Nehemiah 7:41
the descendants of Pashhur, 1,247;
The descendants of Pashhur
This phrase refers to the lineage of Pashhur, a name that appears in various contexts within the Old Testament. Pashhur is a priestly name, and its mention here signifies the importance of maintaining a record of those who returned from the Babylonian exile. The name Pashhur itself is of Hebrew origin, meaning "split" or "cleft," which could metaphorically suggest division or separation, possibly reflecting the historical context of the exile and return. The descendants of Pashhur were part of the priestly families, emphasizing the restoration of religious order and worship in Jerusalem. This restoration was crucial for re-establishing the identity and spiritual life of the Jewish people after their return.

1,247
This specific number highlights the precision and care with which the genealogical records were kept. In the context of Nehemiah's mission, these numbers were not merely statistics but represented the fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people. The detailed record-keeping underscores the importance of each family and individual in the collective effort to rebuild Jerusalem. Historically, such records were vital for maintaining tribal and familial identities, ensuring that the priestly and Levitical lines were preserved according to the Law of Moses. This meticulous attention to detail reflects the broader biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant people, ensuring that each person has a place and purpose in His divine plan.

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. Pashhur
A priestly family mentioned in the genealogical records. The descendants of Pashhur were part of the group that returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian exile.

3. Jerusalem
The city central to Jewish identity and worship, which Nehemiah helped to rebuild and repopulate after the exile.

4. Babylonian Exile
A period when the Israelites were taken captive to Babylon, which significantly impacted their national and religious identity.

5. Genealogical Records
Lists of families and their descendants, which were crucial for re-establishing the community and religious practices in Jerusalem.
Teaching Points
Importance of Heritage
Understanding our spiritual heritage can strengthen our faith and identity. Just as the Israelites valued their genealogies, Christians can reflect on their spiritual lineage through Christ.

Community Restoration
Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild Jerusalem highlight the importance of community and collective effort in restoring what has been lost. Believers are called to work together in building and strengthening the church.

Faithfulness in Exile
The return of the exiles, including the descendants of Pashhur, demonstrates God's faithfulness in bringing His people back to their land. This encourages believers to trust in God's promises, even in difficult times.

Role of Leadership
Nehemiah's leadership was crucial in organizing the return and rebuilding efforts. Effective leadership is vital in guiding and inspiring others towards a common goal.

Significance of Records
The detailed genealogical records remind us of the importance of documentation and accountability in our spiritual and communal lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding our spiritual heritage, as seen in the genealogies of Nehemiah, impact our identity as Christians today?

2. In what ways can we contribute to the restoration and strengthening of our local church community, similar to Nehemiah's efforts in Jerusalem?

3. How can we remain faithful and hopeful in times of personal or communal "exile," drawing from the example of the returning exiles?

4. What qualities of Nehemiah's leadership can we apply in our roles within the church or community?

5. Why is it important to maintain records and accountability in our spiritual journey, and how can this be practically implemented in our lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 2
This chapter provides a parallel account of the returnees from Babylon, including the descendants of Pashhur, highlighting the continuity and importance of genealogical records.

1 Chronicles 9
Chronicles the genealogies of the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of lineage and heritage in maintaining the identity and religious practices of the Jewish people.

Exodus 6
Lists the genealogies of the tribes of Israel, showing the long-standing tradition of recording family lines, which was essential for maintaining tribal and priestly roles.
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, 247, Forty-seven, Hundred, Pashhur, Pashur, Seven, 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

Links
Nehemiah 7:41 NIV
Nehemiah 7:41 NLT
Nehemiah 7:41 ESV
Nehemiah 7:41 NASB
Nehemiah 7:41 KJV

Nehemiah 7:41 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Nehemiah 7:40
Top of Page
Top of Page