Nehemiah 7:40
the descendants of Immer, 1,052;
The descendants of Immer
The phrase "The descendants of Immer" refers to a specific priestly family within the tribe of Levi. The name "Immer" is derived from the Hebrew root "אמר" (pronounced 'Immer'), which means "he has said" or "he has spoken." This name may reflect a divine calling or proclamation, emphasizing the family's role in communicating God's will through priestly duties. Historically, the family of Immer was one of the 24 priestly divisions established by King David (1 Chronicles 24:14). This division of labor ensured that the temple services were conducted in an orderly manner, highlighting the importance of structure and organization in worship.

1,052
The number "1,052" signifies the count of male members from the family of Immer who returned from the Babylonian exile. This specific enumeration underscores the importance of each individual in the restoration of Jerusalem and the reestablishment of temple worship. The precision of this number reflects the meticulous record-keeping and the value placed on community and heritage. In a broader spiritual sense, it reminds us of God's faithfulness in preserving His people and fulfilling His promises, as each person plays a vital role in the unfolding of His divine plan. The return of these individuals is a testament to the fulfillment of prophecy and the hope of renewal for the nation of Israel.

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. The Descendants of Immer
A priestly family mentioned in the genealogical records. The family of Immer was one of the priestly divisions established by King David, and they returned from exile to serve in the temple.

3. Jerusalem
The city central to Jewish identity and worship, which Nehemiah helped to rebuild. It symbolizes the restoration of God's people and their covenant relationship with Him.

4. The Babylonian Exile
A period when the Israelites were taken captive to Babylon. The return from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem are significant themes in the book of Nehemiah.

5. The Census
Nehemiah 7 records a census of the people who returned from exile. This census was important for re-establishing the community and ensuring the proper functioning of temple services.
Teaching Points
Faithfulness Across Generations
The mention of the descendants of Immer highlights the importance of maintaining faithfulness to God's calling across generations. Families today can draw inspiration to uphold their spiritual heritage.

The Role of Priests
The priestly lineage underscores the significance of spiritual leadership and service. Believers are called to be a "royal priesthood," serving God and others with dedication.

Community Restoration
The census and the rebuilding efforts in Nehemiah remind us of the importance of community and collective effort in restoring and maintaining spiritual vitality.

God's Sovereignty in Restoration
The return from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem demonstrate God's sovereignty and faithfulness in restoring His people. Trust in God's plan for restoration in our lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from the faithfulness of the descendants of Immer in maintaining their priestly duties after returning from exile?

2. How does the role of priests in the Old Testament relate to the New Testament concept of the "priesthood of all believers"?

3. In what ways can we contribute to the restoration and strengthening of our own faith communities today?

4. How does the account of the return from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem encourage us to trust in God's plans for restoration in our personal lives?

5. What steps can we take to ensure that our spiritual heritage is passed down to future generations?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 2
This chapter provides a parallel account of the returnees from exile, including the descendants of Immer. It highlights the continuity and faithfulness of God's people across generations.

1 Chronicles 24
This chapter details the divisions of the priests, including the family of Immer, showing the historical roots and responsibilities of the priestly families.

Exodus 28
Describes the role and duties of the priests, emphasizing the importance of the priestly lineage in maintaining worship and sacrifices in the temple.
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
1, 52, Fifty-two, Immer, Sons, Thousand
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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