Nehemiah 7:7

Who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number, [I say], of the men of the people of Israel [was this];

Who came {H935} with Zerubbabel {H2216}, Jeshua {H3442}, Nehemiah {H5166}, Azariah {H5838}, Raamiah {H7485}, Nahamani {H5167}, Mordecai {H4782}, Bilshan {H1114}, Mispereth {H4559}, Bigvai {H902}, Nehum {H5149}, Baanah {H1196}. The number {H4557}, I say, of the men {H582} of the people {H5971} of Israel {H3478} was this;

they went with Z'rubavel, Yeshua, Nechemyah, 'Azaryah, Ra'amyah, Nachmani, Mordekhai, Bilshan, Misperet, Bigvai, N'chum and Ba'anah. "The number of men from the people of Isra'el:

accompanied by Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, and Baanah. This is the count of the men of Israel:

who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:

Commentary

Context

Nehemiah chapter 7 serves as a detailed census, a crucial register of those who returned from Babylonian captivity to Jerusalem. This specific verse, Nehemiah 7:7, introduces a list of prominent leaders who accompanied Zerubbabel and Jeshua (also known as Joshua) in the first wave of returnees to Jerusalem, decades before Nehemiah's own arrival. The list is almost identical to the one found in Ezra 2:2, highlighting its historical accuracy and importance for establishing the lineage and identity of the post-exilic community. Nehemiah's purpose in recording this extensive list was to organize and re-establish the Jewish community in Jerusalem, ensuring proper distribution of families and resources after the completion of the city walls.

Key Themes

  • Divine Faithfulness and Restoration: The very existence of this list testifies to God's unwavering faithfulness in bringing His people back from exile, fulfilling His covenant promises. This return was a powerful testament to God's power to restore His scattered flock.
  • Importance of Identity and Genealogy: The meticulous record-keeping of families and leaders was crucial for maintaining the distinct identity of Israel, especially after generations in a foreign land. It validated their claims to ancestral lands, priestly duties, and tribal affiliations.
  • Leadership in Restoration: The names listed are not just a roll call; they represent key figures who bravely led the initial return and played vital roles in the challenging task of rebuilding the nation both physically and spiritually after the Babylonian exile.

Linguistic Note

While the KJV text of Nehemiah 7:7 itself doesn't offer specific deep linguistic nuances beyond the names, the purpose of listing these names is paramount. Each name represents a real individual who participated in God's plan of restoration. The names themselves, like Jeshua (meaning "The Lord is salvation"), often carried significant meaning, pointing to God's hand in their deliverance. The repetition of this list from Ezra emphasizes its authoritative nature and the importance of remembering those who laid the groundwork for the community's renewal.

Significance and Application

Nehemiah 7:7 reminds us that God works through specific individuals to accomplish His purposes. Every person, from prominent leaders like Zerubbabel and Jeshua to the unnamed "men of the people of Israel," played a part in the grand narrative of God's redemption. This passage underscores the value of order, accountability, and historical memory within a community of faith. Just as Nehemiah meticulously recorded those who returned, we are called to appreciate our spiritual heritage and the foundational work of those who came before us. It encourages us to see ourselves as part of a continuing story of God's faithfulness, reminding us that even after periods of dispersion or difficulty, God is committed to gathering and restoring His people.

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Cross-References

  • Ezra 2:2 (8 votes)

    Which came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:

  • Haggai 1:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet unto Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, saying,

  • Zechariah 3:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.

  • Zechariah 3:3 (3 votes)

    Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel.

  • Nehemiah 12:3 (2 votes)

    Shechaniah, Rehum, Meremoth,

  • Ezra 3:8 (2 votes)

    ¶ Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the remnant of their brethren the priests and the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to set forward the work of the house of the LORD.

  • Ezra 3:9 (2 votes)

    Then stood Jeshua [with] his sons and his brethren, Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Judah, together, to set forward the workmen in the house of God: the sons of Henadad, [with] their sons and their brethren the Levites.