Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Nehemiah 7:5
And my God put into mine heart to gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. And I found a register of the genealogy of them which came up at the first, and found written therein,
5. my God put into mine heart ] R.V. my heart. For this expression see note on Neh 2:12.
nobles rulers (R.V. marg. deputies) people ] cf. Neh 2:16; Neh 4:14; Neh 4:19.
that they might be reckoned by genealogy ] LXX. , Vulg. ‘ut recenserem eos.’ Nehemiah’s census seems to be referred to in Neh 11:1-3, from which passage we gather that the census was a preliminary to measures for replenishing the population of Jerusalem.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
It is argued by some that the entire catalogue which follows Neh. 7:7-73 is not the register of them which came up at the first, but of the Jewish people in Nehemiahs time. Neh 7:7 and Ezr 2:2 are, however, very positive in their support of the usual view; and some of the arguments against it are thought to be met by considering the Nehemiah of Neh 7:7 and Ezr 2:2 a person different from Nehemiah the governor; and Tirshatha an official title likely to have belonged to others besides Nehemiah (see the Ezr 2:63 note.)
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 5. God put into mine heart] With this good man every good thing was of GOD. If he purposed any good, it was because God put it into his heart; if he did any good, it was because the good hand of his God was upon him; if he expected any good, it was because he earnestly prayed God to remember him for good. Thus, in all his ways he acknowledged God, and God directed all his steps.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
God put into mine heart: this action, though merely prudential, he doth not ascribe to himself, or his own wit, but to the gift and grace of God directing and inclining him to it.
To gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people not only for the particular end here mentioned, but for divers other weighty purposes and matters, of which the following chapters treat.
That they might be reckoned by genealogy; that so it might appear to what families each person belonged, and where their ancient habitations lay, which for a great number of them were in the city, the replenishing of which was now his design.
Them which came up at the first, to wit, with Zerubbabel, as it follows, Neh 7:7. But this following catalogue differs in some particulars from that Ezr 2, of which see the notes there.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
5. my God put into mine heart togather together the nobles, c.The arrangement about to bedescribed, though dictated by mere common prudence, is, in accordancewith the pious feelings of Nehemiah, ascribed not to his own prudenceor reflection, but to the grace of God prompting and directing him.He resolved to prepare a register of the returned exiles, containingan exact record of the family and ancestral abode of everyindividual. While thus directing his attention, he discovered aregister of the first detachment who had come under the care ofZerubbabel. It is transcribed in the following verses, and differs insome few particulars from that given in Ezr2:1-61. But the discrepancy is sufficiently accounted for fromthe different circumstances in which the two registers were takenthat of Ezra having been made up at Babylon, while that of Nehemiahwas drawn out in Judea, after the walls of Jerusalem had beenrebuilt. The lapse of so many years might well be expected to make adifference appear in the catalogue, through death or other causes; inparticular, one person being, according to Jewish custom, called bydifferent names. Thus Hariph (Ne7:24) is the same as Jorah (Ezr2:18), Sia (Ne 7:47) thesame as Siaha (Ezr 2:44), &c.Besides other purposes to which this genealogy of the nobles, rulers,and people was subservient, one leading object contemplated by it wasto ascertain with accuracy the parties to whom the duty legallybelonged of ministering at the altar and conducting the variousservices of the temple. For guiding to exact information in thisimportant point of enquiry, the possession of the old register ofZerubbabel was invaluable.
Ne7:39-73. OF THEPRIESTS.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And my God put into mine heart,…. Every good motion in him, and whatever he thought of that was conducive to the good and welfare of Jerusalem, Nehemiah always ascribed it to God; see 2Co 3:5
to gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy; that their number might be known, and of what families they were, and in what cities they formerly dwelt; and this was not only of use for the present purpose of Nehemiah, but was of service hereafter to show the pedigree of families, and that it might be clearly known from whence the Messiah sprung:
and I found a register of the genealogy of them which came up at the first; from Babylon to Jerusalem, along with Zerubbabel, as appears from Ne 7:7, and this was of great use to him, whereby he would know not only their names and number, but to what city they belonged, and who to the city of Jerusalem, that they might be called upon to come, and rebuild their houses, and take up their residence there:
and found written therein; the names of the persons and families after mentioned.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
And God put into my heart, i.e., God inspired me with the resolution; comp. Neh 2:12. What resolution, is declared by the sentences following, which detail its execution. The resolution to gather together the nobles and rulers of the people for the purpose of making a list of their kinsmen, and thus to obtain a basis for the operations contemplated for increasing the inhabitants of Jerusalem. are combined, as in Neh 2:16. On , comp. 1Ch 5:17.
While this resolve was under consideration, Nehemiah found the register, i.e., the genealogical registry, of those who came up at first (from Babylon). , at the beginning, i.e., with Zerubbabel and Joshua under Cyrus (Ezra 2), and not subsequently with Ezra (Ezra 7). “And I found written therein.” These words introduce the list now given. This list, vv. 6-73 a, is identical with that in Ezra 2, and has been already discussed in our remarks on that chapter.
