Nehemiah 7:62

Commentary on Nehemiah 7:62 (KJV)

Nehemiah 7:62 is a single line from a comprehensive register of those who returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian exile under Zerubbabel and later under Nehemiah. This verse specifically lists three family groups whose lineage was somewhat ambiguous or controversial: "The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred forty and two." This detailed accounting highlights the meticulous efforts to re-establish the Israelite community after generations in captivity.

Context

This verse is part of a lengthy census (Nehemiah 7:6-65) that meticulously records the families, numbers, and possessions of the exiles who returned to Judah. This list is nearly identical to the one found in Ezra 2, serving as a foundational document for the restored community. Nehemiah, having rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem, now focuses on populating the city and establishing its administrative and religious structures. Knowing one's lineage was crucial, especially for priests and Levites, to ensure their rightful place and purity within the community.

Key Themes

• Genealogy and Identity: The detailed record underscores the profound importance of Israelite identity and heritage in the post-exilic period. Knowing one's tribal and family origins was vital for land claims, temple service, and maintaining the distinctiveness of God's people.
• Purity of the Community: The meticulous nature of this register reflects a deep concern for the purity of the restored community. The inclusion of groups like the "children of Tobiah" (a name associated with a major adversary of Nehemiah) suggests scrutiny over those with questionable loyalties or potentially mixed heritage, ensuring only those of verifiable Israelite descent could fully participate in the community's life and temple service.
• Divine Faithfulness and Restoration: The very existence of this list, despite its dry nature, testifies to God's faithfulness in bringing His people back to their land, fulfilling ancient prophecies and enabling the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple.
• Accuracy and Accountability: The precise numbers, even with minor variations when compared to parallel accounts like Ezra 2:60 (which lists 652 for the same groups, though the overall total in Nehemiah 7:66 matches Ezra 2:64), emphasize the careful record-keeping and the tangible reality of the return.

Linguistic Insights

The names listed in this verse are significant. While "Delaiah" (meaning "Yahweh has drawn out") and "Nekoda" (possibly "distinguished" or "shepherd") are Hebrew names, the name Tobiah (meaning "Yahweh is good") is particularly noteworthy. This name is famously associated with Tobiah the Ammonite, a persistent adversary of Nehemiah who vehemently opposed the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem. The inclusion of "the children of Tobiah" in this census raises questions about their true allegiance or whether they were a separate family bearing the same name. Their presence in a list of returnees underscores the complex social and political landscape of the post-exilic era, where not all within the broader Israelite community were necessarily aligned with the pious reforms of Nehemiah and Ezra.

Practical Application

While a seemingly mundane list, Nehemiah 7:62 offers insights relevant today:

1. The Importance of Identity: Just as the exiles valued their lineage, believers today are called to understand their identity in Christ – a spiritual lineage that transcends earthly ties (Galatians 3:28).
2. Community Standards: The careful vetting of returnees, even those with questionable associations, reminds us of the importance of maintaining spiritual purity and clear boundaries within the church community.
3. God's Meticulous Care: The detailed record-keeping reflects God's meticulous nature and His involvement in the minutiae of His people's lives, ensuring His plans for restoration are fulfilled.
4. Navigating Complex Relationships: The presence of "children of Tobiah" in the list highlights that even within a community striving for holiness, there may be individuals with challenging associations or conflicting loyalties, requiring wisdom and discernment.