Nehemiah 7:46
The temple servants: the descendants of Ziha, the descendants of Hasupha, the descendants of Tabbaoth,
The temple servants:
The temple servants, also known as the Nethinim, were a group assigned to assist the Levites in the service of the temple. Their role was crucial in maintaining the daily operations and rituals of the temple, ensuring that worship could proceed smoothly. Historically, these servants were likely non-Israelites who had been integrated into the community, possibly as captives or converts, and dedicated to temple service. This reflects the inclusivity of God's plan, where even those outside the original covenant community could serve in His house.

the descendants of Ziha,
Ziha is one of the family heads of the temple servants. The mention of specific family names highlights the importance of lineage and heritage in Jewish culture, especially concerning roles in temple service. This also underscores the meticulous record-keeping of the post-exilic community, emphasizing the restoration of proper worship practices after the Babylonian exile. The name Ziha may mean "brightness" or "splendor," which could symbolically reflect the role of these servants in maintaining the splendor of temple worship.

the descendants of Hasupha,
Hasupha is another family line among the temple servants. The listing of these families in Nehemiah's account serves to authenticate the community's commitment to reestablishing the temple's function according to the Law. The name Hasupha might be related to the Hebrew word for "gathered" or "assembled," which could metaphorically relate to the gathering of God's people and their dedication to His service. This reflects the broader theme of restoration and renewal found throughout the book of Nehemiah.

the descendants of Tabbaoth,
Tabbaoth is the third family mentioned in this verse. The inclusion of these names in the genealogical record underscores the continuity of worship practices from pre-exilic times. The name Tabbaoth could be linked to the Hebrew word for "rings" or "ornaments," possibly indicating a role in the adornment or beautification of the temple. This connection to the temple's physical beauty can be seen as a type of the spiritual beauty and order that Christ brings to His church, as the ultimate fulfillment of the temple's purpose.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Temple Servants (Nethinim)
These were individuals assigned to assist the Levites in the service of the temple. Their role was crucial in maintaining the daily operations and rituals of the temple.

2. Descendants of Ziha
A family line among the temple servants. The name "Ziha" may imply "brightness" or "splendor," indicating a possible role or characteristic of this family.

3. Descendants of Hasupha
Another family line of temple servants. The name "Hasupha" could mean "gathered" or "assembled," suggesting their role in the collective service of the temple.

4. Descendants of Tabbaoth
A family line of temple servants. The name "Tabbaoth" might mean "rings" or "ornaments," possibly indicating a specific duty or symbolic role within the temple service.

5. The Temple in Jerusalem
The central place of worship for the Israelites, where these servants performed their duties. It was the focal point of Jewish religious life and identity.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Service
The temple servants remind us of the value of humble service in God's kingdom. Every role, no matter how seemingly small, contributes to the greater purpose of worship and community.

Faithfulness in Assigned Roles
Like the temple servants, we are called to be faithful in the roles God assigns us. Our dedication in these roles is a form of worship and obedience.

Community and Cooperation
The temple servants worked alongside the Levites, illustrating the importance of cooperation and unity in achieving God's purposes.

Heritage and Legacy
The mention of family lines underscores the significance of spiritual heritage and the impact of our faithfulness on future generations.

Restoration and Renewal
The return of the temple servants to Jerusalem symbolizes restoration and renewal, encouraging us to seek God's restoration in our lives and communities.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from the roles of the temple servants about the value of service in our own church communities?

2. How does the faithfulness of the temple servants inspire us to be diligent in our own God-given responsibilities?

3. In what ways can we foster cooperation and unity within our church or community, similar to the collaboration between the temple servants and the Levites?

4. How can we ensure that our spiritual heritage positively impacts future generations, as seen in the lineage of the temple servants?

5. What areas of our lives or communities need restoration, and how can we participate in God's work of renewal, as exemplified by the return of the temple servants to Jerusalem?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 2
This chapter lists the returnees from Babylonian exile, including the temple servants, highlighting their importance in re-establishing worship in Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles 9
Chronicles the duties of the Levites and temple servants, emphasizing their roles in maintaining the temple and its services.

Numbers 3
Describes the duties of the Levites, providing context for the roles that the temple servants would support.
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, Hashupha, Hasupha, Hasu'pha, Nethinim, Nethinims, Servants, Sons, Tabbaoth, Tabba'oth, Temple, Ziha
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nehemiah 7:46

     8345   servanthood, and worship

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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