Nehemiah 7:22

“The children of Hashum, three hundred twenty and eight.”

Where the Verse Sits

The preceding line reads “The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight.” The titled verse reads “The children of Hashum, three hundred twenty and eight.” The following line reads “The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and four.” Together, these lines place Nehemiah 7:22 within its immediate canonical and literary sequence.

What the Text Says

The verse preserves names, relationships, or group identities within a genealogical or census record. It should be read for the precise people and connections it actually names; the text does not supply motives or character judgments beyond those details.

The sentence centres on “The children of Hashum, three hundred twenty and eight.” The wording sets the subject and the limits of interpretation.

Why It Matters

Such records establish continuity across generations and locate individuals and families within Israel’s history. Their brevity does not make them dispensable: their value lies in the accuracy of the relationships, names, and numbers preserved.

For Reflection

A faithful response is careful attention. Readers should receive the record as written, avoid inventing details beyond it, and allow the surrounding genealogy or census to explain each person’s place.

Taken within its immediate setting, Nehemiah 7:22 has a clear place in the passage. Careful attention to its actual words provides a sound foundation for interpretation.