Nehemiah 7:28

Commentary on Nehemiah 7:28 (KJV)

"The men of Bethazmaveth, forty and two."

Context

Nehemiah 7 presents a meticulous census of the Jewish people who returned to Judah from Babylonian captivity. This detailed record, initiated after the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls was completed, aimed to organize the community, assign responsibilities, and verify lineage, especially for those serving in the temple. Verse 28, "The men of Bethazmaveth, forty and two," is one entry among many, listing the number of male inhabitants from a specific town or family group who returned. This list closely parallels the one found in Ezra 2, serving as a foundational document for the post-exilic community.

Key Themes

• Divine Preservation and Restoration: The detailed enumeration underscores God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant of His people through the Babylonian exile and bringing them back to their land. Each name and number represents individuals whom God remembered and restored.
• Community and Identity: These lists were vital for establishing social order, land ownership, and religious roles. Knowing one's lineage, especially for those returning to a devastated land, was crucial for identity and belonging within the re-established nation.
• Meticulous Administration: Nehemiah's careful record-keeping highlights the importance of order, diligence, and accountability in leadership. It wasn't just about rebuilding physical structures but also about rebuilding a structured, functioning society under divine guidance.

Linguistic Insights

The name Bethazmaveth (Hebrew: בֵּית עַזְמָוֶת) literally means "house of strong death" or "house of mighty death." While the meaning itself isn't directly expounded upon in the biblical text, its inclusion signifies a specific geographical location or family group that contributed to the returning community. The precision of "forty and two" (42) for this group, like all other entries, emphasizes the exactness and thoroughness of the census.

Practical Application

Even seemingly mundane lists within Scripture carry profound meaning. This verse reminds us that God cares about every individual and every detail of His plan. The careful recording of the returning exiles teaches us the value of accountability, order, and recognizing each member's unique contribution within a community. It also speaks to the importance of roots and identity, both personal and communal, in God's grand narrative of redemption. Every person, even those from a place named "Bethazmaveth," had a significant role in the re-establishment of Israel and in God's continuing story.