The following came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer, but could not prove that their families were descended from Israel: The following came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addon, and ImmerThis phrase lists locations and groups of people returning from the Babylonian exile. Tel-melah and Tel-harsha are likely regions or settlements in Babylon, though their exact locations remain uncertain. The names suggest mounds or ruins, common in Mesopotamian geography. Cherub, Addon, and Immer may refer to family or clan names, with Immer being a known priestly family (1 Chronicles 24:14). This return is part of the larger restoration effort led by Nehemiah, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promise to bring His people back to their land (Jeremiah 29:10-14). but they could not prove that their families were descended from Israel Persons / Places / Events 1. Tel-melahA location from which some of the exiles returned. The name means "hill of salt," indicating a possible geographical feature or characteristic of the area. 2. Tel-harsha Another location associated with the returning exiles. The name means "hill of the forest," suggesting a wooded area. 3. Cherub Likely a family or clan name, possibly connected to a place or a notable ancestor. 4. Addon Another family or clan name, possibly indicating a group of people who returned from exile. 5. Immer A priestly family mentioned elsewhere in the Bible, indicating a lineage that had roles in temple service. Teaching Points The Importance of IdentityUnderstanding one's spiritual heritage is crucial. Just as the Israelites needed to prove their lineage, Christians are called to know their identity in Christ and live accordingly. Faithfulness in Uncertainty Those who could not prove their lineage still returned to Jerusalem, demonstrating faithfulness despite uncertainty. Believers today are encouraged to trust God even when their path is unclear. Community and Belonging The passage highlights the importance of community and belonging. In the church, every believer is part of the body of Christ, regardless of their background or past. God's Sovereignty in Restoration The return from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem illustrate God's sovereign plan to restore His people. This serves as a reminder of God's power to restore and redeem our lives. The Role of Records and Remembrance Keeping records was vital for the Israelites to maintain their identity. Similarly, Christians are encouraged to remember God's faithfulness and document His work in their lives. Bible Study Questions 1. What significance did genealogical records hold for the Israelites, and how does this relate to our spiritual identity in Christ today?2. How can we demonstrate faithfulness in our lives when we face uncertainty or lack clear direction? 3. In what ways can the church foster a sense of community and belonging for all believers, regardless of their background? 4. How does the account of the Israelites' return from exile encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty and His plans for restoration in our lives? 5. What practical steps can we take to remember and document God's faithfulness in our personal and communal spiritual journeys? Connections to Other Scriptures Ezra 2:59-63This passage parallels Nehemiah 7:61, listing the same groups of people who could not prove their lineage. It highlights the importance of genealogical records in maintaining the purity of the Israelite community. Numbers 1:18 This verse emphasizes the importance of genealogical records for the Israelites, as they were used to organize the tribes and assign roles. 1 Chronicles 9:1 Chronicles the genealogies of the Israelites, underscoring the significance of lineage in maintaining the identity and heritage of God's people.
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, ZihaPlaces 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-melahTopics Able, Addon, Belonged, Cherub, Cherub-addon, Declare, Descendants, Descended, Descent, Families, Fathers, Father's, Harsha, Houses, Immer, Israelites, Kerub, Melah, Offspring, Prove, Seed, Shew, Tel, Telharesha, Tel-haresha, Tel-harsha, Tel-har'sha, Tel-mela, Telmelah, Tel-melah, Tel-me'lah, WhetherDictionary of Bible Themes Nehemiah 7:5-69Library "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 The Strait Gate; Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories Ezra-Nehemiah Links Nehemiah 7:61 NIVNehemiah 7:61 NLT Nehemiah 7:61 ESV Nehemiah 7:61 NASB Nehemiah 7:61 KJV Nehemiah 7:61 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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