Old Testament
Nehemiah 7:21
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The children of Ater of Hezekiah: 98.
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The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight.
What Nehemiah 7:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Nehemiah 7:21, we see a specific mention of the descendants of Ater, who is identified as being from the lineage of Hezekiah. The number given is 98, indicating the total count of these individuals who returned from exile to Jerusalem. This verse is part of a larger list that documents the families and numbers of those who came back to rebuild the city after the Babylonian captivity. The mention of specific names and 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 attention to detail underscores the significance of each person in the restoration of Jerusalem, emphasizing that every individual plays a role in the larger narrative of God's people.
How to apply Nehemiah 7:21 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of community and family in our spiritual journeys. Just as the descendants of Ater contributed to the rebuilding of Jerusalem, we too can play a vital role in our communities. Engaging with our heritage and supporting one another fosters unity and strength in our faith.
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 7:21 say about the children of Ater?
Nehemiah 7:21 mentions that the children of Ater, who are descendants of Hezekiah, numbered 98. This verse is part of a larger list that records the families returning to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile, emphasizing the importance of each family in the restoration of the city.
Why is the number 98 significant in Nehemiah 7:21?
The number 98 in Nehemiah 7:21 signifies the specific count of the descendants of Ater who returned from exile. This detail highlights the importance of individual families in the community's restoration efforts, showing that each person contributes to the collective identity and mission of God's people.
How does Nehemiah 7:21 relate to the theme of community?
Nehemiah 7:21 illustrates the theme of community by documenting the specific families returning to Jerusalem. It emphasizes that the rebuilding of the city was a communal effort, where each family, including the children of Ater, played a vital role in restoring their heritage and identity after exile.
What can we learn from Nehemiah 7:21 about heritage?
Nehemiah 7:21 teaches us the value of heritage by highlighting the descendants of Ater. It reminds us that our backgrounds and family histories are important, as they shape our identities and contribute to our communities. Engaging with our heritage can strengthen our sense of belonging and purpose.
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