Nehemiah 12:7
Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, and Jedaiah. These were the leaders of the priests and their associates in the days of Jeshua.
Sallu
The name "Sallu" is derived from the Hebrew root "סָלוּ" (Salu), which means "weighed" or "balanced." In the context of Nehemiah, Sallu represents one of the priestly leaders, emphasizing the importance of balance and justice in spiritual leadership. This highlights the role of priests as mediators who maintain spiritual equilibrium within the community.

Amok
The name "Amok" comes from the Hebrew "עָמוֹק" (Amowq), meaning "deep" or "profound." This suggests a depth of understanding and wisdom required of those in spiritual leadership. Amok's inclusion among the priestly leaders underscores the necessity for leaders to possess profound insight into God's laws and the needs of His people.

Hilkiah
"Hilkiah" is derived from the Hebrew "חִלְקִיָּה" (Chilqiyah), meaning "my portion is Yahweh." This name reflects a deep personal commitment to God, indicating that the priestly leaders were to be wholly devoted to the service of Yahweh. Hilkiah's role as a leader serves as a reminder of the priests' duty to prioritize their relationship with God above all else.

Jedaiah
The name "Jedaiah" comes from the Hebrew "יְדַעְיָה" (Yeda'yah), meaning "Yahweh knows." This name signifies the omniscience of God and the assurance that He is aware of the needs and struggles of His people. Jedaiah's position as a leader highlights the importance of trusting in God's knowledge and guidance in all aspects of life.

These were the leaders of the priests
This phrase emphasizes the organizational structure and hierarchy within the priesthood during the time of Nehemiah. The leaders were responsible for guiding the spiritual life of the community, ensuring that worship and religious practices were conducted according to God's commandments. This structure provided stability and continuity in the spiritual leadership of Israel.

and their associates
The mention of "associates" indicates the collaborative nature of priestly duties. The priests worked together as a team, supporting one another in their service to God and the community. This collaboration reflects the biblical principle of unity and cooperation among God's people, as seen throughout Scripture.

in the days of Jeshua
"Jeshua" refers to the high priest during the time of the return from Babylonian exile. His leadership was crucial in re-establishing the religious practices and temple worship in Jerusalem. The phrase "in the days of Jeshua" situates the events within a specific historical context, highlighting the continuity of God's faithfulness in restoring His people and their worship practices after a period of exile and hardship.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Sallu
A priestly leader mentioned in the context of the return from Babylonian exile. His name is listed among those who served in the temple.

2. Amok
Another priestly leader, part of the group responsible for the spiritual leadership of the people during the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

3. Hilkiah
A priestly figure, possibly connected to the lineage of priests who played significant roles in Israel's history, including the discovery of the Book of the Law during King Josiah's reign.

4. Jedaiah
A priestly leader, contributing to the religious restoration and the re-establishment of temple worship.

5. Jeshua
The high priest during the time of Zerubbabel, instrumental in the rebuilding of the temple and the spiritual renewal of the people.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Spiritual Leadership
The leaders listed in Nehemiah 12:7 were crucial in guiding the people spiritually during a time of renewal. Spiritual leadership is vital for maintaining faithfulness and guiding communities in worship and obedience to God.

Heritage and Legacy in Ministry
The mention of these priests underscores the importance of heritage and legacy in ministry. Just as these leaders were part of a long line of priests, we are called to consider the legacy we leave in our spiritual communities.

Commitment to God's Work
The dedication of these leaders to the temple's restoration serves as a reminder of our commitment to God's work. We are encouraged to be steadfast and diligent in our service to the Lord.

Community and Cooperation
The collective effort of these priests highlights the importance of community and cooperation in achieving God's purposes. Working together in unity strengthens the body of Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the role of the priests in Nehemiah 12:7 reflect the importance of spiritual leadership in today's church?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are leaving a positive spiritual legacy for future generations?

3. How can the commitment of the priests to the temple's restoration inspire us in our personal and communal spiritual endeavors?

