Nehemiah 7:59
the descendants of Shephatiah, the descendants of Hattil, the descendants of Pochereth-hazzebaim, and the descendants of Amon.
the descendants of Shephatiah
Shephatiah is a name that appears multiple times in the Old Testament, often associated with various individuals. In this context, it refers to a family group returning from the Babylonian exile. The name means "Yahweh has judged," which reflects the belief in divine justice and providence. This family is part of the larger group of Israelites who returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the city and the temple, emphasizing the restoration of the Jewish community and their covenant relationship with God.

the descendants of Hattil
Hattil is a less commonly mentioned name in the Bible, and little is known about this family group. The inclusion of such names in the genealogical records underscores the importance of every family in the restoration process. It highlights the collective effort required to reestablish the nation of Israel. This reflects the biblical theme of community and the role of each individual and family in fulfilling God's purposes.

the descendants of Pochereth-hazzebaim
The name Pochereth-hazzebaim is unique and somewhat enigmatic, possibly meaning "the snaring of the gazelles." This name may indicate a family with a specific trade or characteristic, as names often held significant meaning in ancient cultures. The mention of such distinct names in the genealogical records serves to preserve the identity and heritage of the people, ensuring that even those with less prominent roles are remembered in the history of Israel's restoration.

and the descendants of Amon
Amon is a name that appears elsewhere in the Bible, notably as the name of a king of Judah. However, in this context, it refers to a family group among the returning exiles. The name means "faithful" or "trustworthy," which may reflect the character or aspirations of this family. The inclusion of Amon's descendants in the list of returnees highlights the theme of faithfulness to God's promises and the hope of renewal and restoration for the people of Israel.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Shephatiah
A family listed among those returning from exile. The name means "Yahweh has judged" in Hebrew, indicating a connection to divine justice.

2. Hattil
Another family mentioned in the list. The name may mean "diminished" or "small," possibly reflecting their status or humility.

3. Pochereth-hazzebaim
A family name that translates to "the snaring of the gazelles," which could symbolize agility or elusiveness.

4. Amon
A family name that might be linked to the Egyptian god Amun, but in this context, it represents a group returning to Jerusalem.

5. The Return from Exile
The broader event in which these families are participating, marking a significant moment of restoration and renewal for the Jewish people.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Identity
The detailed listing of families underscores the value of each individual and family in God's plan. Our identity in Christ is similarly significant.

Faithfulness in Small Things
Names like Hattil remind us that even those who seem small or insignificant have a role in God's kingdom.

Restoration and Renewal
The return from exile is a powerful image of spiritual renewal, encouraging us to seek restoration in our own lives through repentance and obedience.

Community and Belonging
The collective return of these families highlights the importance of community in our faith journey. We are called to support and uplift one another.

God's Sovereignty in History
The return from exile demonstrates God's control over historical events, reassuring us of His sovereignty in our personal lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the detailed listing of families in Nehemiah 7:59 reflect the value God places on individual identity and community?

2. In what ways can we see the theme of restoration in our own lives, similar to the return from exile?

3. How does the parallel account in Ezra 2 enhance our understanding of the events in Nehemiah 7?

4. What lessons can we learn from the seemingly small or insignificant names listed in this chapter about our own roles in God's kingdom?

5. How does the return from exile in Nehemiah connect to the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty and faithfulness?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 2
This chapter provides a parallel list of those returning from exile, highlighting the continuity and consistency in the records of the returning exiles.

Nehemiah 8
Following the list in Nehemiah 7, this chapter describes the public reading of the Law, emphasizing the importance of returning not just physically but spiritually to God's ways.

Isaiah 11:11-12
This prophecy speaks of the gathering of the exiles, connecting the return in Nehemiah to the broader theme of restoration in the prophetic literature.
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
Amon, Hattil, Hazzebaim, Pochereth, Pochereth-hazzebaim, Po'chereth-hazzeba'im, Pokereth-hazzebaim, Shephatiah, Shephati'ah, Sons, Zebaim
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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