Bible Verse Explanation: Nehemiah 7:40
Verse: Nehemiah 7:40 - “The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, in all a hundred thirty and nine.”
Understanding Nehemiah 7:40
This verse forms a part of Nehemiah's detailed account of the restoration of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. It specifically lists the descendants of various groups who have returned to Jerusalem, highlighting their roles and contributions to the city's rebuilding.
Commentary Insights
The authors of the public domain commentaries have provided valuable insights into this verse:
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Matthew Henry:
Henry emphasizes the importance of recording genealogies in the Jewish tradition, highlighting that these records serve as a means of demonstrating heritage and continuity of worship roles. This verse illustrates the significance of porters in maintaining the order and security of the temple.
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Albert Barnes:
Barnes draws attention to the specific names mentioned, detailing the roles of the porters and their critical function in temple activities. Their service indicates an organized community where each member has a place in God's plan for restoration, emphasizing the community's commitment to its religious duties.
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Adam Clarke:
Clarke points out that the porters were responsible for guarding the gates of the temple, thus denoting the protective role they played in the worship practices of the Israelite community. This reflects a deeper meaning of vigilance and the significance of safeguarding sacred places.
Verse Significance
The enumeration of the porters in Nehemiah 7:40 demonstrates God's meticulous planning in restoring His people. Each group mentioned bears importance, emphasizing that every role, no matter how seemingly small, contributes to the larger purpose of worship and community revival.
Bible Study Insights
For those looking to delve deeper into the bible verse meanings and interpretations, consider the following study practices:
- Join bible study groups that focus on historical and genealogical contexts.
- Utilize bible study tools such as concordances and commentaries for better scriptural insights.
- Engage in online bible study sessions, which offer diverse perspectives on biblical texts.
Cross References
This verse can be related to several other Bible passages that illustrate similar themes of roles in society and temple service:
- 1 Chronicles 9:19 - Discusses the duties of the gatekeepers.
- Nehemiah 11:19 - Continues the theme of organization within the temple service.
- Psalm 84:10 - Emphasizes the honor of serving in the house of the Lord, paralleling the work of the porters.
Application to Daily Life
Understanding the roles of individuals in biblical contexts can inspire modern readers to appreciate the value of community service and the importance of every member's contribution, reinforcing the principle that even the simplest roles can have significant impacts.
Conclusion
Nehemiah 7:40 serves not just as a record of the descendants of the porters but also as a testament to the structured and purposeful service in the community of Jerusalem. By studying this verse in light of public domain commentaries, readers can gain a richer bible verse understanding and engage in meaningful bible study lessons.
