Old Testament
Nehemiah 7:20
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The children of Adin: 655.
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The children of Adin, six hundred fifty and five.
What Nehemiah 7:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Nehemiah 7:20, we learn about the descendants of a man named Adin, who returned from exile to Jerusalem. The verse specifically states that there were 655 individuals from this family. This number is part of a larger census that Nehemiah conducted to account for the people who had returned to rebuild Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity. The mention of specific family names and their numbers highlights the importance of community and heritage in the rebuilding process. It shows that the returning exiles were not just a faceless group but included identifiable families with histories and contributions to make. This detail emphasizes the significance of each family unit in the restoration of the city and the temple, as they all played a role in the revival of their homeland. The census serves to remind the people of their roots and the collective effort required to restore their community and faith.
How to apply Nehemiah 7:20 to your life
Understanding the importance of community and heritage can inspire us to value our own families and their contributions. Just as the people of Adin played a role in rebuilding Jerusalem, we too can contribute to our communities by recognizing our roots and working together for a common purpose.
Curated for this public verse page. Nehemiah Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Nehemiah
- Author
- Nehemiah, with Ezra
- Written
- Around 430 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The post-exilic Jewish community
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Nehemiah 7:20 say about the children of Adin?
Nehemiah 7:20 states that the children of Adin numbered 655 individuals. This verse is part of a census conducted by Nehemiah to account for the families returning to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. It highlights the significance of family lineage in the restoration of the community.
Why is the census in Nehemiah important?
The census in Nehemiah is important because it serves to document the families that returned to Jerusalem to rebuild after exile. It emphasizes the role of individual families in the restoration process, showcasing their contributions and the importance of community in re-establishing their homeland.
How does Nehemiah 7:20 relate to the theme of community?
Nehemiah 7:20 relates to the theme of community by illustrating how each family, including the children of Adin, played a vital role in the collective effort to rebuild Jerusalem. It underscores the idea that restoration is a communal endeavor, where every family contributes to the larger goal of revitalizing their city and faith.
What can we learn from the descendants of Adin in Nehemiah 7:20?
From the descendants of Adin mentioned in Nehemiah 7:20, we learn the importance of recognizing our heritage and the contributions of our families. Their involvement in the rebuilding of Jerusalem serves as a reminder that every individual and family has a role to play in the restoration and growth of their community.
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