Nehemiah 7:17
the descendants of Azgad, 2,322;
the descendants of Azgad
The phrase "the descendants of Azgad" refers to the lineage or family group that traces its ancestry back to an individual named Azgad. In the context of the Book of Nehemiah, this listing is part of a genealogical record of those who returned from the Babylonian exile to Jerusalem and Judah. The name "Azgad" itself is of Hebrew origin, meaning "strong is Gad" or "Gad is mighty." Gad was one of the tribes of Israel, and the name reflects a connection to strength and divine favor. This genealogical record underscores the importance of family heritage and continuity in the Jewish faith, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promises to restore His people to their land.

2,322
The number "2,322" represents the count of individuals from the family of Azgad who returned to Jerusalem. This specific enumeration highlights the meticulous nature of the record-keeping during the post-exilic period. It reflects the organized effort to re-establish the community and religious practices in Jerusalem. Historically, such detailed records were crucial for maintaining tribal and family identities, which were essential for land ownership, religious duties, and social structure. The precision of this number also serves as a testament to the faithfulness of God in preserving His people through the exile and bringing them back to their homeland, fulfilling the prophecies and promises given through the prophets. This return was not just a physical journey but a spiritual renewal, as the people sought to restore their covenant relationship with God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nehemiah
The central figure in the book, Nehemiah was a Jewish leader who played a crucial role in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. His leadership and dedication to God's work are central themes in the book.

2. Azgad
A family or clan mentioned in the genealogical records. The descendants of Azgad were part of the group that returned from Babylonian exile to Jerusalem. Their inclusion in the list highlights their role in the restoration of the Jewish community.

3. Jerusalem
The city where the events of Nehemiah take place. It was the spiritual and political center for the Jewish people, and its restoration was vital for the re-establishment of Jewish identity and worship.

4. Babylonian Exile
The period when the Jewish people were taken captive to Babylon. The return from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem are significant events in Jewish history, symbolizing renewal and faithfulness to God's promises.

5. Genealogical Records
The lists in Nehemiah 7 serve to document those who returned from exile and to establish their rightful place in the community. These records were important for maintaining tribal and family identities.
Teaching Points
Importance of Community
The listing of families like Azgad highlights the importance of community and collective identity in God's plan. Each family and individual has a role in the larger account of God's people.

Faithfulness in Small Details
The meticulous recording of names and numbers shows that God values each person and detail. Our contributions, no matter how small, are significant in God's eyes.

Restoration and Renewal
The return from exile and rebuilding of Jerusalem symbolize spiritual renewal. We are called to participate in God's work of restoration in our own lives and communities.

Heritage and Identity
Understanding our spiritual heritage helps us appreciate our identity in Christ. Just as the Israelites valued their genealogies, we should value our spiritual lineage and the legacy of faith.

God's Faithfulness
The return of the exiles and the rebuilding efforts demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises. We can trust God to fulfill His promises in our lives as well.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the inclusion of genealogical records in Nehemiah 7:17 emphasize the importance of community in God's plan?

2. In what ways can we see God's faithfulness in the details of our own lives, similar to the detailed records in Nehemiah?

3. How can the account of the return from exile inspire us to seek spiritual renewal and restoration in our own communities?

4. What role does understanding our spiritual heritage play in shaping our identity and faith today?

5. How can we actively participate in God's work of restoration and renewal in our personal lives and in the world around us?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 2
This chapter contains a parallel list of those who returned from exile, including the descendants of Azgad. It emphasizes the continuity and faithfulness of God's people across different periods.

1 Chronicles 9
Chronicles also provides genealogical records, underscoring the importance of lineage and heritage in maintaining the identity and faith of the Jewish people.

Isaiah 11:11-12
This passage speaks of the gathering of the exiles, which connects to the theme of restoration and return 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
2, 322, Hundred, Sons, Thousand, Twenty, Twenty-two
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nehemiah 7:5-69

     7230   genealogies

Nehemiah 7:6-67

     5249   census

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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