4. What are some practical ways we can foster community and cooperation within our church or spiritual group?

5. How do the roles and responsibilities of the priests in Nehemiah 12:7 connect with the New Testament understanding of the priesthood of all believers?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 2:36-39
Lists the priests who returned with Zerubbabel, providing a broader context for the priestly families involved in the restoration efforts.

1 Chronicles 24
Details the divisions of the priests, offering insight into the organization and responsibilities of the priestly families.

Haggai 1-2
Describes the prophetic encouragement given to Jeshua and Zerubbabel during the rebuilding of the temple, highlighting the spiritual leadership required.
A BookJ. Parker, D. D.Nehemiah 12:1-28
BooksNehemiah 12:1-28
Joy of JerusalemR.A. Redford Nehemiah 12:1-47
Ministers of the LordW. Clarkson. Nehemiah 12:1-26, 44-47
People
Aaron, Abijah, Adna, Akkub, Amariah, Amok, Asaph, Azarael, Azareel, Azariah, Azmaveth, Bakbukiah, Benjamin, Bilgah, Binnui, Darius, David, Eber, Elam, Eleazar, Eliakim, Eliashib, Elioenai, Ezer, Ezra, Gilalai, Ginnetho, Ginnethon, Hanani, Hananiah, Harim, Hashabiah, Hattush, Helkai, Hilkiah, Hoshaiah, Iddo, Jaddua, Jedaiah, Jehohanan, Jehonathan, Jeremiah, Jeshua, Jezrahiah, Johanan, Joiada, Joiakim, Joiarib, Jonathan, Joseph, Jozadak, Kadmiel, Kallai, Levi, Levites, Maadiah, Maai, Maaseiah, Malchijah, Malluch, Mattaniah, Mattenai, Melicu, Meraiah, Meraioth, Meremoth, Meshullam, Miamin, Micaiah, Michaiah, Mijamin, Milalai, Miniamin, Moadiah, Nehemiah, Nethaneel, Netophathites, Obadiah, Piltai, Rehum, Sallai, Sallu, Seraiah, Shammua, Shealtiel, Shebaniah, Shecaniah, Shechaniah, Shemaiah, Sherebiah, Solomon, Talmon, Unni, Uzzi, Zaccur, Zechariah, Zerubbabel, Zichri
Places
Azmaveth, Beth-gilgal, Broad Wall, Dung Gate, Fish Gate, Fountain Gate, Gate of Ephraim, Gate of the Guard, Gate of Yeshanah, Geba, Jerusalem, Lod, Sheep Gate, Tower of Hananel, Tower of the Hundred, Tower of the Ovens, Water Gate
Topics
Amok, Associates, Brethren, Brothers, Chief, Chiefs, Heads, Hilkiah, Hilki'ah, Hilkijah, Jedaiah, Jedai'ah, Jeshua, Kinsmen, Leaders, Priests, Sallu
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nehemiah 11:31-35

     5272   craftsmen

Library
The Joy of the Lord, the Strength of his People
LAST Sabbath day in the morning I spoke of the birth of our Saviour as being full of joy to the people of God, and, indeed, to all nations. We then looked at the joy from a distance; we will now in contemplation draw nearer to it, and perhaps as we consider it, and remark the multiplied reasons for its existence, some of those reasons may operate upon our own hearts, and we may go out of this house of prayer ourselves partakers of the exceeding great joy. We shall count it to have been a successful
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

The Girdle of the City. Nehemiah 3
The beginning of the circumference was from 'the sheep-gate.' That, we suppose, was seated on the south part, yet but little removed from that corner, which looks south-east. Within was the pool of Bethesda, famous for healings. Going forward, on the south part, was the tower Meah: and beyond that, "the tower of Hananeel": in the Chaldee paraphrast it is, 'The tower Piccus,' Zechariah 14:10; Piccus, Jeremiah 31:38.--I should suspect that to be, the Hippic tower, were not that placed on the north
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

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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