Nehemiah 7
BSB1 When the wall had been rebuilt and I had set the doors in place, the gatekeepers, singers, and Levites were appointed. 2 Then I put my brother Hanani in charge of Jerusalem, along with Hananiah the commander of the fortress, because he was a faithful man who feared God more than most. 3 And I told them, “Do not open the gates of Jerusalem until the sun is hot. While the guards are on duty, keep the doors shut and securely fastened. And appoint the residents of Jerusalem as guards, some at their posts and some at their own homes." 4 Now the city was large and spacious, but there were few people in it, and the houses had not yet been rebuilt. 5 Then my God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles, the officials, and the people to be enrolled by genealogy. I found the genealogical register of those who had first returned, and I found the following written in it: 6 These are the people of the province who came up from the captivity of the exiles carried away to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar its king. They returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his own town, 7 accompanied by Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, and Baanah. This is the count of the men of Israel: 8 the descendants of Parosh, 2,172; 9 the descendants of Shephatiah, 372; 10 the descendants of Arah, 652; 11 the descendants of Pahath-moab (through the line of Jeshua and Joab), 2,818; 12 the descendants of Elam, 1,254; 13 the descendants of Zattu, 845; 14 the descendants of Zaccai, 760; 15 the descendants of Binnui, 648; 16 the descendants of Bebai, 628; 17 the descendants of Azgad, 2,322; 18 the descendants of Adonikam, 667; 19 the descendants of Bigvai, 2,067; 20 the descendants of Adin, 655; 21 the descendants of Ater (through Hezekiah), 98; 22 the descendants of Hashum, 328; 23 the descendants of Bezai, 324; 24 the descendants of Hariph, 112; 25 the descendants 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 Michmash, 122; 32 the men of Bethel and Ai, 123; 33 the men of the other Nebo, 52; 34 the descendants of the other Elam, 1,254; 35 the descendants of Harim, 320; 36 the men of Jericho, 345; 37 the men of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, 721; 38 and the descendants of Senaah, 3,930. 39 The priests: the descendants of Jedaiah (through the house of Jeshua), 973; 40 the descendants of Immer, 1,052; 41 the descendants of Pashhur, 1,247; 42 and the descendants of Harim, 1,017. 43 The Levites: the descendants of Jeshua (through Kadmiel, through the line of Hodevah ), 74. 44 The singers: the descendants of Asaph, 148. 45 The gatekeepers: the descendants of Shallum, the descendants of Ater, the descendants of Talmon, the descendants of Akkub, the descendants of Hatita, and the descendants of Shobai, 138 in all. 46 The temple servants: the descendants of Ziha, the descendants of Hasupha, the descendants of Tabbaoth, 47 the descendants of Keros, the descendants of Sia, the descendants of Padon, 48 the descendants of Lebanah, the descendants of Hagabah, the descendants of Shalmai, 49 the descendants of Hanan, the descendants of Giddel, the descendants of Gahar, 50 the descendants of Reaiah, the descendants of Rezin, the descendants of Nekoda, 51 the descendants of Gazzam, the descendants of Uzza, the descendants of Paseah, 52 the descendants of Besai, the descendants of Meunim, the descendants of Nephushesim, 53 the descendants of Bakbuk, the descendants of Hakupha, the descendants of Harhur, 54 the descendants of Bazlith, the descendants of Mehida, the descendants of Harsha, 55 the descendants of Barkos, the descendants of Sisera, the descendants of Temah, 56 the descendants of Neziah, and the descendants of Hatipha. 57 The descendants of the servants of Solomon: the descendants of Sotai, the descendants of Sophereth, the descendants of Perida, 58 the descendants of Jaala, the descendants of Darkon, the descendants of Giddel, 59 the descendants of Shephatiah, the descendants of Hattil, the descendants of Pochereth-hazzebaim, and the descendants of Amon. 60 The temple servants and descendants of the servants of Solomon numbered 392 in all. 61 The following came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer, but could not prove that their families were descended from Israel: 62 the descendants of Delaiah, the descendants of Tobiah, and the descendants of Nekoda, 642 in all. 63 And from among the priests: the descendants of Hobaiah, the descendants of Hakkoz, and the descendants of Barzillai (who had married a daughter of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by their name). 64 These men searched for their family records, but they could not find them and so were excluded from the priesthood as unclean. 65 The governor ordered them not to eat the most holy things until there was a priest to consult the Urim and Thummim. 66 The whole assembly numbered 42,360, 67 in addition to their 7,337 menservants and maidservants, as well as their 245 male and female singers. 68 They had 736 horses, 245 mules, 69 435 camels, and 6,720 donkeys. 70 Some of the heads of the families contributed to the project. The governor gave to the treasury 1,000 darics of gold, 50 bowls, and 530 priestly garments. 71 And some of the heads of the families gave to the treasury for the project 20,000 darics of gold and 2,200 minas of silver. 72 The rest of the people gave a total of 20,000 darics of gold, 2,000 minas of silver, and 67 priestly garments. 73 So the priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, and temple servants, along with some of the people and the rest of the Israelites, settled in their own towns. And by the seventh month the Israelites had settled in their towns.
