Nehemiah 7:41

The children of Pashur, a thousand two hundred forty and seven.

Nehemiah 7:41 (KJV)

Context

Nehemiah 7 records a census of the people who returned from Babylonian exile to Jerusalem and Judah. This verse is part of a list of priestly families. The line before it names the children of Immer, and the line after it names the children of Harim. Together these lines show that Nehemiah 7:41 belongs to a careful record of the restored community.

The name Pashur also appears in the parallel list in Ezra 2:38, where the same number, 1,247, is recorded for the descendants of Pashur. This agreement between the two books confirms the accuracy and consistency of the post-exilic records.

Meaning

The verse reports that the children of Pashur numbered 1,247. This number represents the male members of this priestly family who returned from exile. The census was essential for establishing identity, inheritance rights, and service roles in the restored community, especially for the priesthood.

The specific number shows that God preserved a remnant of this family through the exile. The careful counting also shows the importance of genealogical records in restoring Israel’s religious and social order after the Babylonian captivity.

Biblical connections

The parallel in Ezra 2:38 directly clarifies this verse by confirming the same family and the same number. This connection shows that the biblical writers valued accurate records and that the return from exile was a real historical event with measurable results.

Application

This verse reminds readers that God sees and remembers each person and family. The detailed list of names and numbers teaches that every individual matters in God’s plan. It also encourages careful attention to the ordinary records of church life, such as membership and service, because these help maintain order and faithfulness.

Reflection

God’s faithfulness is visible in the preservation of a remnant. The return of Pashur’s descendants shows that God keeps His promises even after judgment. Readers can trust that God also preserves His people today, and that no faithful life is forgotten in His sight.