Nehemiah 7:39
The priests: the descendants of Jedaiah (through the house of Jeshua), 973;
The priests
The role of the priests in ancient Israel was of paramount importance. They were the mediators between God and the people, responsible for performing sacrifices and maintaining the sanctity of the temple. The Hebrew word for priest, "kohen," signifies one who stands in service. The priests were descendants of Aaron, Moses' brother, and were set apart for their sacred duties. Their presence in the list underscores the restoration of religious order and worship in post-exilic Jerusalem, highlighting the community's commitment to reestablishing their covenant relationship with God.

The descendants of Jedaiah
Jedaiah is one of the priestly families that returned from the Babylonian exile. The name Jedaiah means "Yahweh knows" or "Yahweh has known," reflecting a deep trust in God's omniscience and providence. This lineage is significant as it connects the returning exiles to their ancestral heritage, emphasizing continuity and faithfulness to God's promises. The mention of specific families like Jedaiah serves to authenticate the genealogical records, ensuring that the priesthood remains pure and legitimate according to the Law of Moses.

(through the house of Jeshua)
Jeshua, also known as Joshua, was a high priest who played a crucial role in the rebuilding of the temple and the spiritual renewal of the people. The name Jeshua means "Yahweh is salvation," pointing to the redemptive work of God among His people. The house of Jeshua represents a lineage of leadership and spiritual guidance, crucial for the restoration of worship in Jerusalem. This connection to Jeshua highlights the continuity of God's salvific plan through the priesthood, foreshadowing the ultimate salvation brought through Jesus Christ, whose name in Hebrew is also Yeshua.

973
This number signifies the specific count of individuals from the priestly family of Jedaiah who returned to Jerusalem. The precision of this number reflects the meticulous nature of the genealogical records kept by the Israelites. It underscores the importance of each individual in the collective effort to restore the nation and its worship practices. The detailed enumeration of the returning exiles serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving His people and fulfilling His promises, even through the trials of exile and return. Each person counted is a reminder of the personal and communal commitment to rebuilding and renewing their covenant with God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nehemiah
A Jewish leader who played a crucial role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls after the Babylonian exile. He was a cupbearer to the Persian king and later became the governor of Judah.

2. Jedaiah
A priestly family mentioned in the genealogical records. The name means "Yahweh knows" in Hebrew, indicating a lineage dedicated to serving God.

3. Jeshua
A high priest who returned with Zerubbabel from the Babylonian exile. He played a significant role in the spiritual and physical restoration of Jerusalem.

4. The Priests
The descendants of Jedaiah, through the house of Jeshua, were part of the priestly class responsible for temple worship and sacrifices.

5. Jerusalem
The city where the events of Nehemiah take place, specifically focusing on the restoration of its walls and the re-establishment of its religious practices.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Lineage and Heritage
The mention of specific families underscores the value of spiritual heritage and the responsibility to uphold one's family legacy in faith.

Role of the Priesthood
The priests were central to the worship and spiritual life of Israel. Today, believers are called to be a "royal priesthood," serving God and others.

Restoration and Renewal
Just as Nehemiah worked to restore Jerusalem, believers are called to participate in the restoration of their communities and churches, both physically and spiritually.

Faithfulness in Service
The descendants of Jedaiah were counted among those who returned to serve. Faithfulness in our calling, regardless of the size of our role, is crucial.

God's Knowledge and Care
The name Jedaiah, meaning "Yahweh knows," reminds us that God is aware of our circumstances and cares for His people, encouraging us to trust in His providence.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the role of the priests in Nehemiah's time compare to the role of believers as a "royal priesthood" today?

2. In what ways can we contribute to the restoration and renewal of our communities, similar to Nehemiah's efforts in Jerusalem?

3. What significance does spiritual heritage have in your life, and how can you honor it in your daily walk with God?

4. How does understanding God's knowledge and care for us, as seen in the name Jedaiah, impact your trust in Him during challenging times?

5. Reflect on the importance of faithfulness in service. How can you remain faithful in your current role or calling, even if it seems small or insignificant?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 2:36
This verse lists the same priestly family, showing the continuity and importance of the priestly lineage in the post-exilic community.

1 Chronicles 24:7
Provides a broader context of the divisions of the priests, including the family of Jedaiah, highlighting the organized structure of temple service.

Zechariah 3:1-10
Jeshua the high priest is depicted in a vision, symbolizing the cleansing and restoration of the priesthood, which is essential for the spiritual renewal of the people.
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
Descendants, Family, Hundred, Jedaiah, Jedai'ah, Jeshua, Namely, Nine, Priests, Seventy, Seventy-three, 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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