Nehemiah 7:62
the descendants of Delaiah, the descendants of Tobiah, and the descendants of Nekoda, 642 in all.
the descendants of Delaiah
The name Delaiah means "Yahweh has drawn" or "Yahweh has delivered." This name appears in various contexts in the Old Testament, often associated with priestly or noble families. The mention of descendants indicates a lineage that was significant enough to be recorded in the genealogical lists of the returning exiles. This reflects the importance of maintaining tribal and familial identities after the Babylonian exile, as these identities were crucial for the restoration of Israel's religious and social structures.

the descendants of Tobiah
Tobiah is a name that appears elsewhere in the book of Nehemiah, notably as an adversary to Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild Jerusalem's walls (Nehemiah 2:10, 4:3). This suggests that the name Tobiah was common, and the descendants mentioned here may not be directly related to Nehemiah's opponent. However, the inclusion of this name in the genealogical record highlights the complexity of post-exilic Jewish society, where individuals with the same name could have vastly different roles and reputations.

and the descendants of Nekoda
The name Nekoda is less prominent in biblical texts, but its inclusion in the genealogical list underscores the comprehensive nature of the record. The genealogies served to establish the legitimacy of those returning to Jerusalem and their right to participate in the religious and civic life of the community. This reflects the broader biblical theme of restoration and the fulfillment of God's promises to bring His people back to their land.

642 in all
The specific number of 642 descendants indicates the precision with which the genealogical records were kept. This attention to detail was essential for re-establishing the community's structure and ensuring that the returning exiles could reclaim their ancestral lands and responsibilities. The number also reflects the broader theme of God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant of His people, as seen throughout the Old Testament, and His ongoing work in fulfilling His covenant promises.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Delaiah
A family group listed among those returning from the Babylonian exile. The name means "Yahweh has drawn" or "Yahweh has delivered."

2. Tobiah
Another family group mentioned in the genealogical record. The name Tobiah means "Yahweh is good." This name is also associated with an adversary of Nehemiah, highlighting the complexity of historical and familial ties.

3. Nekoda
A family group whose descendants are listed among the returnees. The meaning of the name is uncertain, but it is part of the genealogical record that underscores the importance of lineage and identity.

4. Babylonian Exile
The period when the Israelites were taken captive to Babylon, which lasted approximately 70 years. The return from exile is a significant event in Jewish history, symbolizing restoration and renewal.

5. Genealogical Record
The listing of family names and numbers in Nehemiah 7 serves to establish the continuity of the Israelite community and their rightful claim to the land and heritage.
Teaching Points
Importance of Heritage and Identity
The genealogical records in Nehemiah remind us of the importance of knowing our spiritual heritage and identity in Christ. Just as the Israelites were identified by their lineage, Christians are identified by their relationship with Jesus.

God's Faithfulness in Restoration
The return from exile is a testament to God's faithfulness in restoring His people. In our lives, God is faithful to restore and renew us, even after periods of spiritual exile or distance.

Overcoming Adversity
The mention of Tobiah, both as a family group and an adversary, highlights the reality of opposition in our spiritual journey. We are called to persevere and trust in God's protection and guidance.

Community and Belonging
The detailed records of families emphasize the importance of community and belonging. As believers, we are part of the body of Christ, and our participation in the community of faith is vital.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding our spiritual heritage in Christ impact our daily walk with Him?

2. In what ways can we see God's faithfulness in restoring areas of our lives that have been broken or lost?

3. How can we effectively deal with opposition or adversity in our spiritual journey, as Nehemiah did with Tobiah?

4. What role does community play in our spiritual growth, and how can we actively contribute to the body of Christ?

5. How do the genealogical records in Nehemiah 7 encourage us to value our identity and purpose in God's plan?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 2
This chapter provides a parallel account of the returnees from exile, including similar genealogical records. It emphasizes the continuity and faithfulness of God in preserving His people.

1 Chronicles 9
Chronicles also lists genealogies, highlighting the importance of heritage and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.

Nehemiah 6
Tobiah is mentioned as an adversary of Nehemiah, illustrating the challenges faced during the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the complexities of relationships among the returnees.
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
Delaiah, Delai'ah, Forty, Forty-two, Hundred, Nekoda, Neko'da, Six, Sons, Tobiah, Tobi'ah, Tobijah
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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