Nehemiah 7:31
the men of Michmash, 122;
the men of Michmash,
Michmash was a town in the territory of Benjamin, located about seven miles northeast of Jerusalem. It is mentioned several times in the Old Testament, notably in 1 Samuel 13-14, where it was the site of a significant battle between the Israelites, led by Saul and Jonathan, and the Philistines. The town's strategic location on a ridge made it an important military site. In the context of Nehemiah, the mention of Michmash indicates the return of its inhabitants from Babylonian exile, highlighting the restoration of the community and the reestablishment of their ancestral lands. This reflects the broader theme of God's faithfulness in restoring His people.

122;
The specific number of 122 men returning from Michmash underscores the detailed record-keeping and organization involved in the repatriation process. This precision reflects the importance of each individual and family in the rebuilding of the nation. The listing of numbers in Nehemiah 7 parallels the earlier census in Ezra 2, emphasizing continuity and the fulfillment of God's promises to restore Israel. The careful documentation also serves as a testament to the historical accuracy and reliability of the biblical narrative.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Michmas
A town in the territory of Benjamin, located northeast of Jerusalem. It is mentioned in the context of the return of the exiles and the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

2. The Men of Michmas
A group of 122 men who returned from the Babylonian exile to help rebuild Jerusalem and restore the community. Their inclusion in the list signifies their commitment to the restoration efforts.
Teaching Points
Faithfulness in Small Numbers
The mention of 122 men from Michmas reminds us that God values faithfulness, regardless of the size of the group. Small numbers do not diminish the importance of their contribution to God's work.

Commitment to Restoration
The returnees from Michmas exemplify a commitment to restoring what was lost. This can inspire us to participate in the restoration of our communities and churches, even when the task seems daunting.

Historical Continuity
The repeated mention of Michmas in various biblical contexts underscores the importance of understanding our spiritual heritage and the continuity of God's plan through history.

Role of Community
The collective effort of the men of Michmas highlights the importance of community in achieving God's purposes. We are reminded that we are part of a larger body working together for God's glory.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the inclusion of the men of Michmas in Nehemiah 7:31 teach us about the importance of every individual's contribution to God's work?

2. How can the historical significance of Michmas in Israel's history encourage us in our own spiritual journey?

3. In what ways can we, like the men of Michmas, commit to the restoration and rebuilding of our communities and churches today?

4. How does the concept of faithfulness in small numbers challenge our perception of success in ministry and service?

5. What lessons can we learn from the collective effort of the men of Michmas about the role of community in fulfilling God's purposes?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 2:27
This verse also lists the men of Michmas among those returning from exile, highlighting the consistency in the records of those who participated in the restoration.

1 Samuel 13-14
Michmas is mentioned as a strategic location during the conflict between Saul and the Philistines, indicating its historical significance.

Isaiah 10:28
Michmas is referenced in a prophecy concerning the Assyrian invasion, showing its continued relevance in Israel's history.
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
122, Michmas, Twenty, Twenty-two
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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