Nehemiah 7:24
the descendants of Hariph, 112;
the descendants of Hariph,
The mention of "the descendants of Hariph" refers to a specific family or clan that returned from the Babylonian exile. The name Hariph is not widely mentioned elsewhere in the Bible, suggesting that this family might not have been prominent in earlier biblical narratives. However, their inclusion in the list signifies their importance in the restoration of Jerusalem and the reestablishment of the Jewish community. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God’s faithfulness in preserving His people and fulfilling His promises, as seen in the return from exile.

112;
The number 112 indicates the count of individuals from the family of Hariph who returned to Jerusalem. This precise number underscores the meticulous record-keeping and organization during the rebuilding efforts led by Nehemiah. It highlights the importance of each family and individual in the collective effort to restore the city and its religious practices. This attention to detail is reminiscent of other biblical genealogies and censuses, such as those found in the books of Numbers and Chronicles, which emphasize the continuity and identity of God's people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nehemiah
The central figure in the book, Nehemiah was a Jewish leader who played a crucial role in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. His leadership and dedication to God's work are central themes in the book.

2. The Descendants of Hariph
This group is listed among those who returned to Jerusalem from the Babylonian exile. The mention of their number, 112, highlights the importance of each family and individual in the restoration of the community.

3. Jerusalem
The city of Jerusalem is the focal point of Nehemiah's mission. The rebuilding of its walls symbolizes the restoration of the Jewish people and their covenant relationship with God.

4. The Babylonian Exile
This was a period of great trial for the Jewish people, during which they were taken captive to Babylon. The return from exile marks a significant moment of renewal and hope.

5. The Census
Nehemiah 7 includes a census of the people who returned from exile. This list underscores the importance of community and the fulfillment of God's promises to restore His people.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Community
Each individual and family is significant in God's plan. The detailed census in Nehemiah 7 reminds us that every person has a role in the community of faith.

Faithfulness Across Generations
The descendants of Hariph, like many others, represent the continuity of faith and the fulfillment of God's promises over time. We are called to be faithful stewards of our spiritual heritage.

Restoration and Renewal
Just as the returnees were part of the physical and spiritual rebuilding of Jerusalem, we are invited to participate in God's work of restoration in our own lives and communities.

God's Sovereignty in History
The return from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem demonstrate God's control over history and His ability to bring about His purposes despite human failures.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the inclusion of specific families, like the descendants of Hariph, in the census of Nehemiah 7 emphasize the value of each individual in God's plan?

2. In what ways can we see the faithfulness of God to His promises in the return from exile, and how does this encourage us in our own faith journey?

3. How can the account of the rebuilding of Jerusalem inspire us to engage in acts of restoration and renewal in our own communities today?

4. What lessons can we learn from the continuity of faith across generations, as seen in the descendants of Hariph, and how can we apply these lessons to our family and church life?

5. How does understanding the historical context of the Babylonian exile and return enhance our appreciation of God's sovereignty and faithfulness in our personal and communal lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 2
The list of returnees in Nehemiah 7 closely parallels the list found in Ezra 2, emphasizing the continuity and faithfulness of God's people across generations.

Genesis 12
The promise to Abraham about making his descendants a great nation is reflected in the restoration efforts seen in Nehemiah, as the people return to their land and heritage.

Psalm 126
This psalm captures the joy and hope of the return from exile, mirroring the sentiments of those listed in Nehemiah 7.
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
112, Hundred, Sons, Twelve
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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