Context and Background:

Nehemiah 7:20 is part of a larger passage in the Book of Nehemiah that details the genealogical records of those who returned from the Babylonian exile to Jerusalem. This chapter is crucial in understanding the restoration of the Jewish community and the re-establishment of their identity and heritage after a period of displacement and captivity.

Verse Text:

Nehemiah 7:20 : "The descendants of Adin, 655."

Analysis:

The verse lists the descendants of Adin, numbering 655, as part of the census conducted by Nehemiah. This census was essential for several reasons:

1. Restoration of Community: The enumeration of the people was a vital step in reconstituting the Jewish community in Jerusalem. It helped in organizing the people for the rebuilding of the city walls and the re-establishment of religious and social order.

2. Genealogical Importance: The mention of specific family lines, such as the descendants of Adin, underscores the importance of lineage and heritage in Jewish culture. It was crucial for maintaining tribal identities and fulfilling the promises made to the patriarchs.

3. Historical Continuity: By documenting the families who returned, Nehemiah ensured that the continuity of the Jewish people was preserved. This was particularly significant in the post-exilic period, as it reinforced their connection to the land and to God's covenant.

4. Spiritual Significance: The act of recording the names and numbers of the returnees can be seen as a testament to God's faithfulness. Despite the exile, God preserved a remnant of His people, fulfilling His promises of restoration and hope.

Theological Implications:

The listing of the descendants of Adin, along with other families, highlights the theme of divine providence and faithfulness. It serves as a reminder that God is actively involved in the lives of His people, guiding and sustaining them through trials and tribulations. The return from exile and the rebuilding efforts led by Nehemiah are seen as a fulfillment of God's promises and a precursor to the ultimate redemption found in the New Testament.

Conclusion:

Nehemiah 7:20, while seemingly a simple record of numbers, is rich with historical, cultural, and theological significance. It reflects the broader narrative of restoration and hope that permeates the Book of Nehemiah, emphasizing the importance of community, identity, and faith in the life of God's people.655 (1 Occurrence)

Nehemiah 7:20
The children of Adin, six hundred fifty-five.
(See NAS NIV)

655 (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance 655 (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 7:20 The children
of Adin, six hundred fifty-five. (See NAS NIV). ...
/num/655.htm - 6k

Enough (655 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Enough (655 Occurrences). Enough appears 655 times in
12 translations. You can narrow your search using the Advanced Bible Search. ...
/e/enough.htm - 7k

666 (1 Occurrence)

/num/666.htm - 6k

652 (1 Occurrence)

/num/652.htm - 6k

Adin (2 Occurrences)
... was brought up to date. In Ezra and 1 Esdras the number of the sons of
Adin is said to be 454; in Ne it is 655. The 50 males, led ...
/a/adin.htm - 9k

Agrapha
... (21) In a fragment of a Gospel found by Grenfell and Hunt at Oxyrhynchus (O Papyri
number 655) is the following non-canonical passage in a canonical context ...
/a/agrapha.htm - 21k

Papyrus (4 Occurrences)
... in its later form, if at all; 3rd century; OP 655); the Acts of John (4th century;
OP 850, compare 851); the Shepherd of Hermas (3rd or 4th century; OP 404 ...
/p/papyrus.htm - 34k

Priest (500 Occurrences)
... On the high-priesthood subsequent to the return from Babylon, see B. Pick, Lutheran
Church Review, 1898, I, 127-41; II, 370-74; III, 555-56; IV, 655-64; and ...
/p/priest.htm - 88k

High (4559 Occurrences)
... On the high-priesthood subsequent to the return from Babylon, see B. Pick, Lutheran
Church Review, 1898, I, 127-41; II, 370-74; III, 555-56; IV, 655-64; and ...
/h/high.htm - 60k

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