The Captives Who Returned to Jerusalem
March 10, 2021
Commentary
In addition to repairing the walls, the builders repaired the gates. The porters, singers and Levites were given the responsibility of opening and closing them. Nehemiah, knowing that his enemies were still around, ordered these security measures. All the work on the wall would have been in vain if they were careless with the gates.
He appointed two governors to provide for the public peace and safety of Jerusalem. One of these was Hananiah, who had been ruler of the palace and it was said of him that “he was a faithful man and feared God above many” (v. 2). The other was Hanani, Nehemiah’s brother, who was a man of approved integrity and affection for his country. These rulers were ordered to see that the city gates were shut up and barred every night. The gates were not to be opened until midday and only when the guards were by them (v. 3).
Although the walls had been rebuilt, vast portions of the city were still lying in waste. Many of the houses were in ruins. Comparatively few people were residing in Jerusalem, so, Nehemiah was inspired to make a census of the people (v. 5). He knew that the safety of the city under God depends more on the number and attitude of the people than upon the height or strength of its walls. Therefore, observing that many people who had formerly lived in Jerusalem now lived in the country, he set out to influence them to come back and rebuild their houses in the city. A list is given of those who returned (vv. 6-38). Part of this consists of 18 families and clan (vv.6-25) while the remainder contains the names of inhabitants from 20 towns and villagers (vv. 26-38).
Application
It is tempting to let down my guard and rest on past accomplishments after I have completed a large task. I must remember to continue to serve and to take care of all that God has entrusted to me.
Nehemiah 7:1– 38 (NET)
1 When the wall had been rebuilt and I had positioned the doors, and the gatekeepers, the singers, and the Levites had been appointed, 2 I then put in charge over Jerusalem my brother Hanani and Hananiah the chief of the citadel, for he was a faithful man and feared God more than many do. 3 I said to them, “The gates of Jerusalem must not be opened in the early morning, until those who are standing guard close the doors and lock them. Position residents of Jerusalem as guards, some at their guard stations and some near their homes.” 4 Now the city was spread out and large, and there were not a lot of people in it. At that time houses had not been rebuilt. 5 My God placed it on my heart to gather the leaders, the officials, and the ordinary people so they could be enrolled on the basis of genealogy. I found the genealogical records of those who had formerly returned. Here is what I found written in that record:
6 These are the people of the province who returned from the captivity of the exiles, whom King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had forced into exile. They returned to Jerusalem and to Judah, each to his own city. 7 They came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, and Baanah. The number of Israelite men was as follows:
8 the descendants of Parosh: 2,172;
9 the descendants of Shephatiah: 372;
10 the descendants of Arah: 652;
11 the descendants of Pahath Moab (from the line of Jeshua and Joab): 2,818;
12 the descendants of Elam: 1,254;
13 the descendants of Zattu: 845;
14 the descendants of Zaccai: 760;
15 the descendants of Binnui: 648;
16 the descendants of Bebai: 628;
17 the descendants of Azgad: 2,322;
18 the descendants of Adonikam: 667;
19 the descendants of Bigvai: 2,067;
20 the descendants of Adin: 655;
21 the descendants of Ater (through Hezekiah): 98;
22 the descendants of Hashum: 328;
23 the descendants of Bezai: 324;
24 the descendants of Harif: 112;
25 the descendants of Gibeon: 95;
26 The men of Bethlehem and Netophah: 188;
27 the men of Anathoth: 128;
28 the men of the family of Azmaveth: 42;
29 the men of Kiriath Jearim, Kephirah, and Beeroth: 743;
30 the men of Ramah and Geba: 621;
31 the men of Micmash: 122;
32 the men of Bethel and Ai: 123;
33 the men of the other Nebo: 52;
34 the descendants of the other Elam: 1,254;
35 the descendants of Harim: 320;
36 the descendants of Jericho: 345;
37 the descendants of Lod, Hadid, and Ono: 721;
38 the descendants of Senaah: 3,930;