The Hebrew word Miçpereth, represented by H4559, is a name for an Israelite, meaning enumeration. It appears only 1 time in 1 verse, marking its specific use within a significant historical record in scripture.
The sole biblical appearance of Miçpereth H4559 is in a list of prominent individuals who returned with Zerubbabel H2216. This occurs in Nehemiah 7:7, which documents the leaders among the people H5971 of Israel H3478 who came H935 back from exile. The verse serves as a historical record, enumerating the key figures of this significant event, and the name Mispereth is listed among other leaders like Nehemiah H5166, Mordecai H4782, and Bilshan H1114.
Several related words provide context for the appearance of Mispereth:
- H2216 Zᵉrubbâbel (descended of (i.e. from) Babylon, i.e. born there; Zerubbabel, an Israelite): The primary leader of the returning group, with whom Mispereth is listed as having came H935 Nehemiah 7:7.
- H5166 Nᵉchemyâh (consolation of Jah; Nechemjah, the name of three Israelites): A prominent leader mentioned in the same list, emphasizing the caliber of the leadership group that included Mispereth Nehemiah 7:7.
- H4557 miçpâr (a number...narration): This word for number appears in the same verse, underscoring the purpose of the list as an enumeration of the men H582 of the people H5971 of Israel H3478 Nehemiah 7:7.
- H5971 ʻam (a people (as a congregated unit)): This term defines the group Mispereth belonged to as a congregated unit, the people of Israel H3478 Nehemiah 7:7.
The theological weight of H4559 is found in its context rather than in the individual.
- Historical Documentation: The inclusion of Mispereth H4559 within a detailed list emphasizes the importance of recording the specific individuals God used to restore the people H5971 of Israel H3478. The name's meaning, "enumeration," aligns perfectly with the verse's stated purpose of providing a number H4557 of the leaders Nehemiah 7:7.
- Collective Restoration: Mispereth is not mentioned for individual deeds but as part of a collective. This highlights the theological theme of a community being restored together under God's guidance, with each person playing a role.
- Evidence of Faithfulness: The careful enumeration of leaders, including Mispereth, serves as a tangible testament to God's faithfulness in gathering His people H5971. The list itself is evidence of the promise of restoration being fulfilled.
In summary, Miçpereth H4559 is a name that appears once in scripture, yet its meaning of enumeration perfectly fits its context. Found only in the list of leaders returning with Zerubbabel Nehemiah 7:7, its significance is not derived from individual actions but from its inclusion in the meticulous record of God's restoration of the people H5971 of Israel H3478. It serves as a reminder that the biblical narrative values both the collective community and the specific individuals who constitute it.
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