Nehemiah 7:66

Arabic Simplified (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)

وَقَدْ بَلَغَ مَجْمُوعُ الجَمَاعَةِ اثنَيْنِ وَأرْبَعينَ ألْفًا وَثَلَاثَ مِئِةٍ وَسِتِّينَ.

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Nehemiah tells us the total number of people who returned to Jerusalem after the exile was 42,360. Nehemiah is giving an account of the returnees, likely to show the completeness and scale of the return.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're counting all the kids in a big school. Nehemiah counted all the people coming back to their home after being away for a long time. He found there were 42,360 people! That's a lot of people coming back home.

Historical Background

Nehemiah wrote this account during the Persian period around 445-433 BCE. He was a Jewish leader and cupbearer to the Persian King Artaxerxes I. The audience was the returned exiles in Jerusalem, and the context was the rebuilding of the city and the temple.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, this verse can remind us of the importance of counting and acknowledging contributions in our communities. Whether in a workplace or a church, recognizing each member's part can strengthen the group's unity and purpose.

Topics

• return
• rebuilding
• accounting
• community
• Jerusalem
• exile

Related Verses

• Ezra 2:64
• Ezra 1:5
• Isaiah 43:5-6
• Ezekiel 37:21
• John 11:52

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the significance of the number 42,360?

The number represents the total count of people who returned from exile, showing a significant portion of the Jewish population was able to return to Jerusalem.

Why did Nehemiah record this number?

Nehemiah likely recorded this number to document the scale of the return and the support needed for rebuilding Jerusalem, including the temple and city walls.

How does this verse relate to the theme of rebuilding?

This verse is part of a larger narrative about the rebuilding of Jerusalem after the exile. The number emphasizes the significant human effort required for this massive undertaking.

Is there a spiritual significance to the number?

While the exact number is not symbolic in a direct way, it symbolizes God's faithfulness in fulfilling promises of restoration and return to the promised land.