Nehemiah 7:13
the descendants of Zattu, 845;
the descendants of Zattu
The phrase "the descendants of Zattu" refers to a specific family lineage within the Israelite community. The name "Zattu" is of Hebrew origin, possibly derived from a root meaning "olive" or "olive tree," symbolizing peace and fruitfulness. In the context of Nehemiah, the descendants of Zattu are part of the group returning from Babylonian exile to Jerusalem. This return signifies a restoration of identity and covenant relationship with God. Historically, the mention of specific families underscores the importance of genealogical records in maintaining tribal and familial heritage, which was crucial for the re-establishment of the Jewish community in their ancestral land.

845
The number "845" indicates the count of individuals from the family of Zattu who returned to Jerusalem. This precise enumeration reflects the meticulous record-keeping of the post-exilic community, emphasizing the importance of each individual in the collective effort to rebuild the nation. Theologically, numbers in the Bible often carry symbolic weight, and while 845 does not have a specific symbolic meaning, it highlights the significant contribution of the Zattu family to the restoration project. This enumeration serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility and unity required to fulfill God's purposes, encouraging believers to recognize the value of each person's role in the body of Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nehemiah
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 and was appointed as governor of Judah.

2. Zattu
A family or clan mentioned in the genealogical records of those who returned from the Babylonian exile. The descendants of Zattu were part of the group that returned to Jerusalem to help rebuild the city.

3. Jerusalem
The central city of Jewish worship and identity, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians and was in the process of being rebuilt during Nehemiah's time.

4. Babylonian Exile
A period when the Israelites were taken captive by the Babylonians, leading to a significant diaspora and the eventual return of some exiles to Jerusalem.

5. Genealogical Records
Lists of families and their descendants, which were important for maintaining tribal and family identities, as well as for fulfilling religious and social roles in post-exilic Israel.
Teaching Points
Importance of Heritage and Identity
The mention of the descendants of Zattu underscores the importance of knowing one's heritage and identity. In a spiritual sense, Christians are encouraged to understand their identity in Christ and their place in the family of God.

Faithfulness in Small Details
The detailed genealogical records reflect the faithfulness of God in preserving His people. Believers are reminded that God cares about the details of their lives and is faithful in His promises.

Community and Cooperation
The rebuilding of Jerusalem required the cooperation of many families and clans. Similarly, the church today is called to work together in unity to build up the body of Christ.

Restoration and Renewal
The return from exile and the rebuilding efforts symbolize spiritual restoration and renewal. Christians are called to seek personal and communal renewal through repentance and obedience to God.
Bible Study Questions
1. What significance do genealogical records hold in the context of Nehemiah 7, and how can understanding our spiritual heritage impact our faith journey?

2. How does the inclusion of specific families, like the descendants of Zattu, demonstrate God's faithfulness to His people throughout history?

3. In what ways can the cooperative efforts seen in Nehemiah's time inspire modern-day believers to work together in their communities and churches?

4. How does the theme of restoration in Nehemiah 7 relate to the concept of spiritual renewal in the New Testament?

5. Reflect on a time when understanding your identity in Christ helped you navigate a challenging situation. How can this understanding be strengthened through studying genealogies and historical records in the Bible?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 2:8
This verse also lists the descendants of Zattu among those who returned from exile, showing the consistency and importance of genealogical records in the restoration period.

1 Chronicles 9:1
Chronicles the genealogies of the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of lineage and heritage in maintaining the identity and continuity of God's people.

Nehemiah 11:1-2
Describes the repopulation of Jerusalem, highlighting the importance of community and shared responsibility in rebuilding the city.
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
845, Forty, Forty-five, Hundred, Sons, Zattu
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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