Nehemiah 7 69

Nehemiah 7:69 kjv

Their camels, four hundred thirty and five: six thousand seven hundred and twenty asses.

Nehemiah 7:69 nkjv

their camels four hundred and thirty-five, and donkeys six thousand seven hundred and twenty.

Nehemiah 7:69 niv

435 camels and 6,720 donkeys.

Nehemiah 7:69 esv

their camels 435, and their donkeys 6,720.

Nehemiah 7:69 nlt

435 camels, and 6,720 donkeys.

Nehemiah 7 verses

Nehemiah 7 69 Meaning

Nehemiah 7:69 meticulously records the exact number of pack animals possessed by the Jewish community returning from Babylonian exile to Jerusalem. Specifically, it lists "four hundred thirty and five" camels and "six thousand seven hundred and twenty" donkeys (asses). This detailed enumeration provides a snapshot of the material resources accompanying the exiles, vital for their resettlement, transport of goods, and agricultural endeavors in the land of Judah.

Nehemiah 7 69 Context

Nehemiah 7 serves as a vital historical record, meticulously listing the families and individuals who returned from Babylonian exile to Judah under Zerubbabel and later under Nehemiah. This chapter is nearly identical to Ezra 2, confirming its significance as an official and authoritative registry of the post-exilic community. The detailed census includes not only the people by families, priests, Levites, and temple servants, but also their financial contributions and their livestock, which were crucial for re-establishing life in the devastated land. Verse 69, specifically, falls within the section detailing the collective assets of all who returned, providing practical insight into the logistical capacity and material resources available for the daunting task of rebuilding Jerusalem and the nation. This census precedes Nehemiah's initiatives to organize the population for repopulation and reconstruction, including the monumental task of rebuilding the walls.

Nehemiah 7 69 Word analysis

• Their camels (גְּמַלֵּיהֶם, gemallêhem):
  • Word: The plural construct of gamal (גָּמָל), meaning "camel," with the pronominal suffix for "their."
  • Significance: Camels were highly valued animals, indispensable for long-distance desert travel and carrying substantial loads over great distances. Their presence signifies the exiles' capacity to transport considerable goods and provisions from Babylon back to Judah, underpinning the entire logistical success of the return. It also indicates a certain level of wealth or strategic foresight among the returning families, as acquiring and maintaining camels would have required resources.
• four hundred thirty and five:
  • Word: A precise numerical figure (אַרְבַּע מֵאוֹת שְׁלֹשִׁים וַחֲמִשָּׁה, ’arba‘ mē’ôt shĕlōshîm waḥamissāh).
  • Significance: The specificity of the number underscores the detailed nature of the census. It's not a round figure but an exact count, suggesting meticulous record-keeping, emphasizing the authenticity and reliability of this historical register.
• beside them, their asses (וַחֲמוֹרֵיהֶם, waḥămôrêhem, with a preceding element for 'beside them' implied in the structure or combined in the numbers):
  • Word: The original Hebrew structure places "and their asses" as a separate entity after the camel count. The translation "beside them" (if present in the version) clarifies that these are distinct categories of animals. Chamor (חֲמוֹר) means "donkey" or "ass."
  • Significance: Donkeys were the common beasts of burden for local transport, agricultural labor, and riding within smaller geographical areas and rugged terrain. While less glamorous than camels, their large number highlights their widespread utility for the everyday needs of the returned community—farming, carrying supplies for building, and general mobility within Judah.
• six thousand seven hundred and twenty:
  • Word: Another precise numerical figure (שֵׁשֶׁת אֲלָפִים שְׁבַע מֵאוֹת וְעֶשְׂרִים, shēshet ’alāfîm sheva‘ mē’ôt wĕ‘esrîm).
  • Significance: The sheer number of donkeys, significantly greater than camels, indicates their ubiquitous and essential role in the practical, daily life of the settlers. It points to a heavy reliance on these animals for their resettlement efforts, including tilling fields, transporting building materials, and supporting general community sustenance. This large figure again reinforces the accuracy of the registry and the considerable practical assets of the returnees.

Words-group analysis

• "Their camels... beside them, their asses": This phrasing distinctly categorizes the two types of animals, indicating their different primary functions. The combined number of these animals reflects substantial logistical capacity, vital for initiating life in a land that had been desolate.
• "four hundred thirty and five: beside them, their asses, six thousand seven hundred and twenty": The juxtaposition of the two specific numbers underscores the detailed nature of the records and the differential value/use of the animals. The much higher count for asses compared to camels signifies their more widespread and day-to-day utility in the reconstruction effort, while the camels would have been crucial for the initial journey and heavy hauling. These counts speak to the overall self-sufficiency and resourcefulness of the returning community.

Nehemiah 7 69 Bonus section

• Verbatim Parallelism with Ezra 2: The almost identical list found in Ezra 2:67 highlights the sanctity and official status of this record. It was not merely an inventory but a divinely preserved census establishing the legitimate identity and inheritance of the post-exilic community. This duplication validates the historical authenticity and importance attributed to these returning individuals and their assets.
• Logistical Marvel and Divine Blessing: The successful return of thousands of people, along with substantial numbers of heavy-laden animals, represents an immense logistical feat. The provision and safe keeping of these animals during a challenging journey underscore God's gracious hand enabling His people to reclaim their land and destiny. This speaks to a blessing that went beyond spiritual sustenance, providing tangible means for physical re-establishment.
• Economic Indicators: The substantial number of camels and donkeys were significant economic assets. These animals facilitated trade, transport of goods, agricultural production, and personal mobility, all essential for fostering an economy in the nascent community of Judah. This material strength would have been crucial for sustainable development and resilience in the face of various challenges.

Nehemiah 7 69 Commentary

Nehemiah 7:69 offers more than a mere tally; it reflects the tangible manifestation of divine providence and human preparation. The detailed accounting of camels and donkeys signifies the robust logistical support crucial for the monumental task of re-establishing a community after seventy years of exile. Camels provided the means for long-haul transport of significant resources from Babylon, enabling the exiles to bring foundational provisions, tools, and perhaps valuable possessions to Judah. The much larger contingent of donkeys indicates their vital role in the ongoing, day-to-day operations—from rebuilding walls and homes, to farming the land, and providing general mobility.

This careful enumeration underlines the organizational precision characteristic of God's work and the commitment of His people. It points to the wealth and practical capacity available to the returned exiles, illustrating that they were not returning empty-handed. Such resources were foundational for transforming a desolate land back into a vibrant, God-worshiping community, reflecting a blessing that facilitated the work of restoration. The provision of these animals enabled both the practical necessities of resettlement and the ability to contribute to the greater national project of rebuilding the temple and walls.