Nehemiah 7:19: “the descendants of Bigvai 2,067”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Nehemiah 7:19 lists the descendants of Bigvai, numbering 2,067, as part of the families who returned to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon. This family, like many others mentioned in the chapter, took part in the effort to rebuild Jerusalem and reestablish the Jewish nation after years of captivity. The specific number of 2,067 indicates that the family of Bigvai was substantial in size, playing a significant role in the restoration of the city. Their return symbolizes faithfulness and obedience to God’s call to rebuild not only the physical structures of Jerusalem but also the spiritual life of the Jewish people.
Historical Context
The historical context of this verse is rooted in the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian exile. After the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem, including the temple, many Jews were taken into exile, where they lived for about 70 years. During this time, Jerusalem remained in ruins, and the people longed for the fulfillment of God’s promise to bring them back to their land. When the Persian king Cyrus issued a decree allowing the Jewish people to return, they began making the journey back to Jerusalem in waves.
The descendants of Bigvai were part of this group that returned to help rebuild the city and the temple. The return of such a large family shows the widespread participation in the rebuilding efforts. It also highlights the faith of these exiles, who left behind what had become familiar in Babylon to return to a city that was still in ruins, trusting in God’s promise of restoration.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Nehemiah 7:19 underscores God’s faithfulness to His people. Despite the exile, God had not forgotten His promises. The return of families like the descendants of Bigvai is evidence of God’s commitment to restore His people and bring them back to the land He had given them. This verse also reflects the importance of community in God’s work. The rebuilding of Jerusalem was not accomplished by a single individual; it required the collective effort of many families, each playing their part. The descendants of Bigvai, as a large family, contributed significantly to the restoration of the city and the renewal of the community’s relationship with God.
This verse also teaches us about the importance of obedience and faithfulness. The descendants of Bigvai could have chosen to stay in Babylon, where life may have been more comfortable, but they chose to step out in faith and return to Jerusalem, trusting in God’s plan. Their willingness to obey God’s call, despite the challenges ahead, is a model of faithfulness for believers today.
Literary Analysis
Nehemiah 7:19 is part of a larger genealogical list in Nehemiah 7 that records the families who returned from exile to help rebuild Jerusalem. The genealogical list serves a dual purpose: it connects the returning exiles with their ancestral heritage, showing that they are reclaiming their place as God’s chosen people, and it emphasizes the scale of the restoration effort. By listing specific families and numbers, Nehemiah highlights the importance of each family’s contribution to the rebuilding process. The mention of the descendants of Bigvai, with their large number of 2,067, reflects the substantial role they played in this significant moment in Israel’s history.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Ezra 2:14: This verse also lists the descendants of Bigvai as part of those who returned from exile, showing consistency between the records of Ezra and Nehemiah.
- Jeremiah 29:10-14: In this passage, God promises to bring His people back from exile, a promise that is fulfilled through the return of families like the descendants of Bigvai.
- Isaiah 11:11-12: This prophecy speaks of God gathering His people from various lands, reflecting the return of the exiles, including the descendants of Bigvai.
- Psalm 126:1-3: This psalm celebrates the return of the exiles and the joy of restoration, which would have been felt by families like the descendants of Bigvai as they returned to Jerusalem.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Nehemiah 7:19 is a reminder that God calls us to be part of His work, both individually and as part of a community. Just as the descendants of Bigvai played a role in rebuilding Jerusalem, each of us is called to contribute to the building of God’s kingdom. This verse encourages us to see the importance of working together with others in the body of Christ. The rebuilding of Jerusalem required the collective efforts of many families, just as the work of the church today requires the participation of many believers, each using their gifts and resources to advance God’s purposes.
This verse also teaches us about the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God’s call. The descendants of Bigvai left behind their lives in Babylon to return to a city in ruins because they trusted in God’s promise of restoration. Their example encourages us to step out in faith and follow God’s leading, even when the path ahead seems uncertain or difficult.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Nehemiah 7:19 reflects God’s love and faithfulness to His people. Despite the exile, God did not abandon His people. Instead, He worked to bring them back to their land and restore their lives. The return of the descendants of Bigvai is part of this larger story of God’s redemptive plan. God’s love is evident in His desire to see His people restored, not just physically but also spiritually.
This verse also shows that God’s love extends to individuals and families. The descendants of Bigvai, along with other families listed in Nehemiah 7, were important to God’s plan. God’s love is personal—He cares for each individual and family, and He includes them in His work of restoration. The restoration of Jerusalem was not just about rebuilding walls and buildings; it was about restoring the people’s relationship with God.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Nehemiah 7:19 connