Nehemiah 7 57

Nehemiah 7:57 kjv

The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Perida,

Nehemiah 7:57 nkjv

The sons of Solomon's servants: the sons of Sotai, the sons of Sophereth, the sons of Perida,

Nehemiah 7:57 niv

The descendants of the servants of Solomon: the descendants of Sotai, Sophereth, Perida,

Nehemiah 7:57 esv

The sons of Solomon's servants: the sons of Sotai, the sons of Sophereth, the sons of Perida,

Nehemiah 7:57 nlt

The descendants of these servants of King Solomon returned from exile:
Sotai, Hassophereth, Peruda,

Nehemiah 7 verses

Nehemiah 7 57 Meaning

Nehemiah 7:57 precisely records that "all the children of Solomon's servants" numbered three hundred ninety-two individuals among those who returned from Babylonian exile to Jerusalem and Judah. This verse specifies a group descended from non-Israelite individuals conscripted by King Solomon for service, who, generations later, willingly joined the returning exiles to contribute to the re-establishment of the community and the Temple service. It underscores the meticulous nature of the census and the diverse composition of the post-exilic remnant.

Nehemiah 7 57 Context

Nehemiah 7 serves as a vital register of those who returned to Judah from Babylonian captivity. Following the successful rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, this chapter transitions from physical restoration to the reorganization of the people themselves. Its primary purpose is to identify, account for, and establish the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the surrounding towns, thereby providing a clear picture of the restored community's size, lineage, and structure. The meticulous list ensures administrative order, purity of lineage (especially for priests), and effective allocation of resources for worship and defense. This census closely parallels the one recorded in Ezra 2, confirming the historical data and demonstrating careful record-keeping necessary for the nascent Jewish state. The inclusion of specific groups like "Solomon's servants" reflects the comprehensive nature of the return, encompassing not just traditional Israelites but also those connected to the Temple through historical servitude, underscoring their dedication and role in the reconstituted community.

Nehemiah 7 57 Word analysis

• all (כָּל, kol): Hebrew for "all," "every," or "whole." Here it emphasizes the entirety of the specified group, indicating that none from this particular class of returnees were excluded from the count. It signals completeness within the given category.
• the children of (בְּנֵי, b'ney): Literally "sons of," but widely used to mean "descendants of," "progeny of," or "members of a group associated with." This highlights a hereditary connection, not just a literal father-son relationship. It signifies that generations had passed, yet the identity and lineage (and implicitly, the traditional function or status) were maintained through the exile and subsequently in the return.
• Solomon's servants (עַבְדֵי שְׁלֹמֹה, ʿavdey Shlomo): This is a key designation. These individuals were descendants of non-Israelite inhabitants of Canaan whom King Solomon had conscripted for various labor duties, including major building projects like the Temple and royal complexes (1 Kgs 9:20-21; 2 Chr 8:7-8). They were not of Israelite descent but became a permanent servant class, likely distinct from the "Nethinim" but performing similar, supportive roles related to the sanctuary. Their willingness to return from exile, despite their non-Israelite origins and history of servitude, points to their deep connection and loyalty to the worship of the Lord and the rebuilt community. This phrase indicates their long-standing association with the royal and religious administration.
• were (הָיוּ, hayu): A simple verb meaning "they were" or "they became," confirming the existence and quantity of this group.
• three hundred ninety-two (שְׁלֹשׁ מֵאוֹת תִּשְׁעִים וּשְׁתַּיִם, shlosh me'ot tish'im u'shtayim): A precise numerical count. The specificity underscores the meticulous record-keeping during this period of re-establishment. This exact figure provides administrative and historical validation, affirming the care taken in listing every segment of the returning remnant. It suggests accuracy and accountability, critical for the formation of a legitimate, structured society.

Words-group analysis

• "all the children of Solomon's servants": This phrase underlines the multi-generational continuity of a specific service-oriented lineage, even through generations of exile. Despite their ancestry as non-Israelite indentured laborers, their descendants demonstrate a profound loyalty and commitment by returning to Jerusalem, highlighting God's broad call to service and the enduring connection of diverse peoples to His redemptive plans. It broadens the understanding of "God's people" to include those faithfully serving the divine purposes regardless of original ethnic identity.
• "were three hundred ninety-two": The explicit enumeration serves to validate the register's thoroughness and provide a concrete basis for organizing the community. This specific number is a historical marker, offering a glimpse into the tangible demographics of the returned remnant and emphasizing the divine care in regathering even the less prominent members of the covenant community.

Nehemiah 7 57 Bonus section

• Discrepancy with Ezra 2: While Nehemiah 7:57 and Ezra 2:58 perfectly match in number for "Solomon's servants" (392), slight overall differences exist in the total numbers and sometimes specific groups across the two registers. Scholars largely attribute these to factors like different periods of census taking (e.g., initial returns versus later organized groups), different administrative purposes for the lists, or scribal variations that are common in ancient manuscripts. They do not undermine the overall accuracy or divine inspiration of the accounts.
• Connection to Nethinim: "Solomon's servants" are often listed alongside or understood as functionally similar to the "Nethinim" (lit. "given ones"), another group of non-Israelite Temple servants whose lineage of service also passed down through generations. These groups ensured the logistical support for the Temple cultus (e.g., fetching wood, water, general labor), freeing Levites and priests for their specific religious duties.
• Voluntary Return and Faithfulness: Crucially, their return was not a matter of continued forced labor but a voluntary commitment. This demonstrates deep, inherited piety and a profound desire to serve God in His house, illustrating how even those not ethnically Israelites became integral parts of God's covenant community through generations of faithful service.
• Theology of Inclusivity: The meticulous record of such a group subtly reinforces a theology of divine inclusivity, anticipating later New Testament teachings that God accepts those who fear Him from every nation. Their return physically embodies the prophetic vision of foreigners joining themselves to the Lord to serve Him (Isa 56:6).

Nehemiah 7 57 Commentary

Nehemiah 7:57 pinpoints a specific detail within the comprehensive census of those who returned from Babylonian exile: the descendants of "Solomon's servants," numbering three hundred ninety-two. These were not direct Israelites but heirs of ancient non-Israelite populations whom Solomon had conscripted for various duties, notably building and serving the temple and royal projects. Their inclusion in this post-exilic registry is highly significant. It showcases that commitment to the Lord and His dwelling place transcended ethnic or historical categories of servitude. Their voluntary return underscores a profound loyalty, highlighting God's faithfulness in drawing diverse people into His plan of restoration. This meticulous accounting reflects both divine providence in regathering every part of His people and the practical wisdom in establishing order for the new Jerusalem. Their presence signifies that valuable contributions to God's kingdom come from unexpected backgrounds and are cherished in His sight. For instance, just as a small, specialized team might be critical for the smooth functioning of a large project, this modest group had a defined and enduring role in the Temple's logistical support, vital for the spiritual health of the community.