Nehemiah 7:11
the descendants of Pahath-moab (through the line of Jeshua and Joab), 2,818;
the descendants of Pahath-moab
Pahath-moab is one of the families that returned from the Babylonian exile. The name means "governor of Moab," suggesting a historical connection to the region of Moab, east of the Dead Sea. This family is mentioned in Ezra 2:6, indicating their significance in the post-exilic community. The Moabites were historically enemies of Israel, yet here we see integration and restoration, reflecting God's inclusive plan for His people.

(through the line of Jeshua and Joab)
Jeshua, also known as Joshua, was a common name in Israel, meaning "The Lord is salvation." This Jeshua is not the high priest but likely a leader within the family. Joab, meaning "Yahweh is father," suggests a lineage that maintained faithfulness to God. The mention of these names highlights the importance of family lineage and leadership in the restoration of Jerusalem. It also underscores the continuity of God's covenant people through specific family lines.

2818
This number represents the descendants of Pahath-moab who returned to Jerusalem. The precision of the number underscores the importance of each individual in the rebuilding effort. It reflects the organized and communal nature of the return, as well as the fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people. The large number also indicates the significant role this family played in the restoration of the Jewish community and the rebuilding of the temple and city walls.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Pahath-moab
A family or clan within the tribe of Judah. The name means "governor of Moab," indicating a possible historical connection or leadership role over Moabite territory.

2. Jeshua
Likely referring to a leader or ancestor within the lineage of Pahath-moab. The name Jeshua is a variant of Joshua, meaning "The LORD is salvation."

3. Joab
Another leader or ancestor in the lineage. The name Joab means "Yahweh is father," indicating a strong connection to the faith and heritage of Israel.

4. 2,818
The number of descendants from the line of Pahath-moab, Jeshua, and Joab who returned from exile. This reflects the restoration and rebuilding of the community in Jerusalem.

5. Nehemiah
The governor of Judah who led the efforts to rebuild Jerusalem's walls and restore the community after the Babylonian exile.
Teaching Points
Heritage and Identity
Understanding our spiritual heritage can strengthen our identity in Christ. Just as the descendants of Pahath-moab were identified by their lineage, Christians are identified by their relationship with Christ.

Community Restoration
The return of the exiles and their participation in rebuilding reflects the importance of community in God's plan. We are called to actively participate in the restoration and building up of our faith communities.

Faithfulness Across Generations
The mention of specific lineages highlights the faithfulness of God across generations. We are encouraged to be faithful in our time, impacting future generations.

Role of Leadership
Leaders like Nehemiah, Jeshua, and Joab played crucial roles in guiding and organizing the people. Effective leadership is vital in achieving God's purposes.

Numerical Significance
The specific number of returnees emphasizes the importance of each individual in God's plan. Every person has a role and purpose in the body of Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding your spiritual heritage influence your identity and purpose as a Christian?

2. In what ways can you contribute to the restoration and building up of your local faith community?

3. Reflect on the faithfulness of God in your life. How can you ensure that your faith impacts future generations?

4. What qualities do you see in Nehemiah's leadership that you can apply in your own life or community?

5. How does recognizing the significance of each individual in God's plan change the way you view your role in the church?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 2:6
This verse lists the same family of Pahath-moab among those returning from exile, showing consistency in the records of the returning exiles.

Nehemiah 3:11
Members of the Pahath-moab family are mentioned as participating in the rebuilding of the wall, demonstrating their active role in the restoration efforts.

1 Chronicles 4:22
Mentions the descendants of Shelah, which includes Pahath-moab, providing a broader genealogical context.
The True Method of ProsperityR.A. Redford Nehemiah 7:6-73
People
Akkub, Amon, Asaph, Ater, Azariah, Azmaveth, Baanah, Bakbuk, Barkos, Barzillai, Bazlith, Besai, Bezai, Bigvai, Bilshan, Darkon, Delaiah, Gahar, Gazzam, Giddel, Habaiah, Hagaba, Hakkoz, Hakupha, Hanan, Hanani, Hananiah, Harhur, Harsha, Hashum, Hashupha, Hasupha, Hatipha, Hatita, Hattil, Hezekiah, Hodaviah, Hodevah, Immer, Israelites, Jaala, Jedaiah, Jeshua, Joab, Kadmiel, Keros, Koz, Lebana, Lebanah, Levites, Mehida, Meunim, Mispereth, Mordecai, Nahamani, Nebuchadnezzar, Nehemiah, Nehum, Nekoda, Nephishesim, Neziah, Padon, Pahathmoab, Parosh, Paseah, Pashur, Perida, Phaseah, Pochereth, Raamiah, Reaiah, Rezin, Shallum, Shalmai, Shephatiah, Shobai, Sia, Sisera, Solomon, Sophereth, Sotai, Tabbaoth, Talmon, Tamah, Thamah, Tobiah, Tobijah, Uzza, Zaccai, Zattu, Zerubbabel, Ziha
Places
Ai, Anathoth, Babylon, Beeroth, Beth-azmaveth, Bethel, Bethlehem, Cherub, Geba, Gibeon, Hadid, Immer, Jericho, Jerusalem, Kiriath-jearim, Lod, Michmas, Nebo, Netophah, Ono, Ramah, Tel-harsha, Tel-melah
Topics
2, 818, Eighteen, Hundred, Jeshua, Joab, Jo'ab, Line, Namely, Pahathmoab, Pahath-moab, Pa'hath-mo'ab, Sons, Thousand
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nehemiah 7:5-69

     7230   genealogies

Nehemiah 7:6-67

     5249   census

Library
"Take My Yoke Upon You, and Learn of Me," &C.
Matt. xi. 20.--"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me," &c. Self love is generally esteemed infamous and contemptible among men. It is of a bad report every where, and indeed as it is taken commonly, there is good reason for it, that it should be hissed out of all societies, if reproaching and speaking evil of it would do it. But to speak the truth, the name is not so fit to express the thing, for that which men call self love, may rather be called self hatred. Nothing is more pernicious to a man's
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah
"And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall come forth unto Me (one) [Pg 480] to be Ruler in Israel; and His goings forth are the times of old, the days of eternity." The close connection of this verse with what immediately precedes (Caspari is wrong in considering iv. 9-14 as an episode) is evident, not only from the [Hebrew: v] copulative, and from the analogy of the near relation of the announcement of salvation to the prophecy of disaster
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The Strait Gate;
OR, GREAT DIFFICULTY OF GOING TO HEAVEN: PLAINLY PROVING, BY THE SCRIPTURES, THAT NOT ONLY THE RUDE AND PROFANE, BUT MANY GREAT PROFESSORS, WILL COME SHORT OF THAT KINGDOM. "Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."--Matthew 7:13, 14 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. If any uninspired writer has been
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories
[Sidenote: Influences in the exile that produced written ceremonial laws] The Babylonian exile gave a great opportunity and incentive to the further development of written law. While the temple stood, the ceremonial rites and customs received constant illustration, and were transmitted directly from father to son in the priestly families. Hence, there was little need of writing them down. But when most of the priests were carried captive to Babylonia, as in 597 B.C., and ten years later the temple
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

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

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