Nehemiah 7:8
the descendants of Parosh, 2,172;
the descendants of Parosh
The phrase "the descendants of Parosh" refers to one of the family groups that returned from the Babylonian exile to Jerusalem. The name "Parosh" means "flea" in Hebrew, which might seem insignificant, yet it highlights the humble origins of many who were part of the restoration of Israel. This family is first mentioned in Ezra 2:3, indicating their consistent presence and importance in the post-exilic community. The mention of specific family names underscores the importance of lineage and heritage in Jewish culture, reflecting God's faithfulness in preserving His people through generations. It also serves as a reminder of the personal nature of God's covenant, which is not just with a nation but with families and individuals.

2,172
The number "2,172" represents the members of the Parosh family who returned to Jerusalem. This specific enumeration highlights the meticulous record-keeping and organization that characterized the return from exile. It reflects the importance of each individual in the collective effort to rebuild the nation. Historically, such detailed records were crucial for re-establishing property rights, tribal affiliations, and religious duties. Spiritually, it signifies that every person counts in God's plan, and each has a role in the restoration and rebuilding of His kingdom. This number also serves as a testament to the fulfillment of God's promises, as He brought back a remnant to the land He had given to their ancestors.

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. Parosh
The head of one of the families that returned from the Babylonian exile. The descendants of Parosh were among those who came back to Jerusalem to help rebuild the city and restore the community.

3. Jerusalem
The central city of Jewish worship and identity, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians. The rebuilding of its walls was a significant event in the restoration of the Jewish people.

4. Babylonian Exile
A period when the Israelites were taken captive by the Babylonians. The return from exile marked a new chapter in Jewish history, focusing on restoration and renewal.

5. The Census
Nehemiah 7 includes a census of the people who returned from exile. This list was important for establishing the community's identity and ensuring that the right people were involved in the rebuilding efforts.
Teaching Points
Importance of Heritage and Identity
Understanding our spiritual heritage helps us appreciate our place in God's plan. Just as the descendants of Parosh were counted and recognized, we too are known and valued by God.

Community and Restoration
The rebuilding of Jerusalem required the collective effort of the community. In our lives, restoration often involves working together with others in the body of Christ.

Faithfulness in Small Details
Nehemiah's attention to detail in recording the families shows the importance of faithfulness in even the smallest tasks. God values our diligence and commitment.

God's Faithfulness to His Promises
The return from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises. We can trust that God will fulfill His promises in our lives as well.

Role of Leadership in God's Work
Nehemiah's leadership was crucial in organizing the people and resources for the rebuilding. Effective leadership is vital in advancing God's kingdom.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding our spiritual heritage, like the descendants of Parosh, impact our identity in Christ today?

2. In what ways can we contribute to the restoration and rebuilding of our communities, both spiritually and physically?

3. What are some small details in our lives where we can demonstrate faithfulness to God, similar to Nehemiah's detailed record-keeping?

4. How can we see God's faithfulness in our lives, and how does this encourage us to trust Him more fully?

5. What qualities of Nehemiah's leadership can we apply in our roles within the church or community to further God's work?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 2
This chapter provides a parallel account of the returnees from exile, including the descendants of Parosh. It highlights the continuity and consistency in the records of those who returned to Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles 9
Chronicles also lists the genealogies of those who returned, emphasizing the importance of family lineage and heritage in the restoration of Israel.

Exodus 12
The concept of a census and the importance of knowing the people within the community can be connected to the census taken during the Exodus, which was crucial for organizing the Israelites.
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
2, 172, Parosh, Seventy, Seventy-two, 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

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