Nehemiah 7:18
the descendants of Adonikam, 667;
the descendants of Adonikam
The phrase "the descendants of Adonikam" refers to a specific family lineage that returned from the Babylonian exile. The name "Adonikam" is of Hebrew origin, meaning "my lord has arisen" or "the Lord is risen." This name reflects a deep-seated faith and hope in God's sovereignty and deliverance. Historically, the return of the exiles was a fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people to their land, as prophesied by Jeremiah and other prophets. The mention of Adonikam's descendants highlights the importance of family and heritage in Jewish culture, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant with His people through generations.

667
The number "667" represents the count of individuals from the family of Adonikam who returned to Jerusalem. This specific enumeration underscores the meticulous record-keeping and organization that characterized the post-exilic community. It also reflects the broader theme of restoration and rebuilding that is central to the book of Nehemiah. Each number in these genealogical records is a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving His people, even through exile and hardship. The precision of this count serves as a reminder of the value of each individual in God's redemptive plan, illustrating that every person and family has a role in the unfolding account of God's kingdom.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Adonikam
Adonikam is a name that means "the Lord has risen" or "my Lord has arisen." He is the ancestor of a family group that returned from the Babylonian exile. The mention of his descendants highlights the continuity of God's people and their return to Jerusalem.

2. The Return from Exile
This event marks the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity to Jerusalem. It is a significant moment in Jewish history, symbolizing restoration and renewal.

3. Nehemiah
As the governor of Judah, Nehemiah played a crucial role in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and organizing the community. His leadership is central to the events described in the book of Nehemiah.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Lineage and Heritage
Understanding our spiritual heritage can strengthen our faith and identity. Just as the descendants of Adonikam were part of God's plan, we too are part of a spiritual lineage through Christ.

God's Faithfulness in Restoration
The return from exile is a testament to God's faithfulness. In our lives, we can trust that God will restore and renew us, even after periods of hardship or separation.

Unity and Collective Effort
The rebuilding of Jerusalem required the cooperation of many families. In the church today, unity and collaboration are essential for accomplishing God's work.

Leadership and Vision
Nehemiah's leadership was crucial in organizing the return and rebuilding efforts. Effective leadership in our communities and churches can inspire and mobilize others toward God's purposes.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the mention of specific family groups, like the descendants of Adonikam, emphasize the importance of community in God's plan?

2. In what ways can we see God's faithfulness in our own lives, similar to how He restored the Israelites after their exile?

3. How can understanding our spiritual heritage in Christ impact our daily walk with God?

4. What lessons can we learn from Nehemiah's leadership that can be applied to our roles in our communities or churches?

5. How does the theme of unity in rebuilding Jerusalem challenge us to work together in our local church or community projects?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 2:13
This verse also lists the descendants of Adonikam, providing a parallel account of those who returned from exile. It emphasizes the importance of family lineage and continuity in the restoration of Israel.

Nehemiah 3:1-32
This passage describes the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, a project that involved many families, including those who returned from exile. It highlights the collective effort and unity among the people.

Isaiah 11:11-12
These verses prophesy the return of the remnant of Israel from various lands, including Babylon. It connects to the theme of restoration and God's faithfulness in bringing His people back to their homeland.
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
667, Adoni'kam, Hundred, Seven, Six, Sixty, Sixty-seven, Sons, Threescore
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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