Nehemiah 7:15
the descendants of Binnui, 648;
the descendants of Binnui
The phrase "the descendants of Binnui" refers to the lineage or family group associated with an individual named Binnui. In Hebrew, "descendants" is often translated from the word "ben," meaning "sons" or "children," which emphasizes the importance of family heritage and continuity in Jewish culture. Binnui is a name that appears in several genealogical records in the Bible, indicating a person of some standing or importance within the community. The mention of descendants highlights the communal and familial focus of the Israelites, where identity and legacy were closely tied to one's family line. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's promises and covenants being passed down through generations, underscoring the importance of faithfulness and obedience within the family unit.

648
The number "648" represents the count of individuals from the family of Binnui who returned to Jerusalem from the Babylonian exile. Numbers in biblical texts often carry significant meaning, reflecting not only historical records but also the fulfillment of divine promises. The return of the exiles was a pivotal moment in Jewish history, symbolizing restoration and renewal. Each number listed in Nehemiah 7 is a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving His people despite their previous disobedience and the subsequent exile. The precision of the number underscores the meticulous nature of the record-keeping and the importance of each individual in the collective effort to rebuild the community and the temple in Jerusalem. This restoration was not just physical but also spiritual, as the people recommitted themselves to the covenant with God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nehemiah
A Jewish leader who played a crucial role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls after the Babylonian exile. He was a cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes and was appointed as governor of Judah.

2. Binnui
A lesser-known figure in the Bible, Binnui is listed among the descendants who returned from the Babylonian exile. His name appears in the genealogical records, emphasizing the importance of family lineage and heritage in Jewish culture.

3. Jerusalem
The city central to Jewish identity and worship, which Nehemiah helped to rebuild. The restoration of its walls symbolized the renewal of the Jewish community and their covenant with God.

4. The Babylonian Exile
A significant event in Jewish history where many Israelites were taken captive to Babylon. The return from exile marked a period of restoration and rebuilding for the Jewish people.

5. The Census
Nehemiah 7 records a census of the people who returned from exile. This was important for re-establishing the community and ensuring that the people were organized according to their families and tribes.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Heritage
The listing of names, including Binnui's descendants, underscores the value of knowing one's heritage and the role it plays in identity and community.

Faithfulness in Small Things
Even seemingly minor figures like Binnui are recorded in Scripture, reminding us that every person and their contributions are significant in God's eyes.

Community Restoration
The rebuilding of Jerusalem and the organization of its people reflect the broader theme of spiritual and communal restoration, which is relevant for the church today.

God's Faithfulness
The return from exile and the restoration of Jerusalem demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises, encouraging believers to trust in His plans and timing.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from the inclusion of lesser-known figures like Binnui in the genealogical records of the Bible?

2. How does the concept of heritage and lineage in Nehemiah 7 relate to our identity in Christ as described in the New Testament?

3. In what ways can the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls inspire us to participate in the restoration of our own communities and churches?

4. How does the faithfulness of God in bringing the Israelites back from exile encourage us in our personal journeys of faith?

5. What practical steps can we take to ensure that we are faithful in the "small things" that God has entrusted to us, as seen in the detailed records of Nehemiah 7?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 2
This chapter provides a parallel account of the returnees from exile, including the descendants of Binnui. It highlights the continuity and consistency in the records of those who returned to Jerusalem.

Numbers 1
The census in Nehemiah 7 can be connected to the earlier censuses in the Book of Numbers, which were conducted to organize the Israelites for their journey and settlement in the Promised Land.

1 Chronicles 9
Chronicles also records genealogies and the return from exile, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a record of the people and their heritage.
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
648, Bin'nui, Eight, Forty, Forty-eight, Hundred, Six, 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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