Nehemiah 7:58
the descendants of Jaala, the descendants of Darkon, the descendants of Giddel,
the sons of Jaala
The name "Jaala" is of Hebrew origin, and while its exact meaning is uncertain, it is often associated with the idea of "wild goat" or "ascending." In the context of Nehemiah, the mention of "the sons of Jaala" signifies the inclusion of a specific family line among those returning from the Babylonian exile. This highlights the importance of each family in the restoration of Jerusalem, emphasizing that every individual and family has a role in God's redemptive plan. Historically, genealogies were crucial for establishing identity and inheritance rights, especially after the return from exile when re-establishing community and religious practices was vital.

the sons of Darkon
The name "Darkon" is less common, and its meaning is not well-documented, but it may be related to the idea of "scatter" or "scatterer." This could symbolize the dispersion of the Israelites during the exile and their subsequent gathering back to their homeland. The inclusion of "the sons of Darkon" in this list serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in bringing His people back together, regardless of their previous dispersion. It underscores the theme of restoration and unity that is prevalent throughout the book of Nehemiah.

the sons of Giddel
The name "Giddel" is derived from a Hebrew root meaning "to be great" or "to grow." This suggests a sense of increase or prosperity, which is fitting in the context of the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem. The mention of "the sons of Giddel" reflects the hope and expectation of growth and blessing as the Israelites return to their land and rebuild their lives. It serves as an encouragement that God not only restores but also blesses and causes His people to flourish.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jaala
A family or clan mentioned in the context of those returning from the Babylonian exile. Their specific role or significance is not detailed, but they are part of the community rebuilding Jerusalem.

2. Darkon
Another family or clan listed among the returnees. Like Jaala, they are part of the collective effort to restore the city and its religious practices.

3. Giddel
A family or group included in the genealogical record of those who returned to Jerusalem. Their inclusion signifies their importance in the restoration process.
Teaching Points
Importance of Community
The listing of families like Jaala, Darkon, and Giddel highlights the collective effort required in God's work. Each family, regardless of their size or prominence, plays a vital role in the community's spiritual and physical restoration.

Faithfulness in Small Things
Though these families are not widely known, their inclusion in Scripture reminds us that God values faithfulness in all tasks, big or small. Our contributions to God's kingdom, no matter how seemingly insignificant, are noted by Him.

Heritage and Identity
The genealogical records emphasize the importance of knowing one's heritage and identity in God's plan. As believers, understanding our spiritual heritage can strengthen our faith and commitment to God's purposes.

Restoration and Renewal
The return from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem symbolize spiritual renewal. This encourages us to seek personal and communal restoration in our walk with God.

Unity in Diversity
The diverse groups listed in Nehemiah 7 illustrate the beauty of unity in diversity within the body of Christ. Each member brings unique gifts and strengths to the community.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the inclusion of families like Jaala, Darkon, and Giddel in Nehemiah 7:58 inspire you to contribute to your community or church?

2. In what ways can understanding your spiritual heritage strengthen your faith and commitment to God's work?

3. Reflect on a time when you felt your contributions were insignificant. How does this passage encourage you to view your role in God's kingdom differently?

4. How can the concept of unity in diversity, as seen in the genealogical records, be applied to foster stronger relationships within your church or community?

5. What steps can you take to participate in the spiritual and communal restoration efforts in your own life or community, drawing inspiration from the returnees in Nehemiah 7?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 2
This chapter provides a parallel list of returnees, emphasizing the continuity and consistency of the genealogical records between Ezra and Nehemiah.

Nehemiah 3
Describes the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, highlighting the collective effort of various families and groups, including those mentioned in Nehemiah 7.

1 Chronicles 9
Offers genealogical records that underscore the importance of lineage and heritage in the restoration of Israel.
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
Darkon, Giddel, Jaala, Ja'ala, Jala, 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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