(63-64) Mbarĩ ici cia athĩnjĩri Ngai, nĩciagire kuonekana thĩinĩ wa mũtaratara wa kuonania kĩhumo gĩacio: Mbarĩ ya Habaia, Hakozu, na ya Barizilai (Barizilai nĩ we wahikĩĩtie mũirĩĩtu wa mbarĩ ya Barizilai wa kuuma bũrũriinĩ wa Gileadi na akeĩtania na rĩĩtwa rĩa mbarĩ ya mũthoniwe.) Mbarĩ ici ciaremwo nĩkuonania wega kĩhumo gĩacio ikĩgirio gũtuĩka athĩnjĩri Ngai.
What Does This Mean?
This verse lists the number of people from the family of Bebai who returned from exile to rebuild Jerusalem. Nehemiah is compiling a census of the people returning. The key message is about the return and rebuilding of the city.
Explained for Children
Imagine you're part of a big family reunion. Nehemiah is counting all the people coming back home to help rebuild their town. The Bebai family brought 628 people to help!
Historical Background
Nehemiah 7 was written by Nehemiah, a leader who returned from exile to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. This census was taken to organize the returning community. The text reflects a post-exilic period where returning Jews were rebuilding their community and city.
Living It Out Today
In modern times, this verse can remind us of the importance of community and working together towards a common goal, such as rebuilding a community center or organizing a local cleanup.
Topics
censusrebuildingcommunityreturn from exileNehemiahJerusalem