Nehemiah 7:69
435 camels, and 6,720 donkeys.
435 camels
Camels were valuable animals in ancient times, often used for long-distance travel and trade due to their ability to endure harsh desert conditions. The mention of 435 camels indicates the wealth and resources available to the returning exiles. In the context of Nehemiah, this number reflects the community's readiness to rebuild and reestablish themselves in Jerusalem. Camels were also symbolic of prosperity and were often associated with trade routes such as the Silk Road. This number signifies the logistical support necessary for the rebuilding efforts, highlighting the organized and well-prepared nature of Nehemiah's leadership.

6,720 donkeys
Donkeys were common work animals in the ancient Near East, used for transportation and carrying loads. The large number of 6,720 donkeys suggests a significant capacity for labor and transport among the returning exiles. This reflects the practical needs of the community as they undertook the massive task of rebuilding the city walls and infrastructure. Donkeys were essential for agricultural work and daily life, indicating the community's focus on reestablishing a stable and self-sufficient society. The mention of donkeys also connects to other biblical passages where donkeys are used by key figures, such as Balaam's donkey in Numbers 22, symbolizing service and humility.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nehemiah
The governor of Judah who led the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and the spiritual renewal of the people. He is a central figure in the book, known for his leadership and dedication to God's work.

2. Jerusalem
The city where the events of Nehemiah take place. It is the focal point of the Jewish return from exile and the restoration efforts led by Nehemiah.

3. The Returnees
The Jewish exiles who returned from Babylon to Jerusalem. They are the community involved in rebuilding the city and reestablishing their identity as God's people.

4. The Inventory
The list of resources, including camels and donkeys, which were essential for the rebuilding efforts and the sustenance of the community.

5. The Exile
The period of Babylonian captivity from which the Jewish people were returning. This historical context underscores the significance of the restoration efforts.
Teaching Points
God's Provision
The detailed inventory in Nehemiah 7:69 reflects God's provision for His people. Just as He provided for the returnees, He provides for our needs today.

Stewardship of Resources
The listing of camels and donkeys emphasizes the importance of managing resources wisely. We are called to be good stewards of what God has entrusted to us.

Community Effort
The rebuilding of Jerusalem was a collective effort. Similarly, the church today is called to work together in unity for the advancement of God's kingdom.

Faithfulness in Small Details
The meticulous record-keeping in Nehemiah demonstrates the value of faithfulness in small details. Our attention to detail in our spiritual and practical lives honors God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the inventory of resources in Nehemiah 7:69 demonstrate God's provision for His people, and how can we see His provision in our lives today?

2. In what ways can we practice good stewardship of the resources God has given us, as seen in the careful accounting in Nehemiah?

3. How does the collective effort of the returnees in rebuilding Jerusalem inspire us to work together in our church communities?

4. What lessons can we learn from Nehemiah's attention to detail in record-keeping, and how can this apply to our spiritual disciplines?

5. How can the account of the returnees' journey from exile to restoration encourage us in our personal journeys of faith and renewal?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 2
This chapter provides a parallel account of the returnees and their resources, highlighting the continuity and consistency in the records of the restoration period.

Genesis 12
The mention of camels can be connected to the wealth and resources of the patriarchs, such as Abraham, indicating God's provision and blessing.

Philippians 4:19
This verse speaks of God's provision, which can be related to the resources listed in Nehemiah 7:69, showing God's faithfulness in supplying needs.
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
6, 435, 720, Camels, Donkeys, Hundred, Seven, Six, Thirty, Thirty-five, Thousand, Twenty
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nehemiah 7:5-69

     7230   genealogies

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

Links
Nehemiah 7:69 NIV
Nehemiah 7:69 NLT
Nehemiah 7:69 ESV
Nehemiah 7:69 NASB
Nehemiah 7:69 KJV

Nehemiah 7:69 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Nehemiah 7:68
Top of Page
Top of Page