Study Notes — Nehemiah 7
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Nehemiah 7
- Themes from Nehemiah 7
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Nehemiah 7
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Nehemiah chapter 7 begins with the appointment of officials to govern the city of Jerusalem, including the gatekeepers, singers, and Levites (Nehemiah 7:1-3). The chapter then describes the registration of the people, including the genealogy of those who returned from exile (Nehemiah 7:4-73). The people are counted and their offerings for the temple are recorded (Nehemiah 7:70-72). The chapter concludes with the total number of people and the number of animals offered as sacrifices (Nehemiah 7:73).
Context for the Chapter
Nehemiah chapter 7 is part of the larger narrative of the restoration of Jerusalem and the rebuilding of its walls. The chapter follows the completion of the wall (Nehemiah 6:15-16) and precedes the reading of the law and the celebration of the Feast of Booths (Nehemiah 8:1-18). The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, which points to the future restoration of all things in Christ.
Heart Application
The chapter encourages believers to be faithful and obedient to God's commands, just like Nehemiah. It also emphasizes the importance of leadership and worship in the life of the church. As believers, we are called to be diligent in our efforts to serve God and to be devoted to his service, just like the people in Nehemiah chapter 7.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Nehemiah chapter 7 is about the restoration of Jerusalem and the rebuilding of its walls. The chapter describes the appointment of officials, the registration of the people, and the offerings for the temple. It emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands, just like Nehemiah's diligent efforts to restore the city and its people (Nehemiah 7:5).
Voices from the Church
“The registration of the people is a solemn reminder of the day of judgment, when all men shall be registered in the book of life.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The offerings for the temple demonstrate the people's gratitude for God's deliverance and their devotion to his service.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Appointment of Officials (Nehemiah 7:1-3) — The chapter begins with the appointment of officials to govern the city of Jerusalem, including the gatekeepers, singers, and Levites.
- The Registration of the People (Nehemiah 7:4-73) — The chapter describes the registration of the people, including the genealogy of those who returned from exile.
- The Offerings for the Temple (Nehemiah 7:70-72) — The people's offerings for the temple demonstrate their devotion and commitment to God's service.
- The Total Number of People and Animals (Nehemiah 7:73) — The chapter concludes with the total number of people and the number of animals offered as sacrifices.
- The Significance of the Chapter — The chapter points to the future restoration of all things in Christ and emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands.
Core Doctrines
- The Importance of Faithfulness
- The chapter highlights the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands, as seen in Nehemiah's diligent efforts to restore the city and its people.
- The Role of Leadership
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of leadership in the restoration process, as seen in the appointment of officials to govern the city.
- The Significance of Worship
- The chapter demonstrates the significance of worship in the biblical narrative, as seen in the people's offerings for the temple and their devotion to God's service.
- The Future Restoration of All Things
- The chapter points to the future restoration of all things in Christ, when all men shall be registered in the book of life.
Lessons from Nehemiah 7
- The Importance of Faithfulness — The chapter highlights the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands, as seen in Nehemiah's diligent efforts to restore the city and its people.
- The Role of Leadership — The chapter emphasizes the importance of leadership in the restoration process, as seen in the appointment of officials to govern the city.
- The Significance of Worship — The chapter demonstrates the significance of worship in the biblical narrative, as seen in the people's offerings for the temple and their devotion to God's service.
- The Future Restoration of All Things — The chapter points to the future restoration of all things in Christ, when all men shall be registered in the book of life.
- The Application of the Chapter — The chapter encourages believers to be faithful and obedient to God's commands, just like Nehemiah, and to be devoted to his service, just like the people in the chapter.
Themes from Nehemiah 7
- Restoration and Rebuilding — The chapter describes the restoration of Jerusalem and the rebuilding of its walls, pointing to the future restoration of all things in Christ.
- Faithfulness and Obedience — The chapter highlights the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands, as seen in Nehemiah's diligent efforts to restore the city and its people.
- Leadership and Governance — The chapter emphasizes the importance of leadership in the restoration process, as seen in the appointment of officials to govern the city.
- Worship and Devotion — The chapter demonstrates the significance of worship in the biblical narrative, as seen in the people's offerings for the temple and their devotion to God's service.
- The Future Restoration of All Things — The chapter points to the future restoration of all things in Christ, when all men shall be registered in the book of life.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the significance of the registration of the people in Nehemiah chapter 7?
- How does the chapter emphasize the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands?
- What is the role of leadership in the restoration process, as seen in the chapter?
- How does the chapter demonstrate the significance of worship in the biblical narrative?
