Nehemiah 7:67
in addition to their 7,337 menservants and maidservants, as well as their 245 male and female singers.
besides their 245 menservants and maidservants
This phrase highlights the presence of a significant number of servants among the returning exiles. The Hebrew word for "menservants" and "maidservants" is "עֲבָדִים" (avadim) and "שְׁפָחוֹת" (shefachot), respectively. These terms indicate individuals who were in servitude, often forming an essential part of the household economy in ancient times. The inclusion of such a large number of servants suggests the wealth and social structure of the returning community. Historically, this reflects the societal norms of the time, where servitude was a common practice, and the presence of servants was a sign of prosperity and stability. Theologically, it reminds us of the diverse makeup of God's people and the various roles within the community.

and their 245 male and female singers
The mention of "male and female singers" is significant in understanding the cultural and religious life of the Israelites. The Hebrew word for "singers" is "מְשֹׁרְרִים" (meshorerim), which refers to those who were skilled in music and song, often playing a crucial role in worship and celebrations. The equal mention of both male and female singers highlights the inclusive nature of worship in the post-exilic community. Music was an integral part of Israelite worship, as seen in the Psalms and other scriptural references. The presence of these singers among the returnees underscores the importance of worship and the arts in rebuilding the community's spiritual life. It serves as a reminder of the power of music in expressing faith and unity among God's people. Historically, this reflects the organized structure of temple worship, where singers were appointed to lead the congregation in praise and adoration of God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nehemiah
The governor of Judah who led the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and the spiritual renewal of the people.

2. Menservants and Maidservants
These individuals were part of the households of the returning exiles, indicating the social structure and economic conditions of the time.

3. Singers
The 245 men and women singers highlight the importance of worship and music in the community's spiritual life.

4. Jerusalem
The city where these events take place, central to Jewish identity and worship.

5. The Return from Exile
This event marks the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity, a significant moment of restoration and renewal.
Teaching Points
The Role of Servants in God's Plan
The inclusion of menservants and maidservants in the census reminds us that every person, regardless of social status, has a role in God's kingdom.

The Importance of Worship
The presence of singers among the returnees highlights the centrality of worship in community life. Worship is not just an individual act but a communal expression of faith.

Restoration and Renewal
The return from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem symbolize spiritual renewal. God is always at work restoring His people, calling us to participate in His redemptive work.

Community and Diversity in Worship
The mention of both men and women singers reflects the inclusive nature of worship, where all voices contribute to the praise of God.

Historical Continuity and Faithfulness
The detailed records in Nehemiah and Ezra demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving His people and fulfilling His promises.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the inclusion of servants in Nehemiah 7:67 challenge our understanding of social status within the church today?

2. In what ways can we incorporate music and singing into our personal and communal worship practices?

3. What parallels can we draw between the return from exile and our own spiritual journeys of restoration and renewal?

4. How does the presence of both men and women singers in the text inform our approach to inclusivity in worship?

5. How can we see God's faithfulness in the historical records of the Bible, and how does this encourage us in our current circumstances?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 2:65
This verse parallels Nehemiah 7:67, providing a similar account of the returning exiles, emphasizing the continuity and consistency of the historical record.

1 Chronicles 25
This chapter details the organization of temple musicians, showing the longstanding tradition and importance of music in worship.

Psalm 150
This psalm underscores the role of music and singing in praising God, connecting to the presence of singers in Nehemiah 7:67.
Church MusicT. De Witt Talmage.Nehemiah 7:67
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
7, Beside, 245, Besides, 337, Female, Forty, Forty-five, Handmaids, Hundred, Maids, Maidservants, Maid-servants, Male, Manservants, Man-servants, Menservants, Men-servants, Music, Servants, Seven, Singers, Singing, Singing-men, Singing-women, Songstresses, Thirty, Thirty-seven, Thousand, Women, Women-servants
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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