Nehemiah 7:14

Commentary on Nehemiah 7:14

Nehemiah 7:14, stating, "The children of Zaccai, seven hundred and threescore," is a specific entry within a detailed census list found in the book of Nehemiah. This verse, like many others in Nehemiah chapter 7, records the number of individuals from a particular family or clan who returned from the Babylonian exile to rebuild Jerusalem and re-establish the community in Judah.

Context

Chapter 7 of Nehemiah serves as a crucial register of those who returned to Judah after the seventy-year Babylonian captivity. This list is nearly identical to the one found in Ezra 2, indicating its historical accuracy and significance. Nehemiah, having successfully overseen the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, then turned his attention to organizing the city's population and ensuring its security. This register was not merely an administrative record; it was vital for establishing identity, land claims, priestly and Levitical service, and the overall structure of the post-exilic community. Each entry, like that of the "children of Zaccai," represents a family unit contributing to the restoration of Israel.

Key Themes

• Divine Faithfulness and Restoration: The very existence of this list testifies to God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant people. Despite their exile, God preserved a remnant and orchestrated their return, fulfilling His promises of restoration and renewal.
• Identity and Heritage: Family lineages were paramount in ancient Israel. This register affirmed the identity of the returnees, ensuring they were legitimate members of the community and could rightfully inherit their ancestral lands. The "children of Zaccai" were part of this preserved heritage.
• Order and Organization: Nehemiah, as a meticulous administrator, understood the importance of order. This census laid the groundwork for assigning roles, settling families, and organizing the temple service, ensuring the stability and functionality of the newly re-established society.
• Significance of the Individual: While a seemingly dry list of names and numbers, each entry represents individuals and families who made the arduous journey back to Judah, demonstrating their commitment and faith. God's attention to detail, even in the numbers of returning families, highlights His care for each person.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Zaccai" (Hebrew: זַכַּי, *Zakkay*) likely means "pure" or "innocent." The phrase "seven hundred and threescore" uses the archaic term "threescore," which means sixty. Thus, "seven hundred and threescore" translates to 760. This meticulous counting underscores the importance of precise record-keeping for the returning community.

Practical Application

While a historical record, Nehemiah 7:14 reminds us of several timeless truths. Firstly, God cares about details; He knows each of His people by name and number, and nothing is insignificant in His grand plan. Secondly, the passage highlights the importance of community and knowing one's place within it. Just as each family was vital to the rebuilding of Judah, each member of the church today plays a crucial role in the body of Christ. Finally, it serves as a testament to God's ability to restore and rebuild even after periods of great destruction and exile, offering hope for personal and communal renewal.