Nehemiah 7:26 - The men of Bethlehem and Netophah, one hundred eighty-eight.

Generated Verse: Nehemiah 7:26

What does "Nehemiah 7:26" mean?


This verse from Nehemiah 7:26 is a snippet from a census list of the people who returned to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon. Let's break it down:

"The men of Bethlehem and Netophah": This refers to the residents of two towns: Bethlehem (famous as the birthplace of King David) and Netophah (a small town near Bethlehem).
"one hundred eighty-eight": This is the total number of men from these two towns who returned. It only counts the men, implying these were heads of households or men eligible for military service. The total number of people (including women and children) who returned from these towns would have been higher.

Therefore, the verse means that 188 men from the towns of Bethlehem and Netophah were among those who returned to Jerusalem from the Babylonian exile.

Context is Important:

To understand the significance of this verse, you need to consider the larger context of the Book of Nehemiah:

Return from Exile: After the Babylonian conquest and destruction of Jerusalem, the Jewish people were exiled. Nehemiah chronicles the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the re-establishment of Jewish life after their return.
Rebuilding and Repopulation: A major concern was repopulating Jerusalem and the surrounding areas. This census was taken to organize the people, allocate land, and ensure the stability of the new community.
Historical Record: The verse provides a valuable historical record of the families and communities that contributed to the rebuilding of Jerusalem after the exile. It shows which specific towns were represented in the repatriation efforts.

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