Nehemiah 7:58
the descendants of Jaala, the descendants of Darkon, the descendants of Giddel,
the descendants of Jaala
The mention of "the descendants of Jaala" in Nehemiah 7:58 is part of a genealogical record listing those who returned from the Babylonian exile. This list is significant as it underscores the restoration of the Jewish community in Jerusalem. The name Jaala is not widely referenced elsewhere in the Bible, suggesting that this family may have been relatively obscure or small. The inclusion of such names highlights the comprehensive nature of the record, emphasizing that every family, regardless of size or prominence, was important in the re-establishment of the Jewish people. This reflects the biblical theme of God's concern for all His people, as seen in passages like Isaiah 43:1, where God calls His people by name.

the descendants of Darkon
"Darkon" is another name that appears only in these genealogical lists, both in Nehemiah 7 and the parallel account in Ezra 2. The repetition of these names in both books suggests the importance of maintaining an accurate record of those who returned to Jerusalem. This was crucial for re-establishing tribal and familial identities, which were central to Jewish social and religious life. The name Darkon itself is of uncertain meaning, but its inclusion signifies the diverse backgrounds of those who returned. This diversity is echoed in the New Testament, where the early church is described as a body made up of many different parts (1 Corinthians 12:12-27), each essential to the whole.

the descendants of Giddel
The "descendants of Giddel" are also listed among the returnees. Like Jaala and Darkon, Giddel is not a prominent name elsewhere in Scripture, but its presence in this list is significant. The careful documentation of these families underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to bring His people back to their land, as prophesied in Jeremiah 29:10. The return from exile is a type of the ultimate redemption and restoration that is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who brings spiritual restoration to all who believe in Him. The meticulous recording of these names also serves as a reminder of the importance of each individual in God's plan, a theme that resonates throughout the Bible, including in the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:3-7), where every single one is valued and sought after.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jaala
A family or clan mentioned in the context of those returning from the Babylonian exile. Their specific role or significance is not detailed, but they are part of the community rebuilding Jerusalem.

2. Darkon
Another family or clan listed among the returnees. Like Jaala, they are part of the collective effort to restore the city and its religious practices.

3. Giddel
A family or group included in the genealogical record of those who returned to Jerusalem. Their inclusion signifies their importance in the restoration process.
Teaching Points
Importance of Community
The listing of families like Jaala, Darkon, and Giddel highlights the collective effort required in God's work. Each family, regardless of their size or prominence, plays a vital role in the community's spiritual and physical restoration.

Faithfulness in Small Things
Though these families are not widely known, their inclusion in Scripture reminds us that God values faithfulness in all tasks, big or small. Our contributions to God's kingdom, no matter how seemingly insignificant, are noted by Him.

Heritage and Identity
The genealogical records emphasize the importance of knowing one's heritage and identity in God's plan. As believers, understanding our spiritual heritage can strengthen our faith and commitment to God's purposes.

Restoration and Renewal
The return from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem symbolize spiritual renewal. This encourages us to seek personal and communal restoration in our walk with God.

Unity in Diversity
The diverse groups listed in Nehemiah 7 illustrate the beauty of unity in diversity within the body of Christ. Each member brings unique gifts and strengths to the community.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the inclusion of families like Jaala, Darkon, and Giddel in Nehemiah 7:58 inspire you to contribute to your community or church?

2. In what ways can understanding your spiritual heritage strengthen your faith and commitment to God's work?

3. Reflect on a time when you felt your contributions were insignificant. How does this passage encourage you to view your role in God's kingdom differently?

4. How can the concept of unity in diversity, as seen in the genealogical records, be applied to foster stronger relationships within your church or community?

5. What steps can you take to participate in the spiritual and communal restoration efforts in your own life or community, drawing inspiration from the returnees in Nehemiah 7?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 2
This chapter provides a parallel list of returnees, emphasizing the continuity and consistency of the genealogical records between Ezra and Nehemiah.

Nehemiah 3
Describes the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, highlighting the collective effort of various families and groups, including those mentioned in Nehemiah 7.

1 Chronicles 9
Offers genealogical records that underscore the importance of lineage and heritage in the restoration of Israel.
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
Darkon, Giddel, Jaala, Ja'ala, Jala, 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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