Nehemiah 7:27
the men of Anathoth, 128;
the men of Anathoth
Anathoth was a town in the territory of Benjamin, mentioned several times in the Old Testament. It is notably the hometown of the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:1). The name "Anathoth" is derived from the Hebrew root "anath," which means "answer" or "response." This could symbolize the town's historical role as a place of communication or divine response. Anathoth was also a Levitical city, meaning it was designated for the Levites, the priestly tribe of Israel (Joshua 21:18). This connection to the Levites underscores the town's spiritual significance and its inhabitants' likely involvement in religious duties. The mention of "the men of Anathoth" in Nehemiah 7:27 highlights the continuity of this community's presence and their return from exile, emphasizing their commitment to restoring their heritage and faith.

128
The specific number "128" signifies the count of men from Anathoth who returned to Jerusalem and Judah after the Babylonian exile. Numbers in the Bible often carry symbolic weight, and while 128 does not have a widely recognized symbolic meaning, its specificity underscores the meticulous record-keeping and the importance of each individual in the restoration process. This enumeration reflects the broader biblical theme of God's care for His people, where every person is known and valued. The return of these 128 men represents a microcosm of the larger restoration of Israel, a testament to God's faithfulness in bringing His people back to their land. It also serves as an inspiration for believers today, reminding them of the importance of community, heritage, and the fulfillment of God's promises.

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

2. Anathoth
A town in the territory of Benjamin, known as the birthplace of the prophet Jeremiah. It was a Levitical city, meaning it was designated for the Levites, who were the priestly tribe of Israel.

3. The Men of Anathoth
A group of 128 men who returned from the Babylonian exile to help rebuild Jerusalem. Their inclusion in the list signifies their commitment to restoring their homeland and faith.
Teaching Points
Commitment to Restoration
The men of Anathoth exemplify dedication to God's work. Despite the challenges of returning from exile, they prioritized the restoration of their community and faith.

Heritage and Identity
Anathoth's connection to Jeremiah and its Levitical roots remind us of the importance of understanding our spiritual heritage and identity in Christ.

Faithful Remnants
The small number of returnees from Anathoth (128) illustrates how God often works through a faithful remnant to accomplish His purposes.

Community Involvement
The collective effort of the men of Anathoth underscores the importance of community involvement in achieving God's plans.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from the commitment of the men of Anathoth to return and rebuild Jerusalem, and how can we apply this to our own spiritual journeys?

2. How does the historical significance of Anathoth as a Levitical city and the birthplace of Jeremiah enhance our understanding of its mention in Nehemiah 7:27?

3. In what ways does the concept of a "faithful remnant" appear throughout the Bible, and how does it encourage us in our faith today?

4. How can understanding our spiritual heritage and identity in Christ influence our daily lives and decisions?

5. What are some practical ways we can contribute to the restoration and strengthening of our own faith communities, drawing inspiration from the men of Anathoth?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Jeremiah's Connection to Anathoth
Jeremiah, a major prophet, hailed from Anathoth. His prophecies often called for repentance and return to God, paralleling the return and rebuilding efforts in Nehemiah's time.

Ezra 2:23
This verse also lists the men of Anathoth among those returning from exile, showing consistency in the records of those committed to rebuilding Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles 6:60
Anathoth is mentioned as one of the cities given to the Levites, highlighting its historical and religious significance.
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
128, An'athoth, Eight, Hundred, Twenty, Twenty-eight
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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