Topical Encyclopedia Verse: Nehemiah 7:19 · "the descendants of Bigvai, 2,067;" Context and Background: Nehemiah 7 is a pivotal chapter in the Book of Nehemiah, which is part of the historical books of the Old Testament. This chapter is primarily concerned with the genealogical record of those who returned from the Babylonian exile to Jerusalem and Judah. Nehemiah, a key leader and governor, was instrumental in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and the re-establishment of the Jewish community in their homeland. The chapter lists the families and their numbers, emphasizing the continuity of the Israelite community and their covenantal identity. Analysis: The mention of the "descendants of Bigvai" in Nehemiah 7:19 highlights the importance of family lineage and tribal affiliation in post-exilic Israel. Bigvai is one of the leaders mentioned in the return from exile, and his descendants numbered 2,067. This substantial number indicates the significant role that the family of Bigvai played in the restoration efforts. The genealogical records serve several purposes. They affirm the fulfillment of God's promises to bring His people back to their land after the exile, as prophesied by Jeremiah and other prophets. They also ensure the purity and continuity of the Israelite community, which was crucial for maintaining their distinct identity and religious practices amidst surrounding nations. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, the detailed genealogies in Nehemiah underscore God's faithfulness and the importance of community in the life of His people. The returnees, including the descendants of Bigvai, are part of the remnant that God preserved, demonstrating His sovereignty and commitment to His covenant with Israel. Furthermore, these records remind believers of the importance of heritage and the role of each individual and family in the larger narrative of God's redemptive plan. The preservation of these genealogies also points forward to the New Testament, where genealogies play a crucial role in establishing the messianic lineage of Jesus Christ. Practical Application: For contemporary readers, Nehemiah 7:19 and the surrounding genealogies encourage a reflection on one's spiritual heritage and the importance of community in faith. It challenges believers to consider their role in the ongoing story of God's people and to remain faithful to their calling, just as the descendants of Bigvai did in their time. In summary, Nehemiah 7:19, while seemingly a simple record of numbers, is rich with implications about identity, faithfulness, and the unfolding of God's promises through generations. Concordance 2067 (1 Occurrence)Nehemiah 7:19 Thesaurus 2067 (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance 2067 (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 7:19 The children of Bigvai, two thousand sixty-seven. (See NAS NIV). ... /num/2067.htm - 6k 2172 (2 Occurrences) 2056 (1 Occurrence) Bigvai (4 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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