Nehemiah 7:59

The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Amon.

Nehemiah 7:59 (KJV)

Context

Nehemiah 7 records the register of the exiles who returned from Babylon to Jerusalem. This verse names four family groups: the children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth of Zebaim, and the children of Amon. The same families appear in the parallel list in Ezra 2:57, with one small difference: Ezra ends with “the children of Ami,” while Nehemiah reads “the children of Amon.” This is a minor variation in the spelling of a family name, not a contradiction.

These families are listed among “Solomon’s servants” (Nehemiah 7:57), meaning they were descendants of the non-Israelite peoples assigned to serve in Solomon’s household and temple service. Their inclusion in the register shows that the restored community included not only the prominent tribes of Judah and Levi but also these servant families.

Meaning

The verse preserves names and family identities within a genealogical 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 Hebrew name “Pochereth of Zebaim” may mean “gazelle hunter,” and “Zebaim” may be a place name or part of the compound name.

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.

Biblical connections

The register in Nehemiah 7 parallels the earlier list in Ezra 2, where the same families appear in verse 57. Nehemiah used this register to verify the genealogies of those who returned, emphasizing the importance of documented lineage for the reconstituted nation. The presence of these names underscores the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promise to restore His people, and it highlights the value of every family, regardless of social standing, in the covenant community.

Application

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. The verse itself contains no direct moral command; its significance lies in its historical and canonical function as part of the accurate record of the restoration.

Reflection

God preserved not only the prominent tribes but also these servant families, ensuring their continuity among the restored community. This reminds readers that every person and family has a place in God’s purposes, even when their names appear only briefly in the biblical record.