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
| The Register of the Captives. | B. C. 445. |
5 And my God put into mine heart to gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. And I found a register of the genealogy of them which came up at the first, and found written therein, 6 These are the children of the province, that went up out of the captivity, of those that had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away, and came again to Jerusalem and to Judah, every one unto his city; 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; 8 The children of Parosh, two thousand a hundred seventy and two. 9 The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy and two. 10 The children of Arah, six hundred fifty and two. 11 The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand and eight hundred and eighteen. 12 The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four. 13 The children of Zattu, eight hundred forty and five. 14 The children of Zaccai, seven hundred and threescore. 15 The children of Binnui, six hundred forty and eight. 16 The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and eight. 17 The children of Azgad, two thousand three hundred twenty and two. 18 The children of Adonikam, six hundred threescore and seven. 19 The children of Bigvai, two thousand threescore and seven. 20 The children of Adin, six hundred fifty and five. 21 The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight. 22 The children of Hashum, three hundred twenty and eight. 23 The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and four. 24 The children of Hariph, a hundred and twelve. 25 The children of Gibeon, ninety and five. 26 The men of Beth-lehem and Netophah, a hundred fourscore and eight. 27 The men of Anathoth, a hundred twenty and eight. 28 The men of Beth-azmaveth, forty and two. 29 The men of Kirjath-jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred forty and three. 30 The men of Ramah and Geba, six hundred twenty and one. 31 The men of Michmas, a hundred and twenty and two. 32 The men of Beth-el and Ai, a hundred twenty and three. 33 The men of the other Nebo, fifty and two. 34 The children of the other Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four. 35 The children of Harim, three hundred and twenty. 36 The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five. 37 The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and one. 38 The children of Senaah, three thousand nine hundred and thirty. 39 The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three. 40 The children of Immer, a thousand fifty and two. 41 The children of Pashur, a thousand two hundred forty and seven. 42 The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen. 43 The Levites: the children of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, and of the children of Hodevah, seventy and four. 44 The singers: the children of Asaph, a hundred forty and eight. 45 The porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, a hundred thirty and eight. 46 The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hashupha, the children of Tabbaoth, 47 The children of Keros, the children of Sia, the children of Padon, 48 The children of Lebana, the children of Hagaba, the children of Shalmai, 49 The children of Hanan, the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, 50 The children of Reaiah, the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, 51 The children of Gazzam, the children of Uzza, the children of Phaseah, 52 The children of Besai, the children of Meunim, the children of Nephishesim, 53 The children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur, 54 The children of Bazlith, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha, 55 The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Tamah, 56 The children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha. 57 The children of Solomon’s servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Perida, 58 The children of Jaala, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel, 59 The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Amon. 60 All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon’s servants, were three hundred ninety and two. 61 And these were they which went up also from Tel-melah, Tel-haresha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer: but they could not show their father’s house, nor their seed, whether they were of Israel. 62 The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred forty and two. 63 And of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai, which took one of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite to wife, and was called after their name. 64 These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but it was not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood. 65 And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and Thummim. 66 The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore, 67 Beside their manservants and their maidservants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and they had two hundred forty and five singing men and singing women. 68 Their horses, seven hundred thirty and six: their mules, two hundred forty and five: 69 Their camels, four hundred thirty and five: six thousand seven hundred and twenty asses. 70 And some of the chief of the fathers gave unto the work. The Tirshatha gave to the treasure a thousand drams of gold, fifty basons, five hundred and thirty priests’ garments. 71 And some of the chief of the fathers gave to the treasure of the work twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand and two hundred pound of silver. 72 And that which the rest of the people gave was twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand pound of silver, and threescore and seven priests’ garments. 73 So the priests, and the Levites, and the porters, and the singers, and some of the people, and the Nethinims, and all Israel, dwelt in their cities; and when the seventh month came, the children of Israel were in their cities.
We have here another good project of Nehemiah’s; for wise and zealous men will be always contriving something or other for the glory of God and the edification of his church. He knew very well that the safety of a city, under God, depends more upon the number and valour of the inhabitants than upon the height or strength of its walls; and therefore, observing that the people were few that dwelt in it, he thought fit to take an account of the people, that he might find what families had formerly had their settlement in Jerusalem, but were now removed into the country, that he might bring them back, and what families could in any other way be influenced by their religion, or by their business, to come and rebuild the houses in Jerusalem and dwell in them. So little reason have we to wish that we may be placed alone in the earth, or in Jerusalem itself, that much of our safety and comfort depends upon our neighbours and friends; the more the stronger, the more the merrier. It is the wisdom of the governors of a nation to keep the balance even between the city and country, that the metropolis be not so extravagantly large as to drain and impoverish the country, nor yet so weak as not to be able to protect it. Now observe,
I. Whence this good design of Nehemiah’s came. He owns, My God put it into my heart, v. 5. Note, Whatever good motion is in our minds, either prudent or pious, we must acknowledge it to come from God. It was he that put it into our hearts; for every good gift and every good work are from above. He gives knowledge; he gives grace; all is of him, and therefore all must be to him. What is done by human prudence must be ascribed to the direction of divine Providence; he that teaches the husbandman his discretion (Isa. xxviii. 26) teaches the statesman his.
