Nehemiah 7:39

Afrikaans 1933/1953

Die priesters: die kinders van Jed ja, van die huis van J,sua, nege honderd drie en sewentig;

What Does This Mean?

This verse lists the number of priests from the family of Jedaiah, part of the larger family of Jeshua. There were 973 priests in this family. This information helps keep track of the different groups of priests returning from exile.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're counting the number of kids in your class. This verse is like that, but it's counting priests who came back home after being away for a long time. There were 973 of them, and they were all part of a big priest family named Jeshua.

Historical Background

Nehemiah, the governor of Judah, wrote this book around the 5th century BCE. It documents the return of the Israelites from exile and their rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem. This verse lists the returning priests, giving a sense of the organizational structure and community size.

Living It Out Today

Today, this verse reminds us of the importance of community records and how each person's role, like the priests', is vital for the health of a community. For example, tracking volunteers in a local church can ensure everyone's contributions are recognized and valued.

Topics

• community
• leadership
• organization
• faith
• return from exile
• rebuilding

Related Verses

• 1 Chronicles 9:12
• Ezra 2:36
• Nehemiah 12:8
• 1 Samuel 1:9
• Luke 1:5

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were the priests counted?

The counting was important for maintaining the order and ensuring that the community had a clear understanding of its members' roles, especially crucial in rebuilding efforts.

What does this verse tell us about the priests' role?

This verse highlights the organized structure of the priestly group, showing their importance in the religious and social fabric of the community.

How does this relate to Nehemiah's leadership?

Nehemiah, as a leader, needed to know the composition of the returning community, including the number of priests, to plan and lead effectively.

What was the significance of the number 973?

The exact number was significant as it represented the actual size of the priestly group, which was important for both historical records and practical organization.