Nehemiah 7:37
the men of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, 721;
the descendants of
This phrase indicates lineage and heritage, which are significant in the Jewish tradition. The Hebrew root word for "descendants" is "ben," meaning "sons" or "children." This emphasizes the importance of family lines and the continuity of God's promises through generations. In the context of Nehemiah, it underscores the restoration of the community and the re-establishment of identity among the Israelites returning from exile.

Lod
Lod is a town mentioned in the Bible, known today as Lydda. It is located in the coastal plain of Israel. Historically, Lod was a significant town during the time of the return from Babylonian exile. The mention of Lod here highlights the geographical spread of the returning exiles and the reoccupation of ancestral lands. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in restoring His people to their promised inheritance.

Hadid
Hadid is another town mentioned in the context of the return from exile. Its exact location is less certain, but it is believed to be near Lod. The inclusion of Hadid in this list signifies the comprehensive nature of the return, encompassing even smaller or less prominent locations. This reflects the thoroughness of God's restoration plan, ensuring that no part of the community is left behind.

and Ono
Ono is a town mentioned alongside Lod and Hadid. It is located in the region of Benjamin, near the border with Judah. Ono's mention in this verse highlights the unity and collective effort of the returning exiles. It serves as a symbol of the rebuilding of the nation, where every town and family plays a crucial role in the re-establishment of Israel's identity and faith.

721
The number 721 represents the count of the descendants from these towns who returned. Numbers in the Bible often carry symbolic significance, and while this number is specific, it also reflects the broader theme of restoration and fulfillment of God's promises. The precision of the count underscores the meticulous nature of the record-keeping and the importance of each individual in God's plan. It serves as a testament to the faithfulness of the people in returning to their homeland and re-establishing their covenant relationship with God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Lod
A town in the territory of Benjamin, known in the New Testament as Lydda. It was a significant location for the returning exiles.

2. Hadid
Another town in the region of Benjamin, mentioned in the context of the return from Babylonian exile.

3. Ono
A town located in the territory of Benjamin, often associated with Lod and Hadid. It was part of the rebuilding efforts during Nehemiah's time.

4. The Return from Exile
This event marks the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity, a significant moment in Jewish history that involved the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the re-establishment of the Jewish community.

5. The Census
Nehemiah 7 records a census of the people who returned from exile, highlighting the importance of community and identity in the restoration process.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Community
The listing of towns and their descendants underscores the value of community and shared identity in God's plan. As believers, we are called to be part of a spiritual community that supports and builds each other up.

Faithfulness in Small Details
The meticulous recording of names and numbers in Nehemiah 7 reflects God's attention to detail. We are reminded that God values every individual and every act of faithfulness, no matter how small.

Restoration and Renewal
The return from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem symbolize spiritual renewal. In our lives, God calls us to rebuild and restore areas that have been broken or neglected.

Heritage and Legacy
The mention of specific towns and families highlights the importance of heritage and legacy. As Christians, we are encouraged to honor our spiritual heritage and pass on a legacy of faith to future generations.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the mention of specific towns like Lod, Hadid, and Ono in Nehemiah 7:37 help us understand the significance of community in the process of restoration?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of faithfulness in small details, as seen in the census of Nehemiah 7, to our daily lives?

3. How does the return from exile in Nehemiah parallel the concept of spiritual renewal in the New Testament? Can you think of a New Testament passage that reflects this theme?

4. What role does heritage play in your personal faith journey, and how can you ensure that you are leaving a positive spiritual legacy for others?

5. Considering the connection between Nehemiah 7 and Ezra 2, how does consistency in Scripture reinforce the reliability of God's Word in your life?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 2
This chapter provides a parallel account of the returnees, emphasizing the continuity and consistency in the records of those who returned from exile.

1 Chronicles 8
Chronicles the genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin, providing context for the towns of Lod, Hadid, and Ono.

Acts 9
Lydda (Lod) is mentioned in the New Testament, showing its continued significance in the early Christian church.
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
Hadid, Hundred, Lod, Ono, Seven, Sons, Twenty, Twenty-one
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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