Nehemiah 7:56
the descendants of Neziah, and the descendants of Hatipha.
the descendants of Neziah
The phrase "the descendants of Neziah" refers to a specific family lineage within the post-exilic community of Israel. The name "Neziah" is of Hebrew origin, and while not much is known about this particular family, their inclusion in the genealogical records underscores the importance of every family in the restoration of Jerusalem. The Hebrew root of "Neziah" may suggest meanings related to "conspicuous" or "distinguished," indicating that this family, though not prominent in biblical narratives, held a recognized place in the community. This highlights the biblical theme that every individual and family has a role in God's redemptive plan, no matter how seemingly small or obscure.

the descendants of Hatipha
Similarly, "the descendants of Hatipha" identifies another family group within the returning exiles. The name "Hatipha" is also of Hebrew origin, and like Neziah, there is limited information about this family. The inclusion of such names in the genealogical records of Nehemiah serves to affirm the identity and heritage of the people of Israel. The Hebrew root of "Hatipha" might be associated with meanings like "captive" or "prisoner," which could reflect the historical context of the Babylonian exile. This serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in bringing His people back from captivity and restoring them to their land. It emphasizes the biblical truth that God remembers and redeems His people, regardless of their past circumstances.

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. Neziah
A family or clan mentioned in the genealogical records of those who returned from the Babylonian exile. Their specific role or significance is not detailed, but they are part of the community that reestablished Jerusalem.

3. Hatipha
Another family or clan listed among the returnees. Like Neziah, their specific contributions are not detailed, but their inclusion signifies their importance in the restoration of the Jewish community.

4. Jerusalem
The central city of Jewish worship and identity, which was in ruins before Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild its walls and restore its community.

5. The Return from Exile
A significant event in Jewish history where the Israelites returned to their homeland after being exiled in Babylon. This return was pivotal for the restoration of Jewish religious and social life.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Community
The listing of families like Neziah and Hatipha underscores the collective effort required in God's work. Every member, regardless of their prominence, plays a vital role in the community's mission.

Faithfulness in Small Things
Even though the specific contributions of Neziah and Hatipha are not detailed, their inclusion in the genealogical record highlights the value of faithfulness in seemingly small or unnoticed roles.

Restoration and Renewal
The return from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem symbolize spiritual renewal and the importance of returning to God’s purposes after a period of disobedience or hardship.

Heritage and Identity
Maintaining a record of lineage was crucial for the Israelites, reminding us of the importance of understanding our spiritual heritage and identity in Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from the inclusion of seemingly minor families like Neziah and Hatipha in the genealogical records of Nehemiah 7?

2. How does the communal effort in rebuilding Jerusalem reflect the New Testament teachings on the body of Christ and spiritual gifts?

3. In what ways can we contribute to the "rebuilding" efforts in our own communities or churches, even if our roles seem small or insignificant?

4. How does understanding our spiritual heritage and identity in Christ empower us to live faithfully today?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt your contributions were unnoticed. How does Nehemiah 7:56 encourage you to remain faithful in your service to God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 2
This chapter provides a parallel list of the exiles who returned to Jerusalem, including the families of Neziah and Hatipha, highlighting the continuity and consistency in the records of the returnees.

Nehemiah 3
Describes the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, where various families and groups, possibly including those of Neziah and Hatipha, contributed to the work, emphasizing communal effort and unity.

1 Chronicles 9
Chronicles the genealogies of the Israelites, underscoring the importance of lineage and heritage in maintaining the identity and faithfulness of God's 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
Hatipha, Hati'pha, Neziah, Nezi'ah, 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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