Nehemiah 7:21
the descendants of Ater (through Hezekiah), 98;
the descendants of Ater
The phrase "the descendants of Ater" refers to a specific family lineage within the post-exilic community of Israel. The name "Ater" means "left-handed" or "bound" in Hebrew, which may indicate a characteristic or notable trait of the family's ancestor. This lineage is significant as it represents the continuity of the Jewish people returning from Babylonian exile. The mention of specific families underscores the importance of heritage and identity in the restoration of Jerusalem. It highlights the faithfulness of God in preserving His people through generations, even in times of displacement and hardship.

through Hezekiah
The inclusion of "through Hezekiah" suggests a connection to a notable figure, possibly King Hezekiah of Judah, known for his faithfulness and reforms. This connection may imply a noble or respected lineage, emphasizing the importance of godly leadership and influence. Hezekiah's reign was marked by a return to the worship of Yahweh and the removal of idolatry, which aligns with the themes of restoration and renewal in Nehemiah. The mention of Hezekiah serves as a reminder of the impact that righteous leadership can have on a community, inspiring future generations to remain faithful to God's covenant.

98
The number "98" represents the specific count of individuals from the family of Ater who returned to Jerusalem. This precise enumeration reflects the meticulous record-keeping and organization necessary for the rebuilding efforts. It also signifies the collective commitment of these individuals to participate in the restoration of their homeland. Each person counted is a testament to the fulfillment of God's promise to bring His people back to their land. The number, though seemingly small, is a powerful reminder that God values each individual and that every person has a role to play in His divine plan. This encourages believers to recognize their unique contributions to the body of Christ and the work of His kingdom.

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. Ater
A family or clan mentioned in the genealogical records of those who returned from the Babylonian exile. The name "Ater" means "left-handed" or "bound."

3. Hezekiah
Likely a descendant or notable member of the Ater family. The name "Hezekiah" means "Yahweh strengthens."

4. Jerusalem
The city whose walls Nehemiah was tasked with rebuilding. It holds significant religious and historical importance for the Jewish people.

5. The Return from Exile
The event where the Jewish people returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian captivity, as decreed by King Cyrus of Persia.
Teaching Points
Faithfulness in Small Details
The inclusion of specific family names and numbers in genealogies underscores the importance of each individual in God's plan. Every person matters in the community of faith.

God's Sovereignty in Restoration
The return from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem illustrate God's control over history and His ability to restore His people, even after periods of judgment.

The Importance of Heritage and Legacy
Understanding one's spiritual heritage can inspire faithfulness and commitment to God's purposes. The descendants of Ater through Hezekiah remind us of the lasting impact of a godly legacy.

Community and Identity
The genealogical records emphasize the collective identity of God's people. Our identity in Christ connects us to a larger community with a shared mission.

Perseverance in Rebuilding
Just as Nehemiah and the returned exiles persevered in rebuilding Jerusalem, believers are called to persevere in building their spiritual lives and communities.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the detailed record of families in Nehemiah 7:21 reflect God's care for each individual in His plan?

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

3. How does the account of the return from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty during challenging times?

4. What lessons can we learn from the perseverance of Nehemiah and the exiles in rebuilding Jerusalem that apply to our spiritual lives today?

5. How can we contribute to the building and strengthening of our faith community, drawing inspiration from the collective identity of God's people in Nehemiah's time?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 2
This chapter provides a parallel account of the families and individuals who returned from exile, including the descendants of Ater. It highlights the continuity and faithfulness of God's people in returning to their homeland.

Isaiah 44:28
This verse prophesies the decree of Cyrus to rebuild Jerusalem, connecting to the broader account of restoration and God's sovereignty in using foreign rulers to fulfill His purposes.

2 Kings 20
The account of King Hezekiah, who shares a name with the descendant mentioned in Nehemiah 7:21, provides insight into the faithfulness and leadership qualities associated with the name.
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
98, Eight, Family, Hezekiah, Hezeki'ah, Namely, Ninety, Ninety-eight, 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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