Nehemiah 12:2
Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,
Amariah
The name "Amariah" is of Hebrew origin, meaning "Yahweh has promised" or "Yahweh speaks." This name reflects a deep connection to the covenantal promises of God, which are central to the Jewish faith. In the context of Nehemiah, Amariah represents the continuity of the priestly line and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people. Historically, Amariah is a common name among priests, indicating the importance of maintaining a lineage dedicated to serving God. This highlights the faithfulness of God in preserving His people and their leaders throughout generations.

Malluch
The name "Malluch" is derived from the Hebrew root meaning "counselor" or "king." This suggests a role of leadership or guidance within the community. In the context of Nehemiah, Malluch's inclusion in the list of priests underscores the importance of wise and godly leadership in the restoration of Jerusalem. The historical setting of Nehemiah is one of rebuilding and renewal, and leaders like Malluch were crucial in guiding the people according to God's laws and purposes. This reflects the biblical principle that God raises up leaders to shepherd His people and lead them in righteousness.

Hattush
The name "Hattush" is of Hebrew origin, meaning "assembled" or "gathered." This name is significant in the context of Nehemiah, as it reflects the gathering of the exiles back to Jerusalem and the re-establishment of the community. Hattush represents the collective effort of the people to restore their city and their faith. The historical context of Nehemiah is one of return and rebuilding after the Babylonian exile, and names like Hattush symbolize the hope and determination of the Jewish people to reassemble and renew their covenant with God. This serves as an inspiration for believers today to come together in unity and purpose to fulfill God's plans.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Amariah
A priestly figure mentioned in the lineage of those who returned from the Babylonian exile. The name Amariah means "Yahweh has promised" or "Yahweh speaks," indicating a divine assurance or communication.

2. Malluch
Another priestly figure, whose name means "counselor" or "reigning." This name suggests a role of leadership or guidance within the community.

3. Hattush
A descendant of David, mentioned in the genealogies of those who returned to Jerusalem. The name Hattush means "assembled" or "gathered," reflecting the gathering of God's people back to their homeland.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Lineage and Heritage
Understanding the significance of lineage in the Bible helps us appreciate the continuity of God's promises and faithfulness across generations.

God's Faithfulness in Restoration
The return of the exiles and the reestablishment of the priestly line demonstrate God's faithfulness in restoring His people and fulfilling His promises.

Roles and Responsibilities in God's Community
Each name listed represents a role within the community, reminding us of the importance of fulfilling our God-given responsibilities in the body of Christ.

The Gathering of God's People
Just as God gathered His people from exile, He continues to gather His church today, calling us to unity and purpose in His kingdom.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the meaning of the names Amariah, Malluch, and Hattush enhance our understanding of their roles in the community?

2. In what ways does the return of the exiles in Nehemiah reflect God's promises found in other parts of Scripture, such as Zechariah 8:7-8?

3. How can we apply the concept of fulfilling our roles and responsibilities within the church today, as seen in the priestly roles of Nehemiah 12:2?

4. What does the restoration of the priestly line in Nehemiah teach us about God's faithfulness and His plans for His people?

5. How can we, as modern believers, participate in the "gathering" of God's people, both within our local communities and globally?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 2 and Nehemiah 7
These chapters list the exiles who returned to Jerusalem, providing context for the priestly and Levitical families, including those mentioned in Nehemiah 12:2.

1 Chronicles 24
This chapter outlines the divisions of the priests, offering insight into the organization and roles of the priestly families, including Amariah.

Zechariah 8:7-8
This passage speaks of God's promise to gather His people from exile, resonating with the return of the exiles and the reestablishment of the priestly line.
A BookJ. Parker, D. D.Nehemiah 12:1-28
BooksNehemiah 12:1-28
Joy of JerusalemR.A. Redford Nehemiah 12:1-47
Ministers of the LordW. Clarkson. Nehemiah 12:1-26, 44-47
People
Aaron, Abijah, Adna, Akkub, Amariah, Amok, Asaph, Azarael, Azareel, Azariah, Azmaveth, Bakbukiah, Benjamin, Bilgah, Binnui, Darius, David, Eber, Elam, Eleazar, Eliakim, Eliashib, Elioenai, Ezer, Ezra, Gilalai, Ginnetho, Ginnethon, Hanani, Hananiah, Harim, Hashabiah, Hattush, Helkai, Hilkiah, Hoshaiah, Iddo, Jaddua, Jedaiah, Jehohanan, Jehonathan, Jeremiah, Jeshua, Jezrahiah, Johanan, Joiada, Joiakim, Joiarib, Jonathan, Joseph, Jozadak, Kadmiel, Kallai, Levi, Levites, Maadiah, Maai, Maaseiah, Malchijah, Malluch, Mattaniah, Mattenai, Melicu, Meraiah, Meraioth, Meremoth, Meshullam, Miamin, Micaiah, Michaiah, Mijamin, Milalai, Miniamin, Moadiah, Nehemiah, Nethaneel, Netophathites, Obadiah, Piltai, Rehum, Sallai, Sallu, Seraiah, Shammua, Shealtiel, Shebaniah, Shecaniah, Shechaniah, Shemaiah, Sherebiah, Solomon, Talmon, Unni, Uzzi, Zaccur, Zechariah, Zerubbabel, Zichri
Places
Azmaveth, Beth-gilgal, Broad Wall, Dung Gate, Fish Gate, Fountain Gate, Gate of Ephraim, Gate of the Guard, Gate of Yeshanah, Geba, Jerusalem, Lod, Sheep Gate, Tower of Hananel, Tower of the Hundred, Tower of the Ovens, Water Gate
Topics
Amariah, Amari'ah, Hattush, Malluch
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nehemiah 11:31-35

     5272   craftsmen

Library
The Joy of the Lord, the Strength of his People
LAST Sabbath day in the morning I spoke of the birth of our Saviour as being full of joy to the people of God, and, indeed, to all nations. We then looked at the joy from a distance; we will now in contemplation draw nearer to it, and perhaps as we consider it, and remark the multiplied reasons for its existence, some of those reasons may operate upon our own hearts, and we may go out of this house of prayer ourselves partakers of the exceeding great joy. We shall count it to have been a successful
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

The Girdle of the City. Nehemiah 3
The beginning of the circumference was from 'the sheep-gate.' That, we suppose, was seated on the south part, yet but little removed from that corner, which looks south-east. Within was the pool of Bethesda, famous for healings. Going forward, on the south part, was the tower Meah: and beyond that, "the tower of Hananeel": in the Chaldee paraphrast it is, 'The tower Piccus,' Zechariah 14:10; Piccus, Jeremiah 31:38.--I should suspect that to be, the Hippic tower, were not that placed on the north
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

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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