Nehemiah 7:25
the descendants of Gibeon, 95;
the men of Gibeon
The mention of "the men of Gibeon" refers to the inhabitants of the ancient city of Gibeon, which holds significant historical and biblical importance. Gibeon was a Canaanite city that famously made a treaty with Joshua and the Israelites by deceiving them into believing they were from a distant land (Joshua 9). This treaty allowed them to live among the Israelites, albeit as servants. The Gibeonites' inclusion in the list of returnees in Nehemiah 7 highlights their continued integration into the Israelite community. It underscores the theme of God's grace and the inclusion of Gentiles into His covenant people, a foreshadowing of the New Testament message of salvation for all nations.

95
The specific number "95" indicates the number of men from Gibeon who returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. This precise count reflects the meticulous record-keeping and the importance of each individual in the restoration of the community. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in preserving His people, even through exile and dispersion. The return of these men signifies a renewal of their commitment to the covenant and their role in rebuilding the spiritual and physical life of Jerusalem. Each number in the genealogical records of the Bible is a testament to God's intimate knowledge and care for His people, emphasizing that every person matters in His divine plan.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nehemiah
A Jewish leader who played a crucial role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls after the Babylonian exile. He is known for his leadership, prayerfulness, and dedication to God's work.

2. Gibeon
A city in ancient Israel, known for its inhabitants' cunning treaty with Joshua (Joshua 9). It was located in the territory of Benjamin and had a significant role in Israel's history.

3. The Men of Gibeon
A group of 95 men listed in the genealogical record of those who returned from exile. Their inclusion highlights the importance of community and heritage in the restoration of Jerusalem.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Community
The listing of the men of Gibeon reminds us of the value of community and shared history in God's plan. Each person and group has a role in the larger account of God's people.

Faithfulness Across Generations
The return of the Gibeonites signifies the enduring faithfulness of God to His promises and the importance of maintaining faithfulness across generations.

Heritage and Identity
Understanding our spiritual heritage can strengthen our identity in Christ. Just as the Gibeonites were part of Israel's account, we are part of God's ongoing account.

God's Grace and Redemption
Despite their deceptive beginnings, the Gibeonites were integrated into Israel, illustrating God's grace and the possibility of redemption and inclusion for all.

The Role of Leadership
Nehemiah's leadership in organizing the returnees highlights the importance of godly leadership in guiding and restoring communities.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the inclusion of the Gibeonites in Nehemiah 7:25 reflect God's grace and redemption in the broader account of the Bible?

2. In what ways can understanding our spiritual heritage strengthen our faith and identity in Christ today?

3. How does the account of the Gibeonites in Joshua 9 inform our understanding of their role in Nehemiah 7:25?

4. What lessons can we learn from Nehemiah's leadership in organizing the returnees that can be applied to leadership in our own communities?

5. How can we ensure that our faithfulness to God is passed down to future generations, as seen in the continuity of the Gibeonites' presence in Israel?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Joshua 9
The account of the Gibeonites making a treaty with Israel under false pretenses. This historical context provides insight into the Gibeonites' relationship with Israel and their continued presence in the community.

Ezra 2
This chapter contains a parallel list of those returning from exile, emphasizing the continuity and faithfulness of God's people across generations.

1 Chronicles 9
Chronicles the genealogies of the Israelites, including those who returned to Jerusalem, underscoring the importance of lineage and God's promises to His people.
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
95, Ninety, Ninety-five, Sons
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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