 9:27](/joshua/9-27 "Joshua 9:27 - Gibeonites Become Servants")). Their inclusion in the census of those returning from exile in Nehemiah 7:73, as well as in Ezra, highlights the comprehensive nature of the restored community. It shows that the post-exilic society was not exclusively comprised of ethnic Israelites but included all who were dedicated to the service of God and His temple, underscoring the diverse yet unified effort required for the nation's re-establishment and the proper functioning of worship.

**What is the significance of the "seventh month" mentioned in the verse?**

Answer: The "seventh month" refers to the Hebrew month of Tishrei, which holds immense religious significance in the Jewish calendar. It is a period packed with major annual festivals. The month begins with Rosh Hashanah, the Feast of Trumpets, which marks the New Year and is a day of remembrance and spiritual awakening. Ten days later is Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, a solemn day of fasting and repentance. Five days after Yom Kippur begins Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles (or Booths), a joyous festival commemorating God's provision during the wilderness wanderings. The mention of the seventh month in Nehemiah 7:73 is therefore not just a chronological detail but a profound theological signal. It indicates that the physical re-establishment of the people in their cities was completed just in time for a period of intense spiritual focus and communal worship, setting the stage for the profound spiritual revival and public reading of the Law that begins in [Nehemiah 8](/nehemiah/8 "Nehemiah 8 - The Reading of the Law") during these very festivals. It underscores divine timing and preparation for a deeper encounter with God and His Word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 7:73, with its depiction of a people returned from exile and settled in their cities, awaiting a spiritual renewal, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate restoration and true dwelling found in Christ. While the Israelites returned to a physical land and rebuilt a physical temple, Jesus Christ is the true and ultimate Temple, the dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple")). He gathers not just a remnant of Israel but all who believe, from every nation, into His spiritual body, the Church, where they find their true home and security, becoming "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). The meticulous organization of the returned community—priests, Levites, and various servants—points to the perfect order and diverse gifting within the body of Christ, where every member plays a vital, Spirit-empowered role for the building up of the whole ([1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ")). Furthermore, the arrival of the "seventh month" with its festivals of new beginnings, atonement, and dwelling, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. He is our true Day of Atonement, whose once-for-all sacrifice cleanses us from all sin ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")), and in Him, we find the promised rest and new creation, anticipating the eternal dwelling with God in the New Jerusalem, where "the dwelling place of God is with man" ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for the People of God"); [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling Place is with Man")). Thus, Nehemiah 7:73 is a testament to God's faithfulness to bring His people home, a promise fully realized and expanded in the person and work of Jesus 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 2:70

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 3:1

¶ And when the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel [were] in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem.