Nehemiah 7:34
the descendants of the other Elam, 1,254;
the men of Jericho
The mention of "the men of Jericho" in this verse is significant as it highlights the return of the exiles from a city with a storied past. Jericho, known as the "City of Palms," is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world and holds a prominent place in biblical history. It was the first city conquered by the Israelites under Joshua's leadership after crossing the Jordan River (Joshua 6). The Hebrew root for Jericho, "Yeriho," is associated with the word for "fragrance," possibly due to the abundance of balsam and other aromatic plants in the area. The inclusion of Jericho's men in the list of returnees underscores the restoration of Israel's heritage and the fulfillment of God's promises to bring His people back to their land. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the continuity of His covenant with Israel.

345
The specific number "345" indicates the count of men from Jericho who returned to Jerusalem. In biblical numerology, numbers often carry symbolic meanings. While the number 345 does not have a widely recognized symbolic interpretation, its precision reflects the meticulous record-keeping and organization of the returning exiles. This attention to detail underscores the importance of each individual in the community and the collective effort required to rebuild the nation. Historically, the return of the exiles was a monumental task, involving the re-establishment of social, religious, and economic structures. The listing of numbers in Nehemiah 7 serves as a testament to the dedication and commitment of the people to restore their identity and worship in the land God had given them. It also highlights the unity and cooperation among the tribes and families, as they worked together to fulfill God's purposes for their nation.

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. He was a cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes before returning to Jerusalem.

2. Jericho
An ancient city located near the Jordan River, known for its historical significance in Israel's conquest of Canaan. It was the first city conquered by the Israelites under Joshua's leadership.

3. The Men of Jericho
This group of 345 men is listed among those who returned from exile to help rebuild Jerusalem. Their inclusion highlights the collective effort of various groups in the restoration of the city.
Teaching Points
Unity in Purpose
The inclusion of the men of Jericho in the rebuilding effort highlights the importance of unity among God's people. Despite their different backgrounds and histories, they came together for a common goal.

Faithfulness Across Generations
The connection between the fall of Jericho and the rebuilding efforts in Nehemiah's time demonstrates God's faithfulness across generations. Believers today are called to continue the legacy of faith and obedience.

Active Participation in God's Work
The men of Jericho actively participated in the restoration of Jerusalem. This serves as a reminder that every believer has a role to play in God's kingdom work, regardless of their past or status.

Historical Continuity
Understanding the historical context of Jericho enriches our appreciation of God's unfolding plan. It encourages us to see our lives as part of a larger account of redemption.

Commitment to Community
The collective effort of the men of Jericho underscores the importance of commitment to community and shared goals. Believers are encouraged to support and build up their local church communities.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the inclusion of the men of Jericho in Nehemiah 7:34 reflect the theme of unity in the body of Christ today?

2. In what ways can the historical significance of Jericho inspire us to trust in God's faithfulness in our own lives?

3. What role do you see yourself playing in the "rebuilding" efforts within your own church or community?

4. How can the account of Jericho's fall and the subsequent return of its men to Jerusalem encourage us to remain faithful in challenging times?

5. What practical steps can we take to foster a sense of community and shared purpose within our local church, similar to the collective effort seen in Nehemiah 7:34?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Joshua 6
The fall of Jericho under Joshua's leadership is a foundational account that connects to the men of Jericho in Nehemiah 7:34. It underscores the city's historical importance and the continuity of God's plan for His people.

Ezra 2
This chapter provides a parallel list of the exiles who returned to Jerusalem, including the men of Jericho. It emphasizes the unity and shared purpose among the returning exiles.

Hebrews 11:30
This verse references the faith that led to the fall of Jericho, connecting the past faithfulness of God's people to the present efforts in Nehemiah's time.
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
1, 254, Fifty, Fifty-four, Hundred, Sons, Thousand
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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