Nehemiah 7:62
the descendants of Delaiah, the descendants of Tobiah, and the descendants of Nekoda, 642 in all.
the descendants of Delaiah
The name "Delaiah" is of Hebrew origin, meaning "Yahweh has drawn" or "Yahweh has delivered." This phrase indicates a lineage that traces its roots back to a figure named Delaiah, suggesting a family that was likely significant in the post-exilic community. Historically, the mention of descendants highlights the importance of genealogy in Jewish culture, especially in the context of returning exiles who were re-establishing their identity and heritage in Jerusalem. The emphasis on lineage underscores the continuity of God's covenant with His people, as each family name represents a thread in the tapestry of Israel's history.

the descendants of Tobiah
"Tobiah" means "Yahweh is good" in Hebrew. This name appears elsewhere in the book of Nehemiah, notably as an adversary to Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. However, here it refers to a family group among the returning exiles. This duality in the name's appearance serves as a reminder of the complexity of human character and the diverse roles individuals and families can play in God's overarching plan. It also reflects the grace of God, who can redeem and use all for His purposes, regardless of past opposition.

the descendants of Nekoda
The name "Nekoda" is less clear in its meaning, but it is believed to be of Babylonian origin, possibly meaning "distinguished" or "marked." This suggests that the family may have had a notable status or role during the exile. The inclusion of this family in the genealogical record emphasizes the inclusivity of God's people, as those who were once in foreign lands are now part of the restored community. It highlights the theme of redemption and restoration that runs throughout the book of Nehemiah, as God gathers His people from all corners to fulfill His promises.

642
This number represents the total count of individuals from the combined families of Delaiah, Tobiah, and Nekoda. Numbers in biblical texts often carry symbolic weight, and while this specific number does not have a widely recognized symbolic meaning, it underscores the precision and care with which the returning exiles were documented. This meticulous record-keeping reflects the importance of each individual in the community and the collective effort required to rebuild and restore Jerusalem. It serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving His people and ensuring their return to the land He promised them.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Delaiah
A family group listed among those returning from the Babylonian exile. The name means "Yahweh has drawn" or "Yahweh has delivered."

2. Tobiah
Another family group mentioned in the genealogical record. The name Tobiah means "Yahweh is good." This name is also associated with an adversary of Nehemiah, highlighting the complexity of historical and familial ties.

3. Nekoda
A family group whose descendants are listed among the returnees. The meaning of the name is uncertain, but it is part of the genealogical record that underscores the importance of lineage and identity.

4. Babylonian Exile
The period when the Israelites were taken captive to Babylon, which lasted approximately 70 years. The return from exile is a significant event in Jewish history, symbolizing restoration and renewal.

5. Genealogical Record
The listing of family names and numbers in Nehemiah 7 serves to establish the continuity of the Israelite community and their rightful claim to the land and heritage.
Teaching Points
Importance of Heritage and Identity
The genealogical records in Nehemiah remind us of the importance of knowing our spiritual heritage and identity in Christ. Just as the Israelites were identified by their lineage, Christians are identified by their relationship with Jesus.

God's Faithfulness in Restoration
The return from exile is a testament to God's faithfulness in restoring His people. In our lives, God is faithful to restore and renew us, even after periods of spiritual exile or distance.

Overcoming Adversity
The mention of Tobiah, both as a family group and an adversary, highlights the reality of opposition in our spiritual journey. We are called to persevere and trust in God's protection and guidance.

Community and Belonging
The detailed records of families emphasize the importance of community and belonging. As believers, we are part of the body of Christ, and our participation in the community of faith is vital.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding our spiritual heritage in Christ impact our daily walk with Him?

2. In what ways can we see God's faithfulness in restoring areas of our lives that have been broken or lost?

3. How can we effectively deal with opposition or adversity in our spiritual journey, as Nehemiah did with Tobiah?

4. What role does community play in our spiritual growth, and how can we actively contribute to the body of Christ?

5. How do the genealogical records in Nehemiah 7 encourage us to value our identity and purpose in God's plan?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 2
This chapter provides a parallel account of the returnees from exile, including similar genealogical records. It emphasizes the continuity and faithfulness of God in preserving His people.

1 Chronicles 9
Chronicles also lists genealogies, highlighting the importance of heritage and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.

Nehemiah 6
Tobiah is mentioned as an adversary of Nehemiah, illustrating the challenges faced during the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the complexities of relationships among the returnees.
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
Delaiah, Delai'ah, Forty, Forty-two, Hundred, Nekoda, Neko'da, Six, Sons, Tobiah, Tobi'ah, Tobijah
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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