Nehemiah 12:2
Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,
Amariah
Amariah is a name that appears multiple times in the Old Testament, often associated with priestly or Levitical lines. The name means "Yahweh has promised" or "Yahweh speaks." In the context of Nehemiah 12, Amariah is listed among the priests who returned with Zerubbabel and Jeshua, indicating a restoration of the priestly order after the Babylonian exile. This reflects the importance of re-establishing religious practices and leadership in Jerusalem. The name Amariah also appears in other genealogies, such as in 1 Chronicles 6:7, showing continuity in the priestly lineage.

Malluch
Malluch is another name found in the priestly and Levitical genealogies. The name means "counselor" or "reigning." In Nehemiah 12, Malluch is part of the list of priests, emphasizing the reconstitution of the religious community in Jerusalem. This reflects the broader theme of Nehemiah, which is the rebuilding of both the physical and spiritual walls of the city. The presence of Malluch in this list underscores the importance of maintaining a strong spiritual leadership to guide the people in adherence to the Law of Moses.

Hattush
Hattush is a name that appears in several genealogical records, including those of the descendants of David (1 Chronicles 3:22) and the priestly lines. The name means "assembled" or "gathered." In the context of Nehemiah 12, Hattush is listed among the priests, highlighting the role of the priesthood in the post-exilic community. This inclusion signifies the gathering of the faithful remnant and the re-establishment of worship in Jerusalem. Hattush's presence in the genealogies also connects to the broader biblical narrative of restoration and hope, as the people of Israel return to their covenant relationship with God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Amariah
A priestly figure mentioned in the lineage of those who returned from the Babylonian exile. The name Amariah means "Yahweh has promised" or "Yahweh speaks," indicating a divine assurance or communication.

2. Malluch
Another priestly figure, whose name means "counselor" or "reigning." This name suggests a role of leadership or guidance within the community.

3. Hattush
A descendant of David, mentioned in the genealogies of those who returned to Jerusalem. The name Hattush means "assembled" or "gathered," reflecting the gathering of God's people back to their homeland.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Lineage and Heritage
Understanding the significance of lineage in the Bible helps us appreciate the continuity of God's promises and faithfulness across generations.

God's Faithfulness in Restoration
The return of the exiles and the reestablishment of the priestly line demonstrate God's faithfulness in restoring His people and fulfilling His promises.

Roles and Responsibilities in God's Community
Each name listed represents a role within the community, reminding us of the importance of fulfilling our God-given responsibilities in the body of Christ.

The Gathering of God's People
Just as God gathered His people from exile, He continues to gather His church today, calling us to unity and purpose in His kingdom.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the meaning of the names Amariah, Malluch, and Hattush enhance our understanding of their roles in the community?

2. In what ways does the return of the exiles in Nehemiah reflect God's promises found in other parts of Scripture, such as Zechariah 8:7-8?

3. How can we apply the concept of fulfilling our roles and responsibilities within the church today, as seen in the priestly roles of Nehemiah 12:2?

4. What does the restoration of the priestly line in Nehemiah teach us about God's faithfulness and His plans for His people?

5. How can we, as modern believers, participate in the "gathering" of God's people, both within our local communities and globally?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 2 and Nehemiah 7
These chapters list the exiles who returned to Jerusalem, providing context for the priestly and Levitical families, including those mentioned in Nehemiah 12:2.

1 Chronicles 24
This chapter outlines the divisions of the priests, offering insight into the organization and roles of the priestly families, including Amariah.

Zechariah 8:7-8
This passage speaks of God's promise to gather His people from exile, resonating with the return of the exiles and the reestablishment of the priestly line.
A BookJ. Parker, D. D.Nehemiah 12:1-28
BooksNehemiah 12:1-28
Joy of JerusalemR.A. Redford Nehemiah 12:1-47
Ministers of the LordW. Clarkson. Nehemiah 12:1-26, 44-47
People
Aaron, Abijah, Adna, Akkub, Amariah, Amok, Asaph, Azarael, Azareel, Azariah, Azmaveth, Bakbukiah, Benjamin, Bilgah, Binnui, Darius, David, Eber, Elam, Eleazar, Eliakim, Eliashib, Elioenai, Ezer, Ezra, Gilalai, Ginnetho, Ginnethon, Hanani, Hananiah, Harim, Hashabiah, Hattush, Helkai, Hilkiah, Hoshaiah, Iddo, Jaddua, Jedaiah, Jehohanan, Jehonathan, Jeremiah, Jeshua, Jezrahiah, Johanan, Joiada, Joiakim, Joiarib, Jonathan, Joseph, Jozadak, Kadmiel, Kallai, Levi, Levites, Maadiah, Maai, Maaseiah, Malchijah, Malluch, Mattaniah, Mattenai, Melicu, Meraiah, Meraioth, Meremoth, Meshullam, Miamin, Micaiah, Michaiah, Mijamin, Milalai, Miniamin, Moadiah, Nehemiah, Nethaneel, Netophathites, Obadiah, Piltai, Rehum, Sallai, Sallu, Seraiah, Shammua, Shealtiel, Shebaniah, Shecaniah, Shechaniah, Shemaiah, Sherebiah, Solomon, Talmon, Unni, Uzzi, Zaccur, Zechariah, Zerubbabel, Zichri
Places
Azmaveth, Beth-gilgal, Broad Wall, Dung Gate, Fish Gate, Fountain Gate, Gate of Ephraim, Gate of the Guard, Gate of Yeshanah, Geba, Jerusalem, Lod, Sheep Gate, Tower of Hananel, Tower of the Hundred, Tower of the Ovens, Water Gate
Topics
Amariah, Amari'ah, Hattush, Malluch
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nehemiah 11:31-35

     5272   craftsmen

Library
The Joy of the Lord, the Strength of his People
LAST Sabbath day in the morning I spoke of the birth of our Saviour as being full of joy to the people of God, and, indeed, to all nations. We then looked at the joy from a distance; we will now in contemplation draw nearer to it, and perhaps as we consider it, and remark the multiplied reasons for its existence, some of those reasons may operate upon our own hearts, and we may go out of this house of prayer ourselves partakers of the exceeding great joy. We shall count it to have been a successful
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

The Girdle of the City. Nehemiah 3
The beginning of the circumference was from 'the sheep-gate.' That, we suppose, was seated on the south part, yet but little removed from that corner, which looks south-east. Within was the pool of Bethesda, famous for healings. Going forward, on the south part, was the tower Meah: and beyond that, "the tower of Hananeel": in the Chaldee paraphrast it is, 'The tower Piccus,' Zechariah 14:10; Piccus, Jeremiah 31:38.--I should suspect that to be, the Hippic tower, were not that placed on the north
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Ezra-Nehemiah
Some of the most complicated problems in Hebrew history as well as in the literary criticism of the Old Testament gather about the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Apart from these books, all that we know of the origin and early history of Judaism is inferential. They are our only historical sources for that period; and if in them we have, as we seem to have, authentic memoirs, fragmentary though they be, written by the two men who, more than any other, gave permanent shape and direction to Judaism, then
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Nehemiah 12:2 NIV
Nehemiah 12:2 NLT
Nehemiah 12:2 ESV
Nehemiah 12:2 NASB
Nehemiah 12:2 KJV

Nehemiah 12:2 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Nehemiah 12:1
Top of Page
Top of Page