Nehemiah 7 5

Nehemiah 7:5 kjv

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,

Nehemiah 7:5 nkjv

Then my God put it into my heart to gather the nobles, the rulers, and the people, that they might be registered by genealogy. And I found a register of the genealogy of those who had come up in the first return, and found written in it:

Nehemiah 7:5 niv

So my God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles, the officials and the common people for registration by families. I found the genealogical record of those who had been the first to return. This is what I found written there:

Nehemiah 7:5 esv

Then my God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles and the officials and the people to be enrolled by genealogy. And I found the book of the genealogy of those who came up at the first, and I found written in it:

Nehemiah 7:5 nlt

So my God gave me the idea to call together all the nobles and leaders of the city, along with the ordinary citizens, for registration. I had found the genealogical record of those who had first returned to Judah. This is what was written there:

Nehemiah 7 verses

Nehemiah 7 5 Meaning

Nehemiah 7:5 describes Nehemiah's divinely inspired decision to meticulously organize the post-exilic community in Jerusalem. Recognizing the need to properly register the inhabitants, God supernaturally placed the desire in Nehemiah’s heart to gather all levels of society—nobles, officials, and common people—for genealogical enrollment. In an act of divine providence, Nehemiah unexpectedly discovered an authoritative existing record: the original genealogical book of those who had first returned from Babylonian exile, thereby confirming the true Israelite identity of the people and providing a foundation for the community's restoration and future organization.

Nehemiah 7 5 Context

Nehemiah chapter 7 follows the completion of Jerusalem's wall, marking a crucial turning point from physical rebuilding to community establishment. Nehemiah recognized that a secure wall alone was insufficient; the city remained sparsely populated and disorganized. The immediate context of verse 5 shows Nehemiah's proactive administration. He had already appointed gatekeepers, singers, and Levites (Neh 7:1) and given command to Hanani and Hananiah over the city's defense and administration (Neh 7:2-3). The problem articulated in Neh 7:4 was that the city was large but had few people and houses. This prompted Nehemiah to address the issue of repopulating Jerusalem with legitimate Israelites. Historically, following the Babylonian exile, purity of lineage was paramount. It determined rights to land, inheritance, and critically, the eligibility for priestly and Levitical service (e.g., Ezra 2:61-63). Maintaining an accurate genealogical record was essential for preserving the distinct identity of the covenant people of Israel and for the proper functioning of their religious and civil life.

Nehemiah 7 5 Word analysis

• Then: Signifies a chronological progression of Nehemiah's actions and divine guidance after the wall's completion. It links the administrative steps.
• my God: Hebrew: Elohay. This intensely personal possessive emphasizes Nehemiah's close relationship with Yahweh and highlights that the impulse did not originate from mere human logic or desire, but directly from God. It points to divine authorization.
• put it into my heart: Hebrew: yittĕnēnī ‘al-libbī (literally, "gave me upon my heart"). This idiom signifies divine inspiration or implantation of thought. It's not a suggestion but an internal compulsion or profound conviction that Nehemiah perceived as God's will. This contrasts with purely human initiatives and stresses God's active involvement in the leader's discernment.
• to assemble: Hebrew: wayyiqběṣū. To gather or bring together systematically. This demonstrates Nehemiah’s proactive and organized leadership in unifying the various social strata.
• the nobles: Hebrew: haḥōrīm. Lit. "the free ones." Refers to leading men, heads of families, prominent citizens, indicating a gathering of significant influence.
• the officials: Hebrew: hassĕgānīm. Refers to the rulers or deputies appointed by the Persian king or provincial governor. These were civil administrators responsible for order and governance.
• and the common people: Hebrew: wəhā‘ām. Refers to the general populace, ensuring a comprehensive registration covering all strata of the returning community.
• that I might enroll them by genealogy: Hebrew: lĕhityyaḥēś (from the root yāḥas, "to be registered genealogically"). This clarifies the purpose of the assembly: to register people according to their ancestral lineage. This was critical for affirming Jewish identity, tribal affiliation, land rights, and particularly, eligibility for temple service, protecting the purity of the community from those of mixed or non-Israelite origin.
• And I found: This signifies a discovery, often implying divine provision or serendipity. Nehemiah intended to create a register, but God provided one already in existence.
• the book of the genealogy: Hebrew: sēfer hayyaḥas. This refers to a written register or record of family lineages. The definite article "the" indicates a specific, known, or highly authoritative document. Its discovery was a providential boon, as it provided a concrete and undisputed basis for enrollment.
• of those who came up at the first: Refers to the first wave of Jewish exiles who returned from Babylon under Zerubbabel and Joshua (c. 538 BC), approximately 90 years prior to Nehemiah's arrival (Ezra 2 lists this group). This emphasizes the document's historical authenticity and direct connection to the foundational returnees.
• and I found written in it: Reaffirms the authoritative and reliable nature of the discovered book. It wasn't an empty book, but contained established and verifiable records, simplifying Nehemiah's complex task.

Nehemiah 7 5 Bonus section

The "book of the genealogy of those who came up at the first" is likely the exact same list that appears in Ezra 2. Its rediscovery or emphasis here in Nehemiah highlights its ongoing authority and relevance for confirming identity. The very next section (Neh 7:6-73) is an almost identical recounting of this list from Ezra 2. This verbatim repetition across two different books reinforces the incredible historical and administrative precision considered vital for the restoration of Israel. It serves as a spiritual 'proof of concept' that God oversees even the most minute administrative details to preserve His covenant people. This focus on verifiable records and lineage also served as an indirect polemic against casual claims of Israelite identity, demanding clear, documented proof. The meticulous nature of this task reveals that spiritual revival often includes systematic order and careful attention to the practical details of communal life, guided by God's leading.

Nehemiah 7 5 Commentary

Nehemiah 7:5 encapsulates a profound lesson in divine providence and purposeful leadership. Nehemiah's internal prompting ("my God put it into my heart") underscores that effective spiritual leadership isn't merely about strategic planning but about a divine download of wisdom and will. God initiates the action by planting the intention, and Nehemiah responds in obedience. The purpose of this grand assembly—genealogical enrollment—was vital for the post-exilic community. It wasn't about status but about identity and covenant integrity. Distinguishing true Israelites from non-Israelites or those of compromised lineage was paramount for temple service, land inheritance, and maintaining the purity of God's people. The discovery of "the book of the genealogy of those who came up at the first" is a classic example of God's perfect timing and provision. Just as Nehemiah was about to undertake a laborious census, God revealed a complete, authentic, and foundational record. This provided an undeniable, objective standard against which to verify the claims of all present. It exemplifies how God often provides the necessary resources and tools for His people to accomplish His will, even anticipating their needs before they fully articulate them.