Nehemiah 7 54

Nehemiah 7:54 kjv

The children of Bazlith, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha,

Nehemiah 7:54 nkjv

the sons of Bazlith, the sons of Mehida, the sons of Harsha,

Nehemiah 7:54 niv

Bazluth, Mehida, Harsha,

Nehemiah 7:54 esv

the sons of Bazlith, the sons of Mehida, the sons of Harsha,

Nehemiah 7:54 nlt

Bazluth, Mehida, Harsha,

Nehemiah 7 verses

Nehemiah 7 54 Meaning

Nehemiah 7:54 records "the children of Hatipha" as one of the family groups among "the children of the servants of Solomon." This verse is part of a meticulous register of those who returned from Babylonian captivity to Judea. It signifies the identity and continued recognition of various hereditary groups who served the Temple, emphasizing their integration into the returned community for the re-establishment of sacred worship and civil life.

Nehemiah 7 54 Context

Nehemiah 7 serves as a detailed registry, paralleling Ezra 2, listing all the specific family heads and groups that returned from Babylonian captivity to rebuild Jerusalem and repopulate Judah. This meticulous census was crucial for the re-establishment of tribal and familial identities, land inheritance, and most importantly, the organization of temple service. Verse 54 specifically identifies "the children of Hatipha" as belonging to "the children of the servants of Solomon." This group, along with the Nethinim (given in prior verses), comprised hereditary Temple servants who, although not Levitical priests, had essential, practical roles in the Sanctuary. Their inclusion in this register underscores the comprehensive nature of the post-exilic community and the divine importance placed on every aspect of its restoration, from its physical structures to its spiritual service, recognizing every member's designated role.

Nehemiah 7 54 Word analysis

• the children of: In Hebrew, "בְּנֵי" (benei). This common prefix indicates direct descendants or members of a family group, clan, or even tribe. Its repeated use throughout the genealogical list emphasizes lineage and familial identity, crucial for the restoration of the social and religious order in post-exilic Judah. It speaks to the meticulous record-keeping concerning who legitimately belonged to the community.
• Hatipha: In Hebrew, "חֲטִיפָא" (Chatipha). This is a personal name or a family designation. Its meaning is not definitively known or does not carry a profound theological implication beyond identifying a specific lineage within the larger group. The focus here is on the identification of specific family lines contributing to the collective, highlighting God's recognition of individual families within His people.
• the children of the servants of Solomon: In Hebrew, "בְּנֵי עַבְדֵי שְׁלֹמֹה" (benei avdei Shelomo). This is a crucial phrase:
  • בְּנֵי (benei): Again, "children of" or "descendants of," indicating the perpetuation of their ancestral designation.
  • עַבְדֵי (avdei): "servants of." While "slave" is a possible translation of 'eved', in this context, it refers to those specifically appointed or designated for service. These were likely a specialized group of Temple attendants or administrators rather than merely bondservants. They performed various duties essential for the functioning of the Temple and likely formed a separate class distinct from the Nethinim, though both served.
  • שְׁלֹמֹה (Shelomo): "Solomon." This indicates their origin: they were descendants of those whom King Solomon originally appointed to temple service. This designation points to a long-standing, hereditary tradition of service to God's house established centuries prior. These individuals were possibly Gibeonites (Josh 9:27) or captives from other nations (1 Kgs 9:20-21) whom Solomon employed in large public works and sacred duties, demonstrating a continuity of service that spanned generations and exiles, indicating God's preserving power over His elect. Their inclusion here signifies their essential and ongoing role in the re-established community, emphasizing that even those with foreign lineage designated to humble service were valued within God's kingdom, showcasing an inclusive aspect of divine purpose amidst a people often prone to exclusivity.

Nehemiah 7 54 Bonus section

The "children of the servants of Solomon" (Benei Avdei Shelomo) represent a fascinating socio-religious group, often mentioned alongside the Nethinim, but distinct. While Nethinim means "given ones" (suggesting a dedication, possibly from various origins like captives or even temple dedications), the Servants of Solomon specifically traced their lineage back to King Solomon's direct appointments for public and religious service. This specific designation highlights:

• Historical Continuity: Their existence in Nehemiah's time attests to a remarkable 400-year plus lineage of specific temple service, showing incredible resilience and dedication across major historical shifts, including the exile.
• Inclusivity: Many scholars believe these groups likely originated from non-Israelite populations whom David or Solomon incorporated into the kingdom for public and temple duties (e.g., Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, Jebusites, 1 Kgs 9:20-21). Their valued return and re-integration into the post-exilic community demonstrate God's broader plan for "foreigners" or Gentiles to be part of His worshipping community, foreshadowing the expansive inclusion of the New Covenant (Isa 56:6-7).
• Divine Order: Their meticulously recorded return reinforces the biblical principle of order and accountability in God's kingdom. Every part of the body is important, and every family, however "small" their specific role, is recognized in the divine ledger.

Nehemiah 7 54 Commentary

Nehemiah 7:54, though seemingly a simple listing of names, is significant in its theological implications. It underscores God's meticulous care for His people, manifested in the detailed preservation of their lineages and roles, even for those in less prominent but vital positions. The inclusion of "the children of Hatipha" as "the children of the servants of Solomon" highlights the continuation of inherited sacred service. These families, whose ancestors were appointed by Solomon for the Temple's functional needs, remained faithful to their charge through generations and exile, showcasing remarkable loyalty. This verse subtly teaches that all roles within God's kingdom are recognized and valued by Him, from priests and Levites to those fulfilling more practical, supporting duties. It also speaks to God's sovereignty over the destiny of nations and peoples, utilizing various backgrounds to accomplish His redemptive purposes, thereby reflecting an inclusive aspect within the broader narrative of His chosen people. The listing serves as an essential record for community order, land inheritance, and the re-establishment of complete Temple worship.