Understanding Nehemiah 7:31
Nehemiah 7:31 states, "The children of Benjamin, nine hundred and twenty and eight." This verse is a part of the genealogical record that Nehemiah provides after the return of the exiles from Babylon. The detail emphasizes the importance of lineage in reestablishing the community of Jerusalem.
Summary of Nehemiah 7:31
This verse lists the descendants of the tribe of Benjamin that returned to Jerusalem. The specificity of the number serves to document the restoration and continuity of the Israelite identity and heritage following the Babylonian exile.
Interpretation from Commentaries
Matthew Henry highlights the significance of the number, noting it is not just a mere statistic but represents the faithful who returned to restore Jerusalem. He emphasizes that these figures validate God's promise of restoration and serve as witnesses to His faithfulness.
Albert Barnes points out that the mention of the children of Benjamin is particularly poignant, as Benjamin was one of the tribes that had a prominent historical significance in Israel. The restoration of the tribe signifies a reclaiming of not only physical land but also spiritual identity.
Adam Clarke elaborates that the exactness in numbers serves a crucial purpose in building a historical understanding of those who were part of the return. The returnees were not just numbers; they were individuals with families and livelihoods, underscoring the re-establishment of a community under God's guidance.
Bible Verse Cross-References
- Ezra 2:10: "The children of Benjamin, six hundred twoscore and two." - This verse references a similar account of the return of the tribe of Benjamin, highlighting the continuity of the narrative.
- Nehemiah 11:7: "And these are the children of Benjamin..." - This continues the genealogical record and reinforces the importance of the tribe in restored Jerusalem.
- Deuteronomy 33:12: "Of Benjamin he said, The beloved of the LORD shall dwell in safety by him..." - This speaks to the special favor that God has on the tribe of Benjamin.
- Romans 11:1: "I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid: for I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin." - This passage connects the lineage into the New Testament, showing continuity of God's people.
- 1 Chronicles 9:3: "And in Jerusalem dwelt of the children of Judah, and of the children of Benjamin..." - This verse provides historical context for the settlement in Jerusalem.
- Acts 13:21: "And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin..." - This highlights leadership arising from the tribe mentioned in Nehemiah.
- Philippians 3:5: "Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin..." - Paul's lineage connects with Nehemiah's genealogical focus on Benjamin, emphasizing the tribe's enduring significance.
Thematic Connections
The themes present in Nehemiah 7:31 touch upon restoration, identity, and God's faithfulness to His covenants. Each of the cross-referenced verses adds depth to the understanding of the role of the tribe of Benjamin within the larger narrative of Israel's history.
Importance of Contextual Cross-Referencing
Through scriptural cross-referencing, one can see the interconnectedness of Biblical texts. For example, connecting Nehemiah's account of Benjamites returning with further accounts in Ezra provides a more comprehensive picture of the post-exilic community.
Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing
- Bible Concordance: A helpful resource for locating specific themes and words across scripture.
- Bible Cross-Reference Guide: Guides assist in navigating related passages that elucidate key themes.
- Cross-Reference Bible Study: Methods that facilitate deeper engagement with the text through connections.
Concluding Thoughts
Nehemiah 7:31 invites readers to explore the rich history of the Israelites and the covenant faithfulness of God through the careful documentation of their lineage. The tribe of Benjamin, significant in both Old and New Testament narratives, embodies the theme of restoration, identity, and divine purpose. Utilizing Bible cross-reference systems allows for a fuller understanding of scriptural relationships, enriching personal study and leading to deeper spiritual insights.
