Nehemiah 7:28

The men of Beth–azmaveth, forty and two.

Nehemiah 7:28 (KJV)

Context

Nehemiah records the return of the Jewish people from Babylon to Jerusalem. This verse belongs to a long list of families and towns that came back with Zerubbabel. The same list appears in Ezra 2:24, where the group is called “the children of Azmaveth, forty and two.” The matching number confirms that both records describe the same community. This list served as an official registry, preserving each family’s identity and their right to their ancestral land.

Meaning

Beth-azmaveth means “house of Azmaveth.” The name Azmaveth may mean “strong death” or “death is strong.” This town is mentioned only here in the Bible, and little else is known about it. The verse simply counts its men: forty-two. This small number shows that even a modest group was carefully recorded and included in the restoration. God’s attention to each family and individual is evident in this detailed census.

Biblical connections

The list in Nehemiah 7 parallels the earlier list in Ezra 2, serving as an official registry of the returning exiles. Such records validated tribal and familial inheritance and priestly service. This connection shows the Bible’s attention to historical accuracy and continuity. The identical count in both books underscores the reliability of the record and the preservation of the people’s identity.

Application

God notices every person and every community, no matter how small. The forty-two men of Beth-azmaveth had no famous deeds recorded, yet their names were kept. Their quiet participation in rebuilding Jerusalem mattered. Believers today can trust that faithful service, even when unseen, is honored by God. Each person has a place in His work, and no contribution is too small to be remembered.

Reflection

This brief verse invites us to value the seemingly minor details of Scripture. It reminds us that God’s redemptive plan includes all His people. The brevity of the verse encourages reflection on the significance of small things in God’s eyes. Every believer is part of His story, and our faithful participation is recorded and honored by Him.