Nehemiah 7:29
the men of Kiriath-jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, 743;
the men of
This phrase indicates a census or listing of individuals associated with specific locations. In the context of Nehemiah, it reflects the importance of community and identity within the tribes of Israel. The Hebrew word for "men" is "אִישׁ" (ish), which can also mean "people" or "individuals," emphasizing the collective identity of those returning from exile. This highlights the restoration of the community and the re-establishment of their heritage and responsibilities in the Promised Land.

Kiriath-jearim
Kiriath-jearim, meaning "City of Forests," was a significant location in the history of Israel. It was one of the cities given to the tribe of Judah and later associated with the tribe of Benjamin. Historically, it is known as the place where the Ark of the Covenant was kept for a time before being moved to Jerusalem (1 Samuel 7:1-2). This city represents a place of spiritual significance and a reminder of God's presence and covenant with His people.

Chephirah
Chephirah was one of the Gibeonite cities that made a treaty with Joshua (Joshua 9:17). The name means "village" or "lioness," and it was part of the territory allotted to the tribe of Benjamin. The inclusion of Chephirah in this list underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to restore the land to His people and the importance of honoring covenants, as the Gibeonites were protected under Israel's oath.

and Beeroth
Beeroth, meaning "wells," was another city of the Gibeonites and part of the inheritance of Benjamin. The mention of Beeroth in this context serves as a reminder of God's provision and sustenance, symbolized by wells, which were vital for survival in the ancient Near East. It also reflects the continuity of God's faithfulness in providing for His people throughout their history.

743
The specific number, 743, indicates the precision and care with which the genealogical records were maintained. Each individual counted represents a family and a lineage, emphasizing the importance of every person in the community. This number reflects the meticulous nature of Nehemiah's efforts to restore the nation and the significance of each person's role in rebuilding the walls and the spiritual life of Jerusalem. It serves as a reminder that in God's kingdom, every individual matters and has a purpose in His divine plan.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Kiriath-jearim
A city in the territory of Judah, known for being a resting place for the Ark of the Covenant before it was moved to Jerusalem by King David. It holds historical and religious significance in Israel's history.

2. Chephirah
A town in the territory of Benjamin, one of the cities that made a treaty with Joshua during the conquest of Canaan. It is part of the Gibeonite confederation.

3. Beeroth
Another town in the territory of Benjamin, also part of the Gibeonite cities that deceived Joshua into making a peace treaty with them.

4. The Men of Kiriath-jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth
These are the descendants of the original inhabitants of these towns who returned from the Babylonian exile to resettle in their ancestral lands.

5. The Event of Returning Exiles
This verse is part of a larger census of the Israelites who returned from Babylonian captivity to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple, highlighting the restoration of the community and their commitment to reestablishing their identity and worship.
Teaching Points
Faithfulness in Restoration
The return of the exiles to their ancestral towns demonstrates God's faithfulness in restoring His people. We can trust God to restore and rebuild areas of our lives that have been broken or lost.

Importance of Community
The detailed record of the returning exiles underscores the importance of community and belonging. As believers, we are called to be part of a faith community where we can grow and serve together.

Historical and Spiritual Heritage
Understanding the historical context of these towns helps us appreciate our spiritual heritage. We should seek to understand and honor the legacy of faith passed down to us.

Commitment to Worship
The return to these towns was not just a physical relocation but a spiritual recommitment to worship and obedience to God. We should prioritize our relationship with God and our commitment to His purposes.
Bible Study Questions
1. What significance do the towns of Kiriath-jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth hold in the history of Israel, and how does this impact our understanding of God's faithfulness?

2. How does the return of the exiles to their ancestral lands reflect God's promises and faithfulness in your own life?

3. In what ways can you contribute to building and strengthening your faith community, similar to the returning exiles rebuilding their towns?

4. How does understanding the historical and spiritual heritage of biblical places enhance your appreciation of your own spiritual journey?

5. What steps can you take to ensure that your commitment to worship and obedience to God remains a priority in your life?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Joshua 9
This chapter details the deception of the Gibeonites, including the people of Chephirah and Beeroth, who tricked Joshua into making a peace treaty with them. This historical context provides insight into the background of these towns.

1 Samuel 7
This passage describes the Ark of the Covenant being kept at Kiriath-jearim for twenty years, emphasizing the city's religious significance.

Ezra 2
This chapter parallels Nehemiah 7, listing the exiles who returned to Jerusalem, showing the continuity and consistency in the records of the returning exiles.
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
Beeroth, Be-er'oth, Chephirah, Chephi'rah, Forty, Forty-three, Hundred, Jearim, Kephirah, Kiriath, Kiriath-jearim, Kir'iath-je'arim, Kirjathjearim, Kirjath-jearim, Seven
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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