II. What method he took in prosecution of it.
1. He called the rulers together, and the people, that he might have an account of the present state of their families–their number and strength, and where they were settled. It is probable that when he summoned them to come together he ordered them to bring such an account along with them out of their several districts. And I doubt they were not so many but that it might be soon done.
2. He reviewed the old register of the genealogy of those who came up at the first, and compared the present accounts with that; and here we have the repetition of that out of Ezra 2. The title is the same here (Neh 7:6; Neh 7:7) as there (Neh 7:1; Neh 7:2): These are the children of the province, c. Two things are here repeated and recorded a second time from thence–the names and numbers of their several families, and their oblations to the service of the temple. The repetition of these accounts may intimate to us the delight which the great God is pleased to take in the persons, families, and services of his spiritual Israel, and the particular notice he takes of them. He knows those that are his, knows them all, knows them by name, has his eye on the register of those children of the captivity, and does all according to the ancient counsel of his will concerning them.
(1.) Here is an account of the heads of the several families that first came up, <i>v. 6-69. As to this, [1.] Though it seem of little use to us now, yet then it was of great use, to compare what they had been with what they now were. We may suppose they were much increased by this time; but it would do well for them to remember their small beginnings, that they might acknowledge God in multiplying their families and building them up. By this means likewise their genealogies would be preserved, and the distinction of their families kept up, till the Messiah should come, and then an end be put to all their genealogies, which were preserved for his sake, but afterwards were endless. But, [2.] There are many differences in the numbers between this catalogue and that in Ezra. Most of them indeed are exactly the same, and some others within a very few under or over (one or two perhaps); and therefore I cannot think, as some do, that that was the number of these families at their first coming and this as they were now, which was at least forty years after (some make it much more); for we cannot suppose so many families to be not at all, or but little, altered in their numbers in all that time; therefore what differences there are we may suppose to arise either from the mistakes of transcribers, which easily happen in numbers, or from the diversity of the copies from which they were taken. Or perhaps one was the account of them when they set out from Babylon with Zerubbabel, the other when they came to Jerusalem. The sum totals are all just the same there and here, except of the singing-men and singing-women, which there are 200, here 245. These were not of such importance as that they should keep any strict account of them.
(2.) Here is an account of the offerings which were given towards the work of God, v. 70, c. This differs much from that in Ezr 2:68Ezr 2:69, and it may be questioned whether it refers to the same contribution; here the tirshatha, or chief governor, who there was not mentioned, begins the offering; and the single sum mentioned there exceeds all those here put together; yet it is probable that it was the same, but that followed one copy of the lists, this another; for the Neh 7:73; Ezr 2:70; Ezr 3:1 is the same here that it was Neh 7:73; Ezr 2:70; Ezr 3:1. Blessed be God that our faith and hope are not built upon the niceties of names and numbers, genealogy and chronology, but on the great things of the law and gospel. Whatever is given to the work of God, he is not unrighteous to forget it; nor shall even a cup of cold water, wherewith he is honoured, go without its reward.
Fuente: Matthew Henry’s Whole Bible Commentary
Registry Repeated, Verses 5-62
The lack of people living in the city of Jerusalem was of great concern to Nehemiah. He says God put it into his mind to gather nobles, rulers, and the people, and to trace their genealogy to determine how the city might be populated. In planning for this, he came across the genealogical register which had been used for those who came to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel 90 years earlier. This he adapted to his purpose.
The genealogical list of Neh 7:6-62 is nearly the same as that of Ezr 2:1-60. There are about three major differences in the lists; relative to spellings, numbers, and omissions. The spellings are easily accounted for. The Hebrew had no vowels, and when vowel points were added later they were not always uniform with reference to littlementioned persons such as these. As to the numbers, changes may have occurred due to copyists’ errors through the centuries. Another possibility may have resulted in adjustment of numbers in families between the time of Zerubbabel and that of Nehemiah, there possibly being later arrivals to add to the original number of returnees to subtract. As for the omissions, the same explanations could be advanced, carelessness of scribes or the return of some to Babylon since Zerubbabel’s time.
Full commentary on this genealogical record will be found in the commentary on Ezr 2:1-60. The reader is asked to refer to that without further commentary here.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
2. Nehemiah retraces the genealogies of first returning exiles.
TEXT, Neh. 7:5-73
5
Then my God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles, the officials, and the people to be enrolled by genealogies. Then I found the book of the genealogy of those who came up first in which I found the following record:
6
These are the people of the province who came up from the captivity of the exiles whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away, and who returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his city,
7
who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah.
The number of men of the people of Israel:
8
the sons of Parosh, 2,172;
9
the sons of Shephatiah, 372;
10
the sons of Arah, 652;
11
the sons of Pahath-moab of the sons of Jeshua and Joab, 2,818;
12
the sons of Elam, 1,254;
13
the sons of Zattu, 845;
14
the sons of Zaccai, 760;
15
the sons of Binnui, 648;
16
the sons of Bebai, 628;
17
the sons of Azgad, 2,322;
18
the sons of Adonikam, 667;
19
the sons of Bigvai, 2,067;
20
the sons of Adin, 655;
21
the sons of Ater, of Hezekiah, 98;
22
the sons of Hashum, 328;
23
the sons of Bezai, 324;
24
the sons of Hariph, 112;
25
the sons of Gibeon, 95;
26
the men of Bethlehem and Netophah, 188;
27
the men of Anathoth, 128;
28
the men of Beth-azmaveth, 42;
29
the men of Kiriath-jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, 743;
30
the men of Ramah and Geba, 621;
31
the men of Michmas, 122;
32
the men of Bethel and Ai, 123;
33
the men of the other Nebo, 52;
34
the sons of the other Elam, 1,254;
35
the sons of Harim, 320;
36
the men of Jericho, 345;
37
the sons of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, 721;
38
the sons of Senaah, 3,930;
39
The priests: the sons of Jedaiah of the house of Jeshua, 973;
40
the sons of Immer, 1,052;
41
the sons of Pashhur, 1,247;
42
the sons of Harim, 1,017.
43
The Levites: the sons of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, of the sons of Hodevah, 74.
44
The singers: the sons of Asaph, 148.
45
The gatekeepers: the sons of Shallum, the sons of Ater, the sons of Talmon, the sons of Akkub, the sons of Hatita, the sons of Shobai, 138.
46
The temple servants: the sons of Ziha, the sons of Hasupha, the sons of Tabbaoth,
47
the sons of Keros, the sons of Sia, the sons of Padon,
48
the sons of Lebana, the sons of Hagaba, the sons of Shalmai,
49
the sons of Hanan, the sons of Giddel, the sons of Gahar,
50
the sons of Reaiah, the sons of Rezin, the sons of Nekoda,
51
the sons of Gazzam, the sons of Uzza, the sons of Paseah,
52
the sons of Besai, the sons of Meunim, the sons of Nephushesim,
53
the sons of Bakbuk, the sons of Hakupha, the sons of Harhur,
53
the sons of Bazlith, the sons of Mehida, the sons of Harsha,
54
the sons of Barkos, the sons of Sisera, the sons of Temah,
55
the sons of Neziah, the sons of Hatipha.
56
The sons of Solomons servants: the sons of Sotai, the sons of Sophereth, the sons of Perida,
57
the sons of Jaala, the sons of Darkon, the sons of Giddel,
58
the sons of Shephatiah, the sons of Hattil, the sons of Pochereth-hazzebaim, the sons of Amon.
60
All the temple servants and the sons of Solomons servants, were 392.
61
And these were they who came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer; but they could not show their fathers houses or their descendants, whether they were of Israel:
62
the sons of Delaiah, the sons of Tobiah, the sons of Nekoda, 642.
63
And of the priests: the sons of Hobaiah, the sons of Hakkoz, the sons of Barzillai, who took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai, the Gileadite, and was named after them.
64
These searched among their ancestral registration, but it could not be located; therefore they were considered unclean and excluded from the priesthood.
65
And the governor said to them that they should not eat from the most holy things until a priest arose with Urim and Thummim.
66
The whole assembly together was 42,360,
67
besides their male and their female servants, of whom there were 7,337; and they had 245 male and female singers.
68
Their horses were 736; their mules, 245;
69
their camels, 435; their donkeys, 6,720.
70
And some from among the heads of fathers households gave to the work. The governor gave to the treasury 1,000 gold drachmas, 50 basins, 530 priests garments.
71
And some of the heads of fathers households gave into the treasury of the work 20,000 gold drachmas, and 2,200 silver minas.
72
And that which the rest of the people gave was 20,000 gold drachmas and 2,000 silver minas, and 67 priests garments.
73
Now the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, some of the people, the temple servants, and all Israel, lived in their cities.
And when the seventh month came, the sons of Israel were in their cities.
COMMENT
Most of the remainder of this chapter is a repetition of material in Ezra 2, and therefore will need no further comment. Some additional differences beyond those noted there will be observed.
Neh. 7:5 explains the situation which brought the genealogical records to light. Probably with a view to increasing the population of Jerusalem, Nehemiah was led of God to initiate a census of the land. His emphasis on the Lords leading may be explained if he was familiar with Davids experience, arising out of pride, in 2 Samuel 24. In the course of these preparations he ran across the public register of those who had come with Zerubbabel, almost a hundred years before. These would be useful as a beginning point, as a means of comparison, and as a tool for exerting pressure to maintain or increase the population of the city and province.
