Nehemiah 7:68
They had 736 horses, 245 mules,
They had 736 horses
In the context of Nehemiah 7, the listing of animals, including horses, reflects the resources available to the returning exiles. Horses were valuable assets in ancient times, often used for transportation, military purposes, and agricultural work. The presence of 736 horses indicates a significant investment in mobility and defense, suggesting the community's preparedness for both travel and potential conflict. Horses are frequently mentioned in the Bible as symbols of strength and power (e.g., Psalm 20:7), and their inclusion here underscores the rebuilding efforts' seriousness and the community's commitment to establishing a stable society.

245 mules
Mules, being hybrids of horses and donkeys, were prized for their strength and endurance, making them ideal for carrying heavy loads over long distances. The mention of 245 mules highlights the practical needs of the returning exiles as they transported materials and goods necessary for rebuilding Jerusalem. Mules were less common than horses, indicating a strategic choice in their use for specific tasks. In biblical times, mules were often associated with royalty and nobility (e.g., 2 Samuel 18:9), suggesting that the community was well-equipped for both practical and prestigious purposes. The inclusion of mules in this inventory reflects the careful planning and resource management essential for the successful reestablishment of the Jewish community in their homeland.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nehemiah
The central figure in the book, Nehemiah was a cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes and later became the governor of Judah. He led the efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and restore the community.

2. Jerusalem
The city of focus in the book of Nehemiah, Jerusalem was in ruins after the Babylonian exile. The rebuilding of its walls symbolized the restoration of the Jewish people and their covenant with God.

3. The Exiles
The people who returned from Babylonian captivity to Jerusalem. They were tasked with rebuilding the city and re-establishing their community and religious practices.

4. The Census
Nehemiah 7 includes a census of the people who returned from exile. This list was important for establishing the identity and heritage of the Jewish people.

5. The Livestock
Nehemiah 7:68 specifically mentions the livestock, which were essential for the economic and agricultural stability of the returning exiles.
Teaching Points
Faithfulness in Restoration
God's faithfulness is evident in the return of the exiles and the rebuilding of Jerusalem. We can trust in God's promises and His timing in our own lives.

Importance of Community
The census underscores the importance of community and identity. As believers, we are part of a spiritual community that supports and strengthens us.

Stewardship of Resources
The mention of livestock highlights the need for wise stewardship of resources. We are called to manage what God has given us responsibly.

Heritage and Identity
Understanding our spiritual heritage helps us appreciate our identity in Christ. Just as the exiles were reminded of their lineage, we should remember our identity as God's children.

Commitment to God's Work
The dedication of the exiles to rebuild Jerusalem serves as a model for our commitment to God's work in our lives and communities.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Nehemiah's leadership in rebuilding Jerusalem inspire you to take initiative in your own community or church?

2. In what ways can you contribute to the restoration and strengthening of your spiritual community, similar to the exiles' efforts in Jerusalem?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. How does this encourage you in your current circumstances?

4. How can you practice better stewardship of the resources God has entrusted to you, as seen in the mention of livestock in Nehemiah 7:68?

5. What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of your spiritual heritage and identity in Christ, and how might this impact your daily life?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 2
Nehemiah 7 closely parallels Ezra 2, which also lists the exiles returning to Jerusalem. This connection highlights the continuity and consistency in the restoration efforts.

Genesis 12
The promise to Abraham about his descendants and the land is echoed in the return of the exiles, fulfilling God's covenantal promises.

Psalm 147
This psalm speaks of God rebuilding Jerusalem and gathering the exiles, reflecting the themes of restoration and divine faithfulness found in Nehemiah.
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
245, Forty, 736, Forty-five, Horses, Hundred, Mules, Seven, Six, Thirty, Thirty-six, Transport
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nehemiah 7:5-69

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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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