Nehemiah 7:19
the descendants of Bigvai, 2,067;
the descendants of Bigvai
The phrase "the descendants of Bigvai" refers to the lineage or family group that traces its ancestry back to an individual named Bigvai. In the context of Nehemiah, this listing is part of a genealogical record of those who returned from the Babylonian exile to Jerusalem and Judah. The name Bigvai is of Persian origin, reflecting the diverse cultural influences present during the time of the exile. Historically, Bigvai is also mentioned in Ezra 2:14, indicating that this family was significant enough to be recorded in multiple accounts of the returnees. This highlights the importance of family heritage and continuity in the Jewish community, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promises to restore His people to their land.

2,067
The number "2,067" represents the count of individuals from the family of Bigvai who returned to Jerusalem. This specific enumeration underscores the meticulous nature of the record-keeping during the post-exilic period. It reflects the organized effort to re-establish the community and religious life in Jerusalem. From a historical perspective, such detailed records were crucial for the reconstitution of society, ensuring that land, roles, and responsibilities were appropriately allocated among the returning exiles. Spiritually, this number signifies the faithfulness of God in preserving His people through the exile and bringing them back to their homeland, fulfilling the prophecies and promises given through the prophets. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the importance of each individual in His divine plan.

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. Bigvai
An ancestor of a group of returnees from the Babylonian exile. The descendants of Bigvai are listed among those who returned to Jerusalem and Judah.

3. Jerusalem
The central city of Jewish worship and identity, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians and was in the process of being rebuilt during Nehemiah's time.

4. 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 facilitated by the decree of Cyrus, the Persian king.

5. The Census
Nehemiah 7 records a census of the people who returned from exile, which was important for re-establishing the community and ensuring proper worship and governance.
Teaching Points
Faithfulness in Small Details
The listing of names and numbers, such as the descendants of Bigvai, underscores the importance of each individual in God's plan. Every person matters in the community of faith.

The Importance of Community
The census highlights the collective effort required to rebuild and restore. In the church today, every member has a role to play in the body of Christ.

God's Sovereignty in History
The return from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem demonstrate God's control over historical events and His faithfulness to His promises.

Leadership and Accountability
Nehemiah's role in organizing the census reflects the need for godly leadership and accountability in the church and community.

Restoration and Renewal
Just as the Israelites returned to rebuild their city, believers are called to participate in the restoration and renewal of their communities through the gospel.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the inclusion of specific family names, like the descendants of Bigvai, in Nehemiah 7:19, reflect the value God places on individuals within His community?

2. In what ways can the church today learn from the collective effort of the returnees in rebuilding Jerusalem?

3. How does Nehemiah's leadership in organizing the census inspire us to take responsibility in our own communities?

4. What parallels can you draw between the return from exile and the Christian journey of redemption and restoration?

5. How can understanding God's sovereignty in historical events, as seen in the return from exile, strengthen our faith in His plans for our lives today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 2
This chapter provides a parallel account of the returnees, including the descendants of Bigvai, highlighting the continuity and consistency in the records of those who returned from exile.

Nehemiah 1
Nehemiah's prayer and initial response to the news of Jerusalem's desolation set the stage for the events in chapter 7, emphasizing his leadership and reliance on God.

Isaiah 44:28
This prophecy speaks of Cyrus, who would decree the rebuilding of Jerusalem, connecting to the historical context of the return from exile.
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, 67, Bigva'i, Seven, Sixty, Sixty-seven, Sons, Thousand, Threescore
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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