Neh. 7:6 begins the repetition of Ezra 2. Slight differences in spelling and the addition of the name of Nahamani have already been noted in Ezra 2. This additional name was on the genealogical list which Nehemiah consulted, and brings the number of men who had led the returning expedition to twelve. This parallels the first chapter of Numbers, where twelve men had been chosen to share leadership with Moses in bringing Israel to the Promised Land. They must have thought of themselves as their spiritual descendants, making a new beginning for Israel as much like the old as possible. However, Nehemiahs list does not identify each name with a specific tribe. This is another step toward the principle frequently observed in the O.T., and expressed by Paul in Rom. 9:6-8, that descent from the right forefathers is not only insufficient but also unnecessary. Some further comment on the change from Rehum (Ezr. 2:2) to Nehum (Neh. 7:7) may be excusable. The letters N, L, and Rare somewhat interchangeable in Hebrew; a familiar example is the spelling of Nebuchadnezzar and its variant, Nebuchadrezzar.
There are two words using these letters, which portray ones heart going out to another. One, Naham, means comfort; the other, Raham, means compassion; the distinction in meaning is rather small. Do you suppose that Nehemiah, in running across the name, Rehum (note the consonants only), may have recognized a variant spelling of the first component of his own name, and consciously or unconsciously spelled it like his own? We emphasize, many of these names were spelled correctly in more than one way.
In addition, there are several discrepancies in the number of people in various groups (example: sons of Arah, 775 in Ezr. 2:5, in Neh. 7:10. One suggestion is that Ezra quoted Babylonian sources relative to those who planned to come; Nehemiah., with the Jerusalem records before him, those who actually arrived.[62] However, Nehemiah mentions one person, Nahamani (Neh. 7:7) whom Ezra doesnt list. Perhaps he made up his mind to go at the last minute! Also, the total would be expected to be less in Nehemiah if this were the case; but the total is identical (47,360 in Ezr. 2:64 and Neh. 7:66). We suggest the possibility that some individuals may have been related to two clans and could be counted under either. The absence of one mans name, further, could be accounted for in that neither list claims to be complete.
[62] Luck, op. cit., p. 111.
The largest difference is in the list of materials: Neh. 7:70 ff cf. Ezr. 2:68 f. But perhaps both lists are partial, and each author decided to include what impressed him.
The last part of Neh. 7:73 has no parallel in Ezra. It really belongs topically with chapter 8 since it anticipates these events, and gives the date (seventh month, our September or thereabouts) when they began.
SUMMARY
Now Nehemiah appointed leaders to carry on the citys affairs, apparently in preparation for his return to Persia. The gates were not to be opened in the morning till it was safe; and were to be bolted when shut. Guards were posted on the wall and throughout the city.
Nehemiah sought to increase the number of the citys residents; he found the genealogical list of the first returnees from 91 years before, originally recorded in Ezra 2. This would be helpful in tracing down the present population. The remainder of the chapter duplicates this list, with some variations.
WORD STUDIES
HANANI and HANANIAH (Neh. 7:2): these names are, as you can see, identical except for the ending which means Jehovah on the end of one of them. The base, represented by the first two consonants, means grace, favor, kindness. Add another letter and it becomes bend, bow down, incline; bowing is an act of graciousness. Add a different letter and it becomes, incline, be favorably disposed, be gracious, merciful, compassionate. Nehemiahs brother Hananis name then comes out, Gracious; the commanders name, (Whom) Jehovah has graciously given,
Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
(5-73) The genealogical reckoning of the people, as the first step towards increasing the population of the metropolis, is determined on, not without express Divine suggestion; the allusion to this inspiration from God, is, as in Neh. 2:12, very emphatic. The original register of Zerubbabelis found and copied. The express language of both Ezra and Nehemiah makes it plain that this is no other than the list of those who came up with Zerubbabel and Joshua after the decree of Cyrus, in B.C. 538. Nehemiahs own census follows, in Nehemiah 11. The exposition, especially as compared with Ezra 2, has been given on that chapter.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
5. God put into mine heart Inspired me with the thought and purpose about to be told.
To gather together the nobles rulers people The object of this gathering was to ascertain the number of the people, and see how many or what proportion of them might be brought to dwell in Jerusalem, and thus increase the population of the city. The result of this plan is told in Neh 11:1-2.
I found a register Which is presented in the sequel of this chapter, and is substantially identical with that of Ezra 2, where see notes.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
A List of Returned Exiles
v. 5. And my God put into mine heart to gather together the nobles and the rulers and the people that they might be reckoned by genealogy, v. 6. These are the children of the province that went up out of the captivity, of those that had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, had carried away, and came again to Jerusalem and to Judah, every one unto his city, v. 7. who came with Zerubbabel, Joshua, Nehemiah, Azariah v. 8. the children of Parosh, two thousand an hundred seventy and two.
v. 9. The children of Shephatish, three hundred seventy and two.
v. 10. The children of Arah, six hundred fifty and two.
v. 11. The children of Pahath-moab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand and eight hundred and eighteen.
v. 12. The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.
v. 13. The children of Zattu, eight hundred forty and five.
v. 14. The ohildren of Zaccai, seven hundred and threescore.
v. 15. The children of Binnui v. 16. The children of Rebai, six hundred twenty and eight.
v. 17. The children of Azgad, two thousand three hundred twenty and two, v. 18. The children of Adonikam, six hundred threescore and seven.
