Nehemiah 7:41
the descendants of Pashhur, 1,247;
the descendants of Pashhur
Pashhur was a prominent priestly family in Israel. The name Pashhur appears in several places in the Old Testament, often associated with priestly duties and temple service. In the context of Nehemiah, the descendants of Pashhur are part of the group returning from Babylonian exile to help rebuild Jerusalem. This highlights the restoration of religious order and the re-establishment of the priesthood, which was crucial for the spiritual renewal of the nation. The mention of Pashhur connects to the broader theme of God's faithfulness in preserving the priestly line, which is essential for maintaining the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

1247
The specific number of 1,247 descendants indicates a significant family size, reflecting the importance and influence of the Pashhur lineage within the community. This enumeration underscores the meticulous record-keeping and organization necessary for the restoration efforts. It also emphasizes the fulfillment of God's promise to bring His people back to their land, as prophesied in books like Jeremiah and Isaiah. The detailed listing of numbers serves as a testament to the historical accuracy and reliability of the biblical narrative, providing a tangible connection to the past and affirming the continuity of God's plan for His people.

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

2. Pashhur
A priestly family mentioned in the genealogical records. The descendants of Pashhur were part of the group that returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian exile.

3. Jerusalem
The city central to Jewish identity and worship, which Nehemiah helped to rebuild and repopulate after the exile.

4. Babylonian Exile
A period when the Israelites were taken captive to Babylon, which significantly impacted their national and religious identity.

5. Genealogical Records
Lists of families and their descendants, which were crucial for re-establishing the community and religious practices in Jerusalem.
Teaching Points
Importance of Heritage
Understanding our spiritual heritage can strengthen our faith and identity. Just as the Israelites valued their genealogies, Christians can reflect on their spiritual lineage through Christ.

Community Restoration
Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild Jerusalem highlight the importance of community and collective effort in restoring what has been lost. Believers are called to work together in building and strengthening the church.

Faithfulness in Exile
The return of the exiles, including the descendants of Pashhur, demonstrates God's faithfulness in bringing His people back to their land. This encourages believers to trust in God's promises, even in difficult times.

Role of Leadership
Nehemiah's leadership was crucial in organizing the return and rebuilding efforts. Effective leadership is vital in guiding and inspiring others towards a common goal.

Significance of Records
The detailed genealogical records remind us of the importance of documentation and accountability in our spiritual and communal lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding our spiritual heritage, as seen in the genealogies of Nehemiah, impact our identity as Christians today?

2. In what ways can we contribute to the restoration and strengthening of our local church community, similar to Nehemiah's efforts in Jerusalem?

3. How can we remain faithful and hopeful in times of personal or communal "exile," drawing from the example of the returning exiles?

4. What qualities of Nehemiah's leadership can we apply in our roles within the church or community?

5. Why is it important to maintain records and accountability in our spiritual journey, and how can this be practically implemented in our lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 2
This chapter provides a parallel account of the returnees from Babylon, including the descendants of Pashhur, highlighting the continuity and importance of genealogical records.

1 Chronicles 9
Chronicles the genealogies of the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of lineage and heritage in maintaining the identity and religious practices of the Jewish people.

Exodus 6
Lists the genealogies of the tribes of Israel, showing the long-standing tradition of recording family lines, which was essential for maintaining tribal and priestly roles.
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
1, 247, Forty-seven, Hundred, Pashhur, Pashur, Seven, 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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