- What is the future restoration of all things that the chapter points to?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Appointment of Officials (Nehemiah 7:1-3)
| Nehemiah 7:1 | The chapter begins with the appointment of officials to govern the city of Jerusalem, including the gatekeepers, singers, and Levites. |
| Nehemiah 7:2 | Nehemiah appoints his brother Hanani and Hananiah to govern the city, due to their faithfulness and fear of God. |
| Nehemiah 7:3 | The officials are instructed to guard the city and to keep the gates closed until the sun is hot. |
2. The Registration of the People (Nehemiah 7:4-73)
| Nehemiah 7:4 | The chapter describes the registration of the people, including the genealogy of those who returned from exile. |
| Nehemiah 7:5 | Nehemiah finds the book of the genealogy of those who came up at the first, and he finds written in it the names of the people and their families. |
| Nehemiah 7:6-73 | The chapter lists the names of the people and their families, including the priests, Levites, and other Israelites. |
3. The Offerings for the Temple (Nehemiah 7:70-72)
| Nehemiah 7:70 | The people offer gifts for the temple, including gold, silver, and animals. |
| Nehemiah 7:71 | The total amount of the offerings is recorded, including the number of animals and the weight of the gold and silver. |
| Nehemiah 7:72 | The chapter concludes with the total amount of the offerings and the number of people who gave them. |
4. The Total Number of People and Animals (Nehemiah 7:73)
| Nehemiah 7:73 | The chapter concludes with the total number of people and the number of animals offered as sacrifices. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the registration of the people in Nehemiah chapter 7?
The registration of the people is a solemn reminder of the day of judgment, when all men shall be registered in the book of life (Nehemiah 7:5).
How does the chapter emphasize the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands?
The chapter highlights the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands, as seen in Nehemiah's diligent efforts to restore the city and its people (Nehemiah 7:1-3).
What is the role of leadership in the restoration process, as seen in the chapter?
The chapter emphasizes the importance of leadership in the restoration process, as seen in the appointment of officials to govern the city (Nehemiah 7:1-3).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nehemiah 7:1 → Deuteronomy 1:13-17 | The appointment of officials to govern the city is similar to the appointment of leaders in Israel, as seen in Deuteronomy 1:13-17. |
| 2 | Nehemiah 7:5 → Ezra 2:1-64 | The registration of the people is similar to the registration of the people in Ezra 2:1-64. |
| 3 | Nehemiah 7:70 → Exodus 35:4-29 | The offerings for the temple are similar to the offerings for the tabernacle, as seen in Exodus 35:4-29. |
| 4 | Nehemiah 7:73 → Numbers 1:1-54 | The total number of people and animals is similar to the census of the people in Numbers 1:1-54. |
| 5 | Nehemiah 7:1-3 → Matthew 25:14-30 | The appointment of officials to govern the city is similar to the parable of the talents, as seen in Matthew 25:14-30. |
| 6 | Nehemiah 7:5 → Luke 10:1-24 | The registration of the people is similar to the sending out of the 72 disciples, as seen in Luke 10:1-24. |
| 7 | Nehemiah 7:70 → 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 | The offerings for the temple are similar to the giving of the Corinthians, as seen in 2 Corinthians 9:6-15. |
| 8 | Nehemiah 7:73 → Revelation 20:11-15 | The total number of people and animals is similar to the final judgment, as seen in Revelation 20:11-15. |
| 9 | Nehemiah 7:1-3 → 1 Timothy 3:1-13 | The appointment of officials to govern the city is similar to the qualifications for church leaders, as seen in 1 Timothy 3:1-13. |
| 10 | Nehemiah 7:5 → Hebrews 12:22-24 | The registration of the people is similar to the heavenly Jerusalem, as seen in Hebrews 12:22-24. |
Sermons on Nehemiah 7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Who Is Guarding the Front Door of Your Home? by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of guarding our homes and families against the influences of the world, especially in raising children in a godly way. It addresses the challe |
|
Getting Back to the Bible by David Legge | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of getting back to the Bible. The sermon is based on Nehemiah chapter 8, where the people of Israel gather together to hear t |
|
The Coming Revival of Truth by Timothy Williams | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal testimony of falling in love with the Lord and His Word after being born again. He emphasizes the importance of guarding this passion |
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God Is Merciful; Ready to Pardon by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes God's mercy and readiness to pardon, drawing from Nehemiah's leadership in Jerusalem. He highlights the importance of faithfulness and reverence for God, a |
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It Was Not Found. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer discusses the importance of maintaining one's identity and calling as a priest of God, using the example of individuals whose names were not found in the priestly regist |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Nehemiah 7
Matthew Henry's commentary on Nehemiah 7 emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands, as seen in Nehemiah's diligent efforts to restore the city and its people. The commentary also highlights the significance of the registration of the people, which points to the future restoration of all things in Christ. The offerings for the temple demonstrate the people's devotion and commitment to God's service, and the total number of people and animals points to the final judgment, when all men shall be registered in the book of life. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Faithfulness
The chapter highlights the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands, as seen in Nehemiah's diligent efforts to restore the city and its people.
The Role of Leadership
The chapter emphasizes the importance of leadership in the restoration process, as seen in the appointment of officials to govern the city.
The Significance of Worship
The chapter demonstrates the significance of worship in the biblical narrative, as seen in the people's offerings for the temple and their devotion to God's service.