Nehemiah 7 25

Nehemiah 7:25 kjv

The children of Gibeon, ninety and five.

Nehemiah 7:25 nkjv

the sons of Gibeon, ninety-five;

Nehemiah 7:25 niv

of Gibeon ? 95

Nehemiah 7:25 esv

The sons of Gibeon, 95.

Nehemiah 7:25 nlt

The family of Gibbar ? 95

Nehemiah 7 verses

Nehemiah 7 25 Meaning

Nehemiah 7:25 records a specific group of returnees to Jerusalem from the Babylonian exile, detailing the number of "men of Anathoth," which was one hundred twenty-eight. This verse is part of a larger genealogical record (Neh 7:6-73a) that meticulously lists the families and their numbers who resettled in Judah, providing a foundational registry for the newly restored community. It signifies the re-establishment of the Jewish populace in their ancestral lands, demonstrating divine faithfulness in preserving a remnant and fulfilling prophecies of restoration after the seventy-year exile.

Nehemiah 7 25 Context

Nehemiah 7 records a census of the exiles who returned from Babylon, primarily detailing the families, numbers of individuals, and the specific towns to which they returned or belonged. This list is nearly identical to the one found in Ezra 2. Its placement in Nehemiah immediately follows the completion of the wall of Jerusalem, emphasizing that rebuilding the physical city was intrinsically linked to re-populating it with God's people. The meticulous record-keeping underscores the significance of tribal identity, heritage, and the divine preservation of the Jewish community post-exile. The inclusion of groups from specific towns, like Anathoth, reaffirms their claims to ancestral lands and their role in the reconstituted Judean society, laying a foundation for religious and civic life. The detailed account served not just as a historical record, but as proof of God's covenant faithfulness to His people, bringing them back to their promised land.

Nehemiah 7 25 Word analysis

• The men of Anathoth:

  • The men: (Hebrew: ’anshei) Refers specifically to the male members of the community, usually heads of households or those eligible for civic participation and military service. This emphasis highlights the patriarchal structure and the primary figures in establishing the new community. It reflects a systematic approach to counting the populace for settlement and reconstruction.
  • of Anathoth: (Hebrew: ‘Anathoth) This is a specific Levitical city located a few miles northeast of Jerusalem, within the territory of Benjamin (Josh 21:18). It is notably the hometown of the prophet Jeremiah (Jer 1:1), which gives it significant prophetic association. The inclusion of people from Anathoth signifies the widespread return of individuals from various original towns and validates their ancestral claims to these regions, thereby solidifying the physical restoration of Israel. The city's name is debated, possibly deriving from the goddess Anath, but its biblical meaning has been linked to "answers" or "afflictions," especially in light of Jeremiah's suffering there. The mention here shows its re-inhabitation and continuation as part of the post-exilic community.

• one hundred twenty-eight:

  • (Hebrew: mē’āh wᵉśmōnīm wᵉ`eśrīm) A precise numerical figure, which signifies the meticulous record-keeping practiced by the scribes like Ezra and Nehemiah. This precision reinforces the reliability and authenticity of the census, vital for land claims, family lineages, and establishing the community's organizational structure. Such specific numbers highlight the importance of identity and belonging within the returning remnant, illustrating God's precise care in restoring His people, even down to counting each family's members. The exactitude contrasts with a generic or estimated count, suggesting a foundational basis for a renewed Israelite society.

Nehemiah 7 25 Bonus section

The nearly identical lists in Ezra 2 and Nehemiah 7 are a testament to the consistency and shared purpose between these two post-exilic leaders. While minor numerical discrepancies exist across various groups between the two lists and other ancient texts, the "men of Anathoth" figure often matches precisely. Scholars often attribute these minor variations to scribal errors over centuries of copying, differing criteria for counting, or separate enumeration moments (e.g., initial departure vs. later arrival confirmation). However, the general consensus is that these lists accurately reflect the true, substantial return of a Jewish remnant. The purpose of such repetition emphasizes the verification and authentication of heritage, which was crucial for maintaining a pure priesthood, accurate tribal allotments, and proper lineage for the eventual Messiah. This focus on heritage was also an indirect polemic against those who had assimilated into foreign cultures or intermarried without regard for their Israelite identity during the exile.

Nehemiah 7 25 Commentary

Nehemiah 7:25 is a snapshot within a larger register, providing precise data on the returnees from exile. It’s not a standalone theological treatise but a crucial piece of administrative and historical documentation, emphasizing the meticulousness required for re-establishing the post-exilic community. The verse underscores divine providence, showing God’s faithfulness in gathering His scattered people as promised by prophets like Jeremiah and Isaiah. The specific mention of "Anathoth" connects this restoration effort directly to Israel's prophetic heritage, as Jeremiah himself, despite the city's hostility towards him, bought land there as an act of faith in Judah’s future return (Jer 32:6-15). The exact number of "one hundred twenty-eight" signifies more than mere statistics; it speaks to the value God places on each individual and family in His covenant plan, ensuring the continuity of His people. These precise records formed the backbone of a new society, defining who belonged, where they came from, and thus, their rightful place in the reconstructed nation, ready to live under God's law.