Nehemiah 7 58

Nehemiah 7:58 kjv

The children of Jaala, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel,

Nehemiah 7:58 nkjv

the sons of Jaala, the sons of Darkon, the sons of Giddel,

Nehemiah 7:58 niv

Jaala, Darkon, Giddel,

Nehemiah 7:58 esv

the sons of Jaala, the sons of Darkon, the sons of Giddel,

Nehemiah 7:58 nlt

Jaalah, Darkon, Giddel,

Nehemiah 7 verses

Nehemiah 7 58 Meaning

Nehemiah 7:58 identifies two distinct groups among the Nethinim, the "children of Pochereth of Zebaim" and the "children of Amon," who returned from the Babylonian exile. The Nethinim were a class of temple servants, likely non-Israelite in origin, who performed menial but essential tasks for the Tabernacle and later the Temple, ensuring its operational function and purity. Their specific listing underscores the meticulous re-establishment of every facet of temple service personnel after the return from exile, confirming the lineage and legitimacy of those who would minister in the restored community of Jerusalem.

Nehemiah 7 58 Context

Nehemiah 7 details a meticulous census of those who returned from Babylonian captivity to rebuild Jerusalem and restore temple worship, a parallel account to Ezra 2. The immediate context of verse 58 falls within the broader list of the Nethinim (Neh 7:46-60; Ezr 2:43-58). These lists are crucial for establishing the legitimate lineage and roles of individuals in the post-exilic community, especially those involved in temple service. Historically, the return from exile marked a renewed emphasis on purity of worship, adherence to the Law, and proper administration of temple affairs, all of which necessitated precise genealogical records for priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and the Nethinim. Their functions were distinct yet interdependent in the sacred economy of Israel. The inclusion of specific Nethinim groups, even those with unusual names, highlights the completeness of the return and the thorough restoration effort led by Nehemiah and Ezra to ensure the proper functioning of the restored temple and community.

Nehemiah 7 58 Word analysis

• The children of:

  • Original: בְּנֵי (benei)
  • Significance: This phrase denotes lineage or membership within a defined group. It establishes identity and connection, signifying that these individuals belong to specific, recognized families or clans within the larger category of the Nethinim who returned.

• Pochereth of Zebaim:

  • Original: פֹּכֶ֖רֶת הַצְּבָיִֽם (Pōḵereth haṣṣəḇāyim)
  • Meaning: This unique name presents interpretative complexities. "Pochereth" (פּוֹכֶרֶת) is a personal or clan name. Its root could relate to pakhar, "to snare" or "to enclose." "Zebaim" (הַצְּבָיִֽם) directly translates to "the gazelles" or "antelopes."
  • Significance:
    • Obscure Origin: The name suggests a non-Israelite or unusual background. Many Nethinim were believed to be descendants of foreign captives, such as the Gibeonites (Josh 9).
    • Possible Occupation/Place: It could point to a family whose members were formerly associated with hunting or snaring gazelles, or originated from a region known for these animals ("Pochereth from Zebaim").
    • Potential Polemic: Some scholars suggest "Zebaim" might hint at a previous association with pagan worship (e.g., an animal cult involving gazelles). If so, their dedication as temple servants in YHWH's house starkly contrasts their former allegiance, highlighting a direct transfer of devotion from false gods to the true God. This underlines God's redemptive power and ability to use individuals from all backgrounds for His sacred purposes.

• The children of Amon:

  • Original: אָמ֖וֹן (ʾāmôn)
  • Meaning: A common personal or clan name, which can mean "trustworthy," "faithful," or "artisan/skilled worker." It should not be confused with the Egyptian deity Amon, as this context is a proper name within the returning exiles.
  • Significance: This simply identifies another specific Nethinim group. The straightforward nature of the name contrasts with "Pochereth of Zebaim," indicating the wide variety of names and possibly origins among these servants, from the relatively common to the unusually distinctive.

• "The children of Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Amon" (as a grouped entry):

  • The pairing of these two names signifies distinct, yet united, contributions to the temple service. Their specific inclusion within the Nethinim list emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the census.
  • Their role underlines the vital need for support staff in maintaining the sanctity and functionality of God's dwelling place. No role, even the most humble, was overlooked in the restoration of the community and its worship life.
  • Their return confirms the continuity of Nethinim service, crucial for ensuring all tasks in the temple, from menial to ministerial, could be fulfilled efficiently and righteously by designated individuals and families.

Nehemiah 7 58 Bonus section

The Nethinim (נְתִינִים, nethinim), literally "the given ones," occupied a unique and often undervalued position in Israelite society, performing manual labor essential for the Tabernacle and Temple. Their precise listing in Ezra-Nehemiah emphasizes their integration into the post-exilic community and the continuity of temple service personnel. While often believed to be descendants of the Gibeonites whom Joshua cursed to be "woodcutters and water carriers" (Josh 9), the term likely broadened to include other foreigners or prisoners of war whom David or Solomon "gave" or dedicated for temple work. Their subordinate role did not negate their divine purpose; they ensured the priests and Levites could focus on their specific duties without being burdened by menial tasks. The meticulous recording of their specific family lines like Pochereth of Zebaim and Amon underscores that, regardless of their possibly non-Israelite and humble origins, they were fully recognized members of the returned community whose service was crucial to the divine worship structure. Their very existence in these records presents a subtle polemic against any notion of exclusivist purity, revealing that God orchestrates and accepts consecrated service from all whom He sets apart. Their historical inclusion also offers a rich Old Testament foreshadowing of the New Testament's radical inclusion of all nations into the "priesthood of believers" (1 Pet 2:9).

Nehemiah 7 58 Commentary

Nehemiah 7:58, while appearing as a brief entry in a long genealogy, holds significant theological weight. It affirms the comprehensive re-establishment of all roles necessary for sacred worship, down to the Nethinim, the "given ones," who performed vital, though often unseen, support functions for the Temple. The mention of obscure groups like "Pochereth of Zebaim" and "Amon" speaks to the divine principle that every member and every form of service dedicated to God is known, valued, and accounted for in His economy. It highlights God's sovereignty over the nations, demonstrated by His capacity to utilize even those of foreign or humble backgrounds for the sacred work of His house. This inclusivity foreshadows the New Covenant, where all believers, regardless of their background, are invited into the service of God's spiritual temple.Examples for practical usage:

• Every gift matters: In the community of faith, every person's gifts and efforts, regardless of how public or private, are indispensable for the functioning of God's house (the church).
• Redemption for service: Even if one's past was estranged from God (as implied by some Nethinim origins), God calls and equips them for meaningful service in His kingdom.
• Order and intentionality: The meticulous record reminds us that organized, intentional dedication to service brings blessings and efficacy.