Nehemiah 7:48
the descendants of Lebanah, the descendants of Hagabah, the descendants of Shalmai,
the sons of Lebana
The phrase "the sons of Lebana" refers to a specific family lineage within the returning exiles. The name "Lebana" is of Hebrew origin, possibly meaning "white" or "frankincense." This could symbolize purity or a role in religious practices, as frankincense was used in temple rituals. Historically, the mention of such families underscores the importance of genealogical records in post-exilic Israel, emphasizing the restoration of identity and heritage after the Babylonian captivity.

the sons of Hagaba
"The sons of Hagaba" highlights another family group. The name "Hagaba" may derive from a Hebrew root meaning "locust" or "grasshopper." This could metaphorically suggest resilience or survival, as locusts are known for their persistence. In the context of Nehemiah, these families represent the diverse backgrounds of those committed to rebuilding Jerusalem, each bringing unique strengths and histories to the community.

the sons of Shalmai
The phrase "the sons of Shalmai" identifies yet another family among the returnees. "Shalmai" might be linked to a root meaning "recompense" or "peace." This name could reflect the hope for restoration and divine reward for faithfulness. The inclusion of such families in the genealogical record serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving His people and fulfilling His promises, encouraging readers to trust in God's providential care and the importance of community in His redemptive plan.

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. His leadership and dedication to God's work are central themes in the book.

2. Jerusalem
The city of Jerusalem is the focal point of Nehemiah's mission. The rebuilding of its walls symbolizes the restoration of the Jewish community and their covenant relationship with God.

3. The Exiles
The people listed in Nehemiah 7, including those in verse 48, are part of the Jewish exiles returning from Babylon. Their return and resettlement are significant in the re-establishment of Israel's identity and faith.

4. The Temple Servants
Mentioned in the broader context of Nehemiah 7, these individuals were responsible for assisting the Levites in the temple, highlighting the importance of worship and service in the community.

5. The Census
The event of taking a census, as seen in Nehemiah 7, was crucial for organizing the community and ensuring that everyone had a place and role in the restored Jerusalem.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Community
The detailed listing of names in Nehemiah 7:48 underscores the value of each individual in the community. Every person has a role to play in God's plan, and their contributions are significant.

Faithfulness in Service
The temple servants' dedication to their roles highlights the importance of faithfulness in service, no matter how seemingly small or behind-the-scenes the task may be.

God's Faithfulness in Restoration
The return of the exiles and the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls are powerful reminders of God's faithfulness to His promises. This encourages believers to trust in God's plans for restoration in their own lives.

Organizational Leadership
Nehemiah's leadership in organizing the census and the community teaches the importance of structure and order in achieving God's purposes.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the listing of names in Nehemiah 7:48 reflect the value God places on each individual within a community?

2. In what ways can we see God's faithfulness in the restoration of Jerusalem, and how can this encourage us in our personal journeys of restoration?

3. How can the roles of the temple servants inspire us to serve faithfully in our own church communities today?

4. What lessons can we learn from Nehemiah's leadership in organizing the community, and how can these be applied to our roles in family, work, or church?

5. How does the theme of restoration in Nehemiah connect with the New Testament teachings on the body of Christ, and what practical steps can we take to foster unity and diversity in our church communities?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 2
This chapter parallels Nehemiah 7, listing the same groups of returning exiles. It emphasizes the continuity and consistency in the restoration efforts of the Jewish people.

Psalm 147:2
This verse speaks of God gathering the exiles of Israel, which connects to the theme of restoration and divine faithfulness seen in Nehemiah.

1 Corinthians 12
The concept of different roles within the body of Christ can be related to the various roles and responsibilities of the people listed in Nehemiah 7, emphasizing unity and diversity in service.
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
Hagaba, Hag'aba, Lebana, Leba'na, Lebanah, Salmai, Shalmai, 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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