Nehemiah 7:48

the descendants of Lebanah, the descendants of Hagabah, the descendants of Shalmai,

Study Bible

the descendants of Lebanah
The mention of "the descendants of Lebanah" in Nehemiah 7:48 is part of a genealogical record that lists the families returning from the Babylonian exile. This record is crucial for establishing the continuity of the Israelite community and their rightful claim to the land. The name "Lebanah" is not widely referenced elsewhere in the Bible, suggesting that this family may have been relatively small or less prominent. The inclusion of such names underscores the comprehensive nature of the census, emphasizing that every family, regardless of size or status, was important in the restoration of Jerusalem and its community. This reflects the biblical theme of God's concern for all His people, as seen in passages like Isaiah 43:1, where God calls His people by name.

the descendants of Hagabah
"Hagabah" is another name listed among the returnees. The repetition of genealogical records in both Ezra 2 and Nehemiah 7 highlights the importance of these families in the post-exilic restoration. The name "Hagabah" may be related to the Hebrew word for "locust," which could symbolize either destruction or abundance, depending on the context. This duality can be seen in the prophetic literature, such as Joel 1:4, where locusts represent devastation, and in Proverbs 30:27, where they exemplify wisdom and order. The descendants of Hagabah, like other families, played a role in rebuilding the community, illustrating the collective effort required to restore what was lost during the exile.

the descendants of Shalmai
The "descendants of Shalmai" are also part of this genealogical list. The name "Shalmai" is not frequently mentioned in the Bible, which may indicate a less prominent family. However, their inclusion in the list signifies their participation in the significant task of rebuilding Jerusalem. This reflects the biblical principle that God uses people from all walks of life to accomplish His purposes, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:26-29, where God chooses the lowly and despised to fulfill His plans. The restoration of Jerusalem required the cooperation of all families, symbolizing the unity and diversity of the body of believers working together for a common goal.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Nehemiah
The central figure in the book, Nehemiah was a Jewish leader who played a crucial role in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. His leadership and dedication to God's work are central themes in the book.

2. Jerusalem
The city of Jerusalem is the focal point of Nehemiah's mission. The rebuilding of its walls symbolizes the restoration of the Jewish community and their covenant relationship with God.

3. The Exiles
The people listed in Nehemiah 7, including those in verse 48, are part of the Jewish exiles returning from Babylon. Their return and resettlement are significant in the re-establishment of Israel's identity and faith.

4. The Temple Servants
Mentioned in the broader context of Nehemiah 7, these individuals were responsible for assisting the Levites in the temple, highlighting the importance of worship and service in the community.

5. The Census
The event of taking a census, as seen in Nehemiah 7, was crucial for organizing the community and ensuring that everyone had a place and role in the restored Jerusalem.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Community
The detailed listing of names in Nehemiah 7:48 underscores the value of each individual in the community. Every person has a role to play in God's plan, and their contributions are significant.

Faithfulness in Service
The temple servants' dedication to their roles highlights the importance of faithfulness in service, no matter how seemingly small or behind-the-scenes the task may be.

God's Faithfulness in Restoration
The return of the exiles and the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls are powerful reminders of God's faithfulness to His promises. This encourages believers to trust in God's plans for restoration in their own lives.

Organizational Leadership
Nehemiah's leadership in organizing the census and the community teaches the importance of structure and order in achieving God's purposes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the listing of names in Nehemiah 7:48 reflect the value God places on each individual within a community?

2. In what ways can we see God's faithfulness in the restoration of Jerusalem, and how can this encourage us in our personal journeys of restoration?

3. How can the roles of the temple servants inspire us to serve faithfully in our own church communities today?

4. What lessons can we learn from Nehemiah's leadership in organizing the community, and how can these be applied to our roles in family, work, or church?

5. How does the theme of restoration in Nehemiah connect with the New Testament teachings on the body of Christ, and what practical steps can we take to foster unity and diversity in our church communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezra 2
This chapter parallels Nehemiah 7, listing the same groups of returning exiles. It emphasizes the continuity and consistency in the restoration efforts of the Jewish people.

Psalm 147:2
This verse speaks of God gathering the exiles of Israel, which connects to the theme of restoration and divine faithfulness seen in Nehemiah.

1 Corinthians 12
The concept of different roles within the body of Christ can be related to the various roles and responsibilities of the people listed in Nehemiah 7, emphasizing unity and diversity in service.