Nehemiah 7 26

Nehemiah 7:26 kjv

The men of Bethlehem and Netophah, an hundred fourscore and eight.

Nehemiah 7:26 nkjv

the men of Bethlehem and Netophah, one hundred and eighty-eight;

Nehemiah 7:26 niv

the men of Bethlehem and Netophah ? 188

Nehemiah 7:26 esv

The men of Bethlehem and Netophah, 188.

Nehemiah 7:26 nlt

The people of Bethlehem and Netophah ? 188

Nehemiah 7 verses

Nehemiah 7 26 Meaning

Nehemiah 7:26 serves as a detailed entry within the comprehensive census list of Jewish exiles who returned from Babylonian captivity to Judea under the leadership of Zerubbabel and later Nehemiah. This particular verse precisely records the number of "men" (implying male heads of households) from the towns of Bethlehem and Netophah who were part of this significant repatriation. It underscores the careful and methodical re-establishment of the community in the land of their forefathers, emphasizing identity, heritage, and the divine faithfulness in bringing remnants back.

Nehemiah 7 26 Context

Nehemiah chapter 7 provides a detailed enumeration of those who returned from Babylonian exile, effectively mirroring the list found in Ezra 2. This chapter directly follows the completion of the wall of Jerusalem, marking a significant milestone in the physical restoration of the city. With the wall secured, Nehemiah then focuses on the crucial task of reconstituting the community within the city. This census was vital for several reasons: to establish legitimate Israelite identity based on family lineage, to ensure proper distribution of land and responsibilities, and to determine the purity of the priesthood. The precise numbering, including villages like Bethlehem and Netophah, underscores the meticulous effort to rebuild a holy community rooted in their ancestral lands and traditions, preceding the spiritual revival that would take place in subsequent chapters with the reading of the Law.

Nehemiah 7 26 Word analysis

• The men of: Signifies the heads of households or adult males capable of contributing to the rebuilding efforts. The count generally refers to males aged twenty years and upward, consistent with biblical census practices (Num 1:3).
• Bethlehem (Hebrew: בֵּית לֶחֶם, Beit Leḥem): Literally "house of bread." This town holds profound biblical significance as the birthplace of King David (1 Sam 17:12) and, later, the birthplace of Jesus Christ (Mic 5:2, Matt 2:1). Its inclusion emphasizes the return of individuals from deeply rooted historical and religiously significant areas, connecting the re-established community to its covenantal heritage and prophetic destiny.
• and Netophah (Hebrew: נְטוֹפָה, Neṭophah): A village closely associated with Bethlehem, often mentioned alongside it in historical lists. It was home to several of David's mighty men (2 Sam 23:28-29, 1 Chr 11:30), highlighting its ancient connection to Israel's foundational figures. Its people were known for their military prowess and loyalty, indicating a return of sturdy and dependable individuals to the restored community. Priestly families were also associated with Netophah (Ezra 2:22 in parallel, though the specific number here is different).
• one hundred eighty-eight: This precise number, like others in the census, signifies careful record-keeping and highlights the human scale of the post-exilic community. While small compared to pre-exilic populations, it represents the faithful remnant, a tangible fulfillment of prophetic promises for a return and restoration. The meticulous nature of this accounting reinforces the legitimacy and divinely ordained nature of their return, forming the foundation of the second Temple commonwealth.

Nehemiah 7 26 Bonus section

The discrepancy in numbers between Nehemiah 7:26 (188) and the parallel Ezra 2:22 (123 for Bethlehem, 56 for Netophah, totaling 179) highlights the complexities of ancient census records. While seemingly a minor point, scholarly consensus suggests this is likely due to either scribal variations in transmission or, more plausibly, represents slightly different times or stages of registration as groups returned. Such minor variations do not negate the historical accuracy or the overall purpose of these lists but rather reflect the practicalities of record-keeping in antiquity. Ultimately, both lists serve the same crucial purpose: to validate the returnees' identity and legitimacy as heirs to the covenant, demonstrating that the restoration was not merely symbolic but involved actual people, specific families, returning to specific ancestral lands. This emphasis on individual accountability and precise lineage underlines the integrity of the community God was rebuilding.

Nehemiah 7 26 Commentary

Nehemiah 7:26, though a seemingly simple demographic record, is deeply significant within the broader narrative of God's restoration of His people. It is not just a dry list of numbers; it encapsulates divine faithfulness and human effort. The specific mention of "Bethlehem" immediately connects the repatriated community to profound theological roots—the town of David, prophesied as the Messiah's birthplace. This connection would have resonated powerfully with the original audience, reminding them that their lineage was bound to God's larger redemptive plan. The inclusion of Netophah further anchors this historical continuity. The numerical specificity underscores the meticulous and purposeful nature of the return. It wasn't a haphazard gathering but an organized re-establishment by divine orchestration and human leadership. These individuals, from these specific towns, were integral components of the spiritual and social rebuilding project. Their presence was crucial for establishing legal claims, land tenure, and tribal identity, ensuring the purity and continuity of the Jewish nation in the Promised Land after decades of exile. It speaks to God’s meticulous care for His covenant people, down to individual towns and family lines, reflecting the principle that God remembers His promises and orchestrates their fulfillment even amidst seemingly small beginnings. This focus on details ensures a proper foundation for the coming spiritual and social reforms under Ezra and Nehemiah, demonstrating that true restoration requires both physical return and precise order.