v. 19. The children of Bigvai, two thousand threescore and seven.
v. 20. The children of Adin, six hundred fifty and five.
v. 21. The children of Ater of Hesskiah, ninety and eight.
v. 22. The children of Hashum, three hundred twenty and eight.
v. 23. The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and four.
v. 24. The children of Hariph v. 25. The children of Gibeon v. 26. The men of Bethlehem and Netophah, an hundred fourscore and eight.
v. 27. The men of Anathoth, an hundred twenty and eight.
v. 28. The men of Beth-azmaveth, forty and two.
v. 29. The men of Kirjath-jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred forty and three.
v. 30. The men of Ramah and Gaba, lix hundred twenty and one.
v. 31. The men of Michmas, an hundred and twenty and two.
v. 32. The men of Bethel and Ai, an hundred twenty and three.
v. 33. The men of the other Nebo, v. 34. The children of the other Elam, v. 35. The children of Harim, three hundred and twenty.
v. 36. The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five.
v. 37. The children of Lod, Hadid, v. 38. The children of Senaab, three thousand nine hundred and thirty.
v. 39. The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three.
v. 40. The children of Immer, a thousand fifty and two.
v. 41. The children of Pashur, a thousand two hundred forty and seven.
v. 42. The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen. v. 43. The Levites: the children of Joshua, of Hadmiel, and of the children of Hodevah v. 44. The singers: the children of Asaph, v. 45. The porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, an hundred thirty and eight.
v. 46. The Nethinim: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth, v. 47. the children of Keros, the children of Sia v. 48. the children of Lebana, the children of Hagaba, the children of Shalmai v. 49. the children of Hanan, the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, v. 50. the children of Reaiah, the children at Rezin, the children of Nekoda, v. 51. the children of Gazzam, the children of Uzza, the children of Phaseah, v. 52. the children of Besai, the children of Meunim, the children of Nephishesim v. 53. the children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur, v. 54. the children of Bazlith, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha, v. 55. the children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Tamah, v. 56. the children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha. v. 57. The children of Solomon’s servants, v. 58. the children of Jaala, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel, v. 59. the children at Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Amon v. 60. All the Nethinim v. 61. And these were they which went up also from Telmelah, Tel-haresha, Cherub, Addon v. 62. The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred forty and two.
v. 63. And of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai, which took one of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite to wife and was called after their name, v. 64. These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but it was not found; therefore were they, as polluted, v. 65. And the Tirshatha, v. 66. The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore, v. 67. beside their man-servants and their maidservants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven; and they had two hundred forty and five singing men and singing women, v. 68. Their horses, seven hundred thirty and six; their mules, two hundred forty and five; v. 69. their camels, four hundred thirty and five; six thousand seven hundred and twenty asses.
Fuente: The Popular Commentary on the Bible by Kretzmann
(5) And my God put into mine heart to gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. And I found a register of the genealogy of them which came up at the first, and found written therein, (6) These are the children of the province, that went up out of the captivity, of those that had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away, and came again to Jerusalem and to Judah, everyone unto his city; (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; (8) The children of Parosh, two thousand an hundred seventy and two. (9) The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy and two. (10) The children of Arah, six hundred fifty and two. (11) The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand and eight hundred and eighteen. (12) The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four. (13) The children of Zattu, eight hundred forty and five. (14) The children of Zaccai, seven hundred and threescore. (15) The children of Binnui, six hundred forty and eight. (16) The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and eight. (17) The children of Azgad, two thousand three hundred twenty and two. (18) The children of Adonikam, six hundred threescore and seven. (19) The children of Bigvai, two thousand threescore and seven. (20) The children of Adin, six hundred fifty and five. (21) The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight. (22) The children of Hashum, three hundred twenty and eight. (23) The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and four. (24) The children of Hariph, an hundred and twelve. (25) The children of Gibeon, ninety and five. (26) The men of Bethlehem and Netophah, an hundred fourscore and eight. (27) The men of Anathoth, an hundred twenty and eight. (28) The men of Bethazmaveth, forty and two. (29) The men of Kirjathjearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred forty and three. (30) The men of Ramah and Geba, six hundred twenty and one. (31) The men of Michmas, an hundred and twenty and two. (32) The men of Bethel and Ai, an hundred twenty and three. (33) The men of the other Nebo, fifty and two. (34) The children of the other Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four. (35) The children of Harim, three hundred and twenty. (36) The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five. (37) The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and one. (38) The children of Senaah, three thousand nine hundred and thirty. (39) The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three. (40) The children of Immer, a thousand fifty and two. (41) The children of Pashur, a thousand two hundred forty and seven. (42) The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen. (43) The Levites: the children of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, and of the children of Hodevah, seventy and four. (44) The singers: the children of Asaph, an hundred forty and eight. (45) The porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, an hundred thirty and eight. (46) The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hashupha, the children of Tabbaoth, (47) The children of Keros, the children of Sia, the children of Padon, (48) The children of Lebana, the children of Hagaba, the children of Shalmai, (49) The children of Hanan, the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, (50) The children of Reaiah, the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, (51) The children of Gazzam, the children of Uzza, the children of Phaseah, (52) The children of Besai, the children of Meunim, the children of Nephishesim, (53) The children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur, (54) The children of Bazlith, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha, (55) The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Tamah, (56) The children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha. (57) The children of Solomon’s servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Perida, (58) The children of Jaala, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel, (59) The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Amon. (60) All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon’s servants, were three hundred ninety and two. (61) And these were they which went up also from Telmelah, Telharesha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer: but they could not shew their father’s house, nor their seed, whether they were of Israel. (62) The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred forty and two. (63) And of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai, which took one of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite to wife, and was called after their name. (64) These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but it was not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood. (65) And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and Thummim. (66) The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore, (67) Beside their manservants and their maidservants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and they had two hundred forty and five singing men and singing women. (68) Their horses, seven hundred thirty and six: their mules, two hundred forty and five: (69) Their camels, four hundred thirty and five: six thousand seven hundred and twenty asses.
