Nehemiah 7 35

Nehemiah 7:35 kjv

The children of Harim, three hundred and twenty.

Nehemiah 7:35 nkjv

the sons of Harim, three hundred and twenty;

Nehemiah 7:35 niv

of Harim ? 320

Nehemiah 7:35 esv

The sons of Harim, 320.

Nehemiah 7:35 nlt

The citizens of Harim ? 320

Nehemiah 7 verses

Nehemiah 7 35 Meaning

Nehemiah 7:35 precisely identifies "the sons of Hariph" as one of the family units that returned from Babylonian exile, enumerating their number as three hundred and twenty individuals. This detailed record is part of a larger census, validating the lineage and participation of those rebuilding Jerusalem and re-establishing the post-exilic community in Judah.

Nehemiah 7 35 Context

Nehemiah 7 serves as a detailed registry of the exiles who returned from Babylon, initially under Zerubbabel and later influencing the organization during Nehemiah's governorship. It mirrors Ezra chapter 2, acting as a historical record to establish the legitimate Israelite community. Following the completion of Jerusalem's wall, Nehemiah prioritized proper administration, appointing officials and then finding a genealogical record that prompted a census of the entire community. This census was crucial for affirming the identity, tribal affiliation, and rightful claims (including priestly and Levitical service, and land ownership) of the returnees, ensuring the purity and order of the re-established covenant people. The verse "The sons of Hariph, three hundred and twenty" is a specific entry within this comprehensive list, underscoring the meticulous nature of this accounting for divine purposes.

Nehemiah 7 35 Word analysis

• "The sons of" (בְּנֵי - Bəney):

  • Signifies familial or clan lineage, representing descendants of a common ancestor.
  • Emphasizes the collective identity and tribal structure central to ancient Israelite society.
  • In the Hebrew context, it specifically refers to those belonging to the lineage for genealogical registration.

• "Hariph" (חָרִיף - Ḥārîp̄):

  • A personal name, likely referring to the progenitor or head of a specific family or clan.
  • The name itself can mean "sharp," "keen," or "autumnal." This identifies a distinct household within the returning community.
  • It is directly corroborated by Ezra 2:32, confirming the consistency and accuracy of these vital historical records of the return.

• "three hundred and twenty" (שְׁלֹשׁ־מֵאוֹת וְעֶשְׂרִֽים - šəloš-mə’ōṯ wə‘eśrîm):

  • A precise numerical count, highlighting the meticulous record-keeping during the post-exilic restoration.
  • Such specific numbers were essential for community organization, land distribution, taxation, and assigning roles, particularly for temple service.
  • It testifies to the tangible reality of God's preserved remnant and their structured return, underscoring the human element within God's sovereign plan.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "The sons of Hariph, three hundred and twenty": This complete phrase constitutes a discrete entry within a detailed census list. Its primary function is not narrative, but rather data-oriented, providing a precise count for a specific family. The inclusion of such exact figures within this registry is deeply significant, reflecting a divinely ordered reconstruction. It illustrates that God's plan for His people involved tangible re-establishment and detailed accountability, ensuring the integrity of the covenant community. This meticulous documentation of the returned exiles highlights God’s faithfulness in preserving a remnant and systematically bringing them back to their land, reaffirming their identity and enabling the rebuilding of both society and sacred institutions.

Nehemiah 7 35 Bonus section

The inclusion of detailed numerical lists like the one containing Nehemiah 7:35 was critically important for the socio-political and religious fabric of post-exilic Judah. Such registers were the foundation for claiming ancestral land, defining tribal boundaries, and ensuring eligibility for specific roles, especially in the Levitical and priestly services. Families not listed in these registers, or those whose lineage was uncertain, faced significant challenges in validating their claims, highlighting the absolute necessity of this meticulous accounting. These lists reflect an Ancient Near Eastern administrative practice applied to the divine purposes of restoring God's people to their land and re-establishing covenantal worship and governance. While sometimes appearing mundane, these details underline God’s ordered nature and His care for the tangible presence of His people on earth, a necessary stage for the fulfillment of His promises.

Nehemiah 7 35 Commentary

Nehemiah 7:35, though seemingly just a number, is a profound statement within its historical and theological framework. It's part of the vital census undertaken by Nehemiah, establishing the authentic Israelite identity and legitimate lineage of those returning from Babylonian exile. This was not mere bureaucratic task but a crucial step in God's faithful work of restoring His covenant people and laying the foundation for Jerusalem’s rebirth. The precise listing of each family, including the 320 members of "the sons of Hariph," underscored the divine preservation of a remnant and the organized, methodical process of national re-establishment. Nehemiah’s God-given administrative wisdom is evident in this careful record-keeping, ensuring the purity of the community, especially regarding those eligible for temple service and land inheritance, ultimately paving the way for God's redemptive plans, including the eventual lineage of the Messiah.