Nehemiah 7:31
the men of Michmash, 122;
the men of Michmas
The phrase "the men of Michmas" refers to the inhabitants of a specific town, Michmas, which is located in the territory of Benjamin. Michmas holds historical significance in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of battles and strategic military locations. In 1 Samuel 13-14, Michmas is the site where Jonathan, the son of King Saul, achieved a significant victory over the Philistines. This victory is a testament to God's deliverance and the courage of His people. The mention of Michmas in Nehemiah 7:31 serves as a reminder of the rich history and heritage of the Israelites, emphasizing the continuity of God's faithfulness to His people throughout generations. The men of Michmas, as part of the returning exiles, symbolize the restoration and rebuilding of the community, both physically and spiritually.

122
The number "122" represents the count of men from Michmas who returned from the Babylonian exile. This specific enumeration highlights the importance of each individual in the collective effort to rebuild Jerusalem and restore the nation of Israel. In the broader context of Nehemiah 7, the detailed listing of names and numbers underscores the meticulous care and divine providence involved in the restoration process. Each person counted is a testament to God's promise to bring His people back to their land. The precision of this number also reflects the organized and orderly approach Nehemiah took in re-establishing the community, ensuring that every family and individual had a place and a role in the rebuilding efforts. This serves as an inspiration for believers today, reminding us that every person is valued and has a purpose in God's plan.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Michmas
A town in the territory of Benjamin, located northeast of Jerusalem. It is mentioned in the context of the return of the exiles and the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

2. The Men of Michmas
A group of 122 men who returned from the Babylonian exile to help rebuild Jerusalem and restore the community. Their inclusion in the list signifies their commitment to the restoration efforts.
Teaching Points
Faithfulness in Small Numbers
The mention of 122 men from Michmas reminds us that God values faithfulness, regardless of the size of the group. Small numbers do not diminish the importance of their contribution to God's work.

Commitment to Restoration
The returnees from Michmas exemplify a commitment to restoring what was lost. This can inspire us to participate in the restoration of our communities and churches, even when the task seems daunting.

Historical Continuity
The repeated mention of Michmas in various biblical contexts underscores the importance of understanding our spiritual heritage and the continuity of God's plan through history.

Role of Community
The collective effort of the men of Michmas highlights the importance of community in achieving God's purposes. We are reminded that we are part of a larger body working together for God's glory.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the inclusion of the men of Michmas in Nehemiah 7:31 teach us about the importance of every individual's contribution to God's work?

2. How can the historical significance of Michmas in Israel's history encourage us in our own spiritual journey?

3. In what ways can we, like the men of Michmas, commit to the restoration and rebuilding of our communities and churches today?

4. How does the concept of faithfulness in small numbers challenge our perception of success in ministry and service?

5. What lessons can we learn from the collective effort of the men of Michmas about the role of community in fulfilling God's purposes?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 2:27
This verse also lists the men of Michmas among those returning from exile, highlighting the consistency in the records of those who participated in the restoration.

1 Samuel 13-14
Michmas is mentioned as a strategic location during the conflict between Saul and the Philistines, indicating its historical significance.

Isaiah 10:28
Michmas is referenced in a prophecy concerning the Assyrian invasion, showing its continued relevance in Israel's history.
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
122, Michmas, Twenty, Twenty-two
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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