the descendants of Shephatiah, 372; the descendants of ShephatiahThis phrase refers to the lineage or family group of Shephatiah. In the context of Nehemiah, the listing of descendants is significant as it underscores the restoration of the Jewish community in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. The name "Shephatiah" means "Yahweh has judged" in Hebrew, which reflects a common theme in the Old Testament of divine judgment and restoration. The mention of descendants highlights the importance of family and tribal identity in ancient Israel, which was crucial for maintaining cultural and religious continuity. Historically, genealogies served not only as records of ancestry but also as a means of establishing one's rights and responsibilities within the community. 372 Persons / Places / Events 1. NehemiahA 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. Shephatiah A family or clan mentioned in the genealogical records of those who returned from the Babylonian exile. The name means "Yahweh has judged" in Hebrew, indicating a divine connection or judgment. 3. The Return from Exile This event marks the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity to Jerusalem, a significant moment in Jewish history that involved the restoration of the city and its religious practices. 4. Jerusalem The central city of Jewish worship and identity, which was in ruins before Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild its walls and restore its significance. 5. The Census Nehemiah 7 records a census of the people who returned from exile, emphasizing the importance of community and continuity of the Jewish people. Teaching Points The Importance of Heritage and IdentityUnderstanding our spiritual heritage helps us appreciate our identity in Christ. Just as the descendants of Shephatiah were counted among the returnees, we are counted among God's people through faith. God's Faithfulness in Restoration The return from exile demonstrates God's faithfulness to His promises. In our lives, we can trust God to restore and rebuild areas that have been broken or lost. Community and Accountability The census underscores the importance of community and accountability. As believers, we are called to be part of a community that supports and encourages one another in faith. The Role of Leadership in God's Plan Nehemiah's leadership was crucial in the restoration of Jerusalem. God often uses leaders to guide and direct His people, and we should pray for and support those in leadership positions. The Significance of Names and Meaning The name Shephatiah, meaning "Yahweh has judged," reminds us of the significance of names and their meanings in the Bible. They often reflect God's character and His work in our lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the inclusion of genealogies in the Bible, such as the descendants of Shephatiah, help us understand the importance of identity and heritage in our faith journey?2. In what ways can we see God's faithfulness in the restoration of Jerusalem mirrored in our personal lives today? 3. How can we actively participate in and contribute to our faith community, drawing from the example of the returned exiles? 4. What qualities of Nehemiah's leadership can we apply to our own roles, whether in the church, family, or workplace? 5. Reflect on the meaning of your own name or a name significant to you. How does it relate to your identity in Christ or your spiritual journey? Connections to Other Scriptures Ezra 2This chapter provides a parallel account of the returnees from exile, including the descendants of Shephatiah, highlighting the consistency and importance of genealogical records in Jewish history. 1 Chronicles 9 Chronicles also lists genealogies and the return from exile, emphasizing the restoration of the community and the reestablishment of religious practices. Isaiah 11:11-12 This prophecy speaks of the gathering of the exiles, which connects to the theme of restoration and return found in Nehemiah.
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, ZihaPlaces 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-melahTopics 372, Seventy, Seventy-two, Shephatiah, Shephati'ah, SonsDictionary of Bible Themes Nehemiah 7:5-69Library "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 The Strait Gate; Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories Ezra-Nehemiah Links Nehemiah 7:9 NIVNehemiah 7:9 NLT Nehemiah 7:9 ESV Nehemiah 7:9 NASB Nehemiah 7:9 KJV Nehemiah 7:9 Commentaries Bible Hub |