Here is a register exactly corresponding to the one made in the days of Ezra, though this must have been at least 40 years after. Ezr 2 . When I say exactly, I mean in all the great and leading points in which the value and faithfulness of the record is made to depend. Though I think it not necessary to detain the Reader with making the same observations upon it which I did on that chapter, yet I cannot help observing that as the Holy Ghost hath thought proper to have this register faithfully handed down to the church both by Ezra and Nehemiah, it may serve to show us its great importance. And next to the one grand cause of all records of families among God’s people, which is wholly with an eye to Jesus, it is not, I think, a subject of small moment to consider also how sweetly it testifies of the love of God the Holy Ghost to the people of Jesus, in that the genealogy is thus twice put down. As if to teach every poor, despised and humble follower of the Lord Jesus, that how little soever esteemed he may be among men, yet is he of great price in the sight of God. Think of it, my brother, I beseech you. The Reader will not fail to remark also, as a further confirmation of this subject, that Nehemiah expressly saith the thing was from the Lord. My God (said he) put it into my heart. Oh! how sweet is it to trace all gracious dispositions up to their source!
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Neh 7:5 And my God put into mine heart to gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. And I found a register of the genealogy of them which came up at the first, and found written therein,
Ver. 5. And my God put into my heart ] Seeing how thinly the city was inhabited, and casting in his mind what evil might come of it, he bethinks himself (by a motion from heaven) how to set things to rights; that the city might be better peopled, and so preserved. This to do, God put into his heart by his Holy Spirit (the sweet motions whereof are the sound of his goings, the footsteps of his anointed, Psa 89:51 ). We are not sufficient of ourselves (saith that great apostle) to think anything as of ourselves: but our sufficiency is of God, 2Co 3:5 . Nemo vir magnus sine aliquo afflatu Divino unquam fuit, saith Cicero; no man ever grew to be greatly good without a Divine instinct.
To gather together the nobles, and the rulers, &c.
That they might be reckoned by their genealogy
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Neh 7:5
5Then my God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles, the officials and the people to be enrolled by genealogies. Then I found the book of the genealogy of those who came up first in which I found the following record:
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4.
found. This account probably written long after this date (426): say, between 404 and 400 B.C. Hebrew = I find that the list of names was, &c.
I found a register of the genealogy of them which came up at the first. It must be borne in mind that Nehemiah wrote long after this date (426 B.C.); probably between 403 and 400 B.C. It is quite natural therefore that he should write of finding such a book as this. When he says, “I found a book”, &c, it does not mean that Nehemiah found or discovered the register at that time; but, writing long after, he says, “I find that the list of names was, so and so”, &c,
a register, which is here inserted. It consists of Judah and Benjamin. Levi was not here as a distinct community (compare Deu 10:8, Deu 10:9).
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Neh 7:5
Neh 7:5
“And my God put it into my heart to gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. And I found the book of the genealogy of them that came up at the first, and 50found written therein:”
“God put it into my heart.” Nehemiah always gave God credit for whatever he did, giving all the glory to God.
“The genealogy of them that came up at first.” This can be understood only as a reference to them that came up with Zerubbabel, a number approaching 50,000. Older and more recent scholars alike affirm the identity of the following list with that in the Book of Ezra. “This list is approximately the same as that of the exiles who returned under Zerubbabel; and it must have been found by Nehemiah in the archives in Jerusalem.” “Except for Neh 7:70-72, this register is identical with that in Ezr 2:1-70.”
Nothing is of less interest to current readers than these genealogical registers in the O.T.; but the importance of them is great indeed. The great promise of God looking to the redemption of fallen humanity, and the bringing into our world of the Dayspring from On High, specifically tied that promise to the “Seed (singular) of Abraham” (Gen 12:3); and when Mary cradled the Son of God in the Bethelehem manger, it was absolutely necessary that all men should have been certain that Jesus of Nazareth was indeed that Seed. It was the concern and diligence of men like Nehemiah who preserved and honored the genealogies of the people that were absolutely the prerequisites of Christian confidence in the identity of Jesus Christ.
We shall have little or no comment on this register of names.
E.M. Zerr:
Verse 5. My God put it into my heart means that God spoke to Nehemiah and directed him to do the thing described. The importance of keeping the line of the generations as pure as possible was the purpose of all such transactions. Had the Jews never been taken from their own country, the danger of blood mixture would not have been so great. But the 70 years of captivity, and the period of almost a century that followed, had brought them into contact with the heathen. The precaution that Nehemiah was told to take had been followed out by Zerubbabel 90 years before, and now it was deemed welt to repeat the investigation. For this purpose Nehemiah summoned a gathering of the people including the leaders among them. All of these people were to be “checked” according to the official register. At this time Nehemiah found the list that had been made at the first, and the examination was to be made according to that.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
my God: Neh 5:19, Neh 6:14
put into mine: Ezr 7:27, 1Co 15:10, 2Co 3:5, 2Co 8:16, Phi 2:12, Phi 2:13, Col 1:29, Jam 1:16, Whatever good motion is in our minds, whether prudent or pious, we must acknowledge it to come from God; for every good gift and every good work are from above; he gives knowledge, he gives grace. What is commonly called human prudence, ought to be ascribed to the direction of Divine Providence. He who teaches the husbandman discretion, Isa 28:26, as certainly over-rules the deliberations of senators.
that: Neh 7:64, 1Ch 9:1-9, Ezr 2:62
Reciprocal: Neh 11:1 – the rulers
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Neh 7:5. And my God put into my heart, &c. Whatever good motion is put into our minds, we must acknowledge it to come from God; and even what is done by human prudence is to be ascribed to the direction of divine providence. To gather together the nobles and the rulers of the people Not only for the particular end here mentioned, but for divers other weighty purposes and matters, of which the following chapters treat. That they might be reckoned by genealogy In order that it might appear to what family each person belonged, and where their ancient habitations lay, which, for a great number of them, were in the city, the peopling of which was now his design. I found a register of them which came up at the first To wit, with Zerubbabel, as it follows, Neh 7:7. But this following catalogue differs in some particulars from that in Ezra, chap. 2., of which see the notes there. The author of the Universal History observes, that though the genealogies had been once rectified, soo after the return, there were still many families of priests, Levites, and people, who could not make out their claim to their tribes. It is therefore likely that some of them were afterward enabled to do it, and were then inserted in this new register, together with those who came up with Nehemiah. Several of the old families, which came up on the first edict, might be, by this time, extinct, and these are the probable causes of the difference we find in the genealogies of the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Neh 7:5-73 a. Enumeration of the Returned Exiles.This section=Ezr 2:1-70; cf. the Greek Ezr 5:7-17. As this list is approximately the same as that of the exiles who returned under Zerubbabel, it must have come originally from the archives in Jerusalem.
Fuente: Peake’s Commentary on the Bible
C. The Record of Those who Returned 7:5-73
This is not a list of the people who accompanied Nehemiah to Jerusalem in 444 B.C. but a record of those who returned with Sheshbazzar, Zerubbabel, and Jeshua in 537 B.C. (Neh 7:7). It is almost identical to the list in Ezra 2.
Why did Nehemiah repeat this list? Apparently he wanted to encourage the Jews to move into Jerusalem (Neh 11:1-2). This was one of the goals of the return. To determine who were pureblooded Israelites, he did some research and uncovered this list. There may have been a need to validate claims to property rights and similar matters as well. [Note: Merrill, p. 357.] Nehemiah then used the list as the basis for his plan (cf. Neh 11:1-24). The repetition of this list also confirms God’s faithfulness in preserving His chosen people and God’s loyal love in bringing them back into the land that He promised to give their ancestors. It is a second witness to His faithfulness and love, the first list being the first witness. The Nehemiah of Neh 7:7 therefore is not Nehemiah the wall-builder (cf. Ezr 2:2).
The total number who returned was 49,942 (Neh 7:66-67; Ezr 2:64-65). However, the sum of the individuals the writer mentioned in this chapter is 31,089 (and 29,818 in Ezra 2). [Note: See my notes on Ezra 2:2b-35. For a detailed study of the two lists, see H. L. Allrik, "The Lists of Zerubbabel (Nehemiah 7 and Ezra 2) and the Hebrew Numerical Notation," Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research 136 (December 1954):21-27. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: Old Testament, p. 688, compares the two lists side by side and notes the differences. It also contains possible explanations for the differences in numbers.]
The "seventh month" (Neh 7:73) probably refers to the month Tishri in the year 537 B.C. This was the year in which the returned exiles just named gathered in Jerusalem to offer sacrifices and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles (cf. Ezra 3). It could hardly be the "seventh month" in the year the walls were completed (444 B.C.), since the people were in Jerusalem on the first day of that seventh month (Neh 8:2), not in their various towns. Probably we should add Neh 7:73 b to the end of this list.
"Nehemiah appears to be reminding the reader of that great gathering with the hopes that a comparison will be made with the gathering recorded in Nehemiah 8." [Note: Laney, p. 98.]