Nehemiah 7:39
The priests: the descendants of Jedaiah (through the house of Jeshua), 973;
The priests:
The role of priests in Israel was crucial, as they were responsible for performing sacrifices, maintaining the temple, and teaching the law. Priests were descendants of Aaron, Moses' brother, and were set apart for sacred duties. Their presence in the list underscores the importance of reestablishing religious practices in Jerusalem after the exile.

the descendants of Jedaiah
Jedaiah is one of the priestly families that returned from Babylonian exile. The name Jedaiah means "Yahweh knows," reflecting a common practice of naming that emphasizes a relationship with God. This family is mentioned in other genealogical records, such as 1 Chronicles 24:7, where Jedaiah is listed as one of the heads of the priestly divisions established by King David.

(through the house of Jeshua),
Jeshua, also known as Joshua, was a high priest who played a significant role in the return from exile and the rebuilding of the temple. He is mentioned in the books of Ezra and Zechariah. Jeshua's leadership was pivotal in reestablishing the religious order in Jerusalem, and his house represents a lineage of spiritual leadership and continuity.

973;
The specific number of 973 descendants indicates a detailed record-keeping practice, emphasizing the importance of each family and their role in the community. This number reflects the careful organization and structure necessary for the restoration of Jerusalem's religious and social order. It also highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people, as seen in prophecies like Jeremiah 29:10-14.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nehemiah
A Jewish leader who played a crucial role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls after the Babylonian exile. He was a cupbearer to the Persian king and later became the governor of Judah.

2. Jedaiah
A priestly family mentioned in the genealogical records. The name means "Yahweh knows" in Hebrew, indicating a lineage dedicated to serving God.

3. Jeshua
A high priest who returned with Zerubbabel from the Babylonian exile. He played a significant role in the spiritual and physical restoration of Jerusalem.

4. The Priests
The descendants of Jedaiah, through the house of Jeshua, were part of the priestly class responsible for temple worship and sacrifices.

5. Jerusalem
The city where the events of Nehemiah take place, specifically focusing on the restoration of its walls and the re-establishment of its religious practices.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Lineage and Heritage
The mention of specific families underscores the value of spiritual heritage and the responsibility to uphold one's family legacy in faith.

Role of the Priesthood
The priests were central to the worship and spiritual life of Israel. Today, believers are called to be a "royal priesthood," serving God and others.

Restoration and Renewal
Just as Nehemiah worked to restore Jerusalem, believers are called to participate in the restoration of their communities and churches, both physically and spiritually.

Faithfulness in Service
The descendants of Jedaiah were counted among those who returned to serve. Faithfulness in our calling, regardless of the size of our role, is crucial.

God's Knowledge and Care
The name Jedaiah, meaning "Yahweh knows," reminds us that God is aware of our circumstances and cares for His people, encouraging us to trust in His providence.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the role of the priests in Nehemiah's time compare to the role of believers as a "royal priesthood" today?

2. In what ways can we contribute to the restoration and renewal of our communities, similar to Nehemiah's efforts in Jerusalem?

3. What significance does spiritual heritage have in your life, and how can you honor it in your daily walk with God?

4. How does understanding God's knowledge and care for us, as seen in the name Jedaiah, impact your trust in Him during challenging times?

5. Reflect on the importance of faithfulness in service. How can you remain faithful in your current role or calling, even if it seems small or insignificant?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 2:36
This verse lists the same priestly family, showing the continuity and importance of the priestly lineage in the post-exilic community.

1 Chronicles 24:7
Provides a broader context of the divisions of the priests, including the family of Jedaiah, highlighting the organized structure of temple service.

Zechariah 3:1-10
Jeshua the high priest is depicted in a vision, symbolizing the cleansing and restoration of the priesthood, which is essential for the spiritual renewal of the people.
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
Descendants, Family, Hundred, Jedaiah, Jedai'ah, Jeshua, Namely, Nine, Priests, Seventy, Seventy-three, Sons
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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