Nehemiah 7:55
the descendants of Barkos, the descendants of Sisera, the descendants of Temah,
the descendants of Barkos
The mention of "the descendants of Barkos" highlights the importance of genealogies in the post-exilic community. The name "Barkos" is not widely known outside of this context, but its inclusion signifies the meticulous record-keeping of the Israelites as they sought to reestablish their identity and heritage after the Babylonian exile. The Hebrew root of "Barkos" may suggest meanings related to "painted" or "variegated," which could imply a family known for a particular craft or trade. This reflects the diverse skills and contributions of various families to the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

the descendants of Sisera
The name "Sisera" is more famously associated with the Canaanite commander defeated by Deborah and Barak in Judges 4. However, in this context, it refers to a different lineage, possibly indicating a family that had integrated into Israelite society over time. This highlights the theme of redemption and inclusion, as even those with names associated with former enemies could find a place within the covenant community. It underscores the transformative power of God's grace and the unity of His people, regardless of their past.

the descendants of Temah
The name "Temah" is also not widely documented outside of this genealogical listing. The Hebrew root could be related to "south" or "desert," suggesting a family that may have originated from a southern or desert region. This inclusion emphasizes the diverse geographical origins of the returnees, illustrating the widespread dispersion of the Israelites during the exile and their subsequent gathering back to the Promised Land. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in bringing His people back from all corners of the earth, fulfilling His promises to restore and renew them.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Barkos
A family or clan mentioned among the temple servants who returned from the Babylonian exile. Their role was likely associated with assisting the Levites in temple duties.

2. Sisera
Not to be confused with the Canaanite commander defeated by Deborah and Barak in Judges, this Sisera is a different individual or family line, also listed among the temple servants.

3. Temah
Another family or group of temple servants. The name may suggest a connection to a place or a characteristic, as names often held significant meanings in Hebrew culture.
Teaching Points
Importance of Service in God's Kingdom
The mention of temple servants like the descendants of Barkos, Sisera, and Temah highlights the value of every role in the community of faith. No task is too small when it contributes to the worship and service of God.

Faithfulness Across Generations
These genealogies remind us of the faithfulness of families who served God across generations. It encourages us to consider how we can pass down a legacy of faith and service to future generations.

Restoration and Renewal
The return of these families to Jerusalem symbolizes spiritual renewal and the restoration of worship. It challenges us to seek personal and communal renewal in our spiritual lives.

God's Sovereignty in History
The detailed records of those who returned from exile demonstrate God's sovereign hand in preserving His people and fulfilling His promises. It reassures us of God's control over history and His faithfulness to His covenant.
Bible Study Questions
1. What roles do you see yourself playing in your church or community that contribute to the larger mission of God's kingdom?

2. How can you ensure that your faith and service to God are passed down to the next generation in your family or community?

3. In what ways can you seek spiritual renewal in your personal life and in your church community?

4. How does understanding God's sovereignty in the history of Israel encourage you in your current life circumstances?

5. Reflect on the importance of genealogies and records in the Bible. How do they help us understand God's faithfulness and the continuity of His promises?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 2
This chapter provides a parallel list of the exiles who returned to Jerusalem, including the temple servants. It highlights the continuity and consistency of the records of those who returned from exile.

1 Chronicles 9
Chronicles also lists those who returned to Jerusalem, emphasizing the importance of genealogies and the restoration of worship in the post-exilic community.

Nehemiah 11
This chapter discusses the repopulation of Jerusalem, showing the ongoing efforts to restore the city and its religious practices.
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
Barkos, Sisera, Sis'era, Sons, Tamah, Temah, Thamah
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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