Nehemiah 7 60

Nehemiah 7:60 kjv

All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants, were three hundred ninety and two.

Nehemiah 7:60 nkjv

All the Nethinim, and the sons of Solomon's servants, were three hundred and ninety-two.

Nehemiah 7:60 niv

The temple servants and the descendants of the servants of Solomon ? 392

Nehemiah 7:60 esv

All the temple servants and the sons of Solomon's servants were 392.

Nehemiah 7:60 nlt

In all, the Temple servants and the descendants of Solomon's servants numbered 392.

Nehemiah 7 verses

Nehemiah 7 60 Meaning

Nehemiah 7:60 records the combined count of two specific groups of temple servants who returned from Babylonian exile: the Nethinim and the children of Solomon's servants. These 392 individuals, though not direct descendants of Israel, were recognized and included in the census of the post-exilic community for their vital role in supporting the operations of the Lord's House in Jerusalem.

Nehemiah 7 60 Context

Chapter Context: Nehemiah chapter 7 primarily consists of a comprehensive register (or census) of the Jewish people who returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian exile. This registry is almost identical to Ezra 2. Following the completion and dedication of the city walls, Nehemiah moved to establish the internal governance and population of Jerusalem. The purpose of this meticulous listing was crucial for identifying individuals by their ancestral families, re-establishing land claims, organizing the community, and verifying who was legitimately entitled to participate in sacred temple service, including specific roles for priests, Levites, and other temple assistants. Verse 60 specifically accounts for a particular group of essential non-Israelite temple workers.

Historical and Cultural Context: This period marks the post-exilic era, around 444 BC. The returnees, having survived generations in captivity, were now focused on rebuilding not just the physical structures but also their identity as God's chosen people in the Promised Land. Lineage and tribal affiliation were paramount in ancient Israelite society, determining land inheritance, social status, and religious functions. The detailed census provided the necessary documentation for the re-establishment of the community on its covenant foundations. The inclusion of groups like the Nethinim and Solomon's servants in such an official list underscores their recognized and essential roles in the restored Jewish community, despite their foreign origins. Their integration reflects a pragmatic necessity for maintaining Temple operations and a theological inclusiveness, recognizing the value of all who faithfully serve God.

Nehemiah 7 60 Word analysis

• All: (Heb. כֹּל, kol) Emphasizes the totality and comprehensive nature of the enumeration. It indicates that the entire group of Nethinim and Solomon's servants accounted for are covered by the following number, reflecting the meticulous record-keeping of the census.
• the Nethinim: (Heb. הַנְּתִינִים, han'nethinim, from the root נָתַן, nathan, meaning "to give" or "to place"). This term literally means "the given ones" or "those set apart." They were a specific class of temple servants who were responsible for the more menial, yet necessary, labor in and around the sanctuary. Their historical origins are varied, with some traditionally linked to the Gibeonites (Josh 9:23, 27), who were conscripted to be woodcutters and water carriers, and others possibly from war captives given to assist the Levites by David and his princes (Ezra 8:20). Their inclusion in the census demonstrates their integral role in the Temple's functioning, indicating that service to God could transcend ethnic origins, albeit in distinct roles.
• and the children of Solomon's servants: (Heb. וּבְנֵי עַבְדֵי שְׁלֹמֹה, u'venei avdei Shelomoh). This refers to the descendants of the non-Israelite workers whom King Solomon conscripted for his massive building projects, including the Temple (1 Ki 9:20-21). Over time, these families and their descendants became associated with the Temple's upkeep and likely performed duties similar to or alongside the Nethinim. Their continued presence centuries later, post-exile, signifies their established role within the Jewish commonwealth and God's enduring purpose for those from various backgrounds who diligently served in His sanctuary.
• were three hundred ninety and two: This precise numerical figure highlights the meticulousness of the post-exilic census and the importance placed on identity and role within the restored community. This number is exactly the same as recorded in Ezra 2:58 for the combined group. It confirms that the Nethinim and the children of Solomon's servants collectively totaled 392 individuals among those who returned, underscoring their recognized, albeit auxiliary, place in the social and religious structure.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "All the Nethinim, and the children of Solomon's servants,": This phrase unites two distinct but functionally similar groups under a single heading. It emphasizes that both were recognized categories of non-Levitical temple assistants who were vital to the sanctuary's practical operations. Their inclusion side-by-side demonstrates a cohesive understanding of the support staff needed for the Lord's house.
• "were three hundred ninety and two.": This specific enumeration is more than a mere headcount; it underscores the administrative rigor of the post-exilic community. Such detailed records were fundamental for establishing the legitimate citizenry, assigning responsibilities within the renewed societal structure, and ensuring order in land redistribution and sacred service, all of which pointed to the sovereign hand of God in the restoration of His people.

Nehemiah 7 60 Bonus section

• The exact numerical match (392) in both Nehemiah 7:60 and Ezra 2:58 for the combined total of the Nethinim and Solomon's servants provides a powerful textual affirmation of the precision and historical consistency of these post-exilic registers. This shared data emphasizes the high regard and importance attributed to these administrative records.
• While these groups primarily handled menial tasks (like fetching water or wood), their duties were nonetheless essential for the proper functioning of the Temple sacrifices and worship. Their inclusion in the census implies a form of integration into the broader Israelite society, albeit with distinct responsibilities, underscoring that all contributions in God's service hold value.
• The acceptance of the Nethinim and the children of Solomon's servants into the fold, despite their non-Israelite origins, serves as an Old Testament foreshadowing of the New Testament's broader inclusion of Gentiles into God's family through Christ, where nationality and social standing no longer determine one's spiritual worth or place in the body of Christ (Gal 3:28).

Nehemiah 7 60 Commentary

Nehemiah 7:60 concisely documents a numerically small yet significant group within the post-exilic Jewish community: the Nethinim and the children of Solomon's servants. These individuals, distinct from the Levites and priests, were recognized Temple functionaries, providing crucial support services from preparing sacrifices to maintaining the sanctuary. Their origins were non-Israelite, stemming from those "given" to the Temple service (perhaps Gibeonites or captives) and descendants of King Solomon's forced laborers. Their faithful presence among the returnees highlights a key biblical principle: humble service to the Lord, regardless of one's background or the nature of the task, is valued in God's kingdom. The meticulous enumeration of exactly 392 individuals for this combined group, mirrored in Ezra 2:58, attests to the diligent efforts of Nehemiah and Ezra in precisely cataloging all who formed the re-constituted community in Judah. This emphasis on order and accountability ensured proper identification for land rights and roles, reflecting a divine design for structure in His people. It demonstrates God's sovereignty, providing the necessary personnel even from unexpected sources to ensure the functionality of His house.