Nehemiah 7 Footnotes

7:4-69 This list also occurs at Ezr 2:1-70, but this should not be a cause for doubting the reliability of either book. Most scholars agree that this list existed separately and was incorporated into both books. In most cases differences in names and numbers between the two lists can be attributed to scribal errors that occurred in the copying process over the centuries. In other cases, material may have been added or deleted to provide the kind of information that the authors wanted the reader to know. For example, Neh 7:70 records the contribution made by a governor, whereas this is not mentioned in the list in Ezra. It must be remembered that the doctrine of inspiration applies to the original text as the author intended it, not to the text as it may have existed before it was incorporated or after it was affected by various problems during its transmission from one generation to the next. Consequently, both lists are equally inspired, and they fulfill the purpose for which they were each intended. It is, in fact, the authorial changes made to previously existing material that can often give clues to aspects the author wanted to stress. In this case, for example, it is significant that the list in Nehemiah includes this note about the contributions made by a governor, since this memoir was written by Governor Nehemiah, who was concerned that God would look favorably on his contributions to this community, evidenced by his numerous “Remember me” statements (e.g., 5:19; 13:14). For additional discussion of this list, see note on Ezr 2:2.

7:65 See the note on Ezr 2:63 for an explanation of the significance of the mention of the Urim and Thummim.

7:73 The Jewish people can trace their ancestors to the land surrounding Jerusalem as well as to the city itself. This ancient connection to the land supports the Jewish claim to their current residency there. See 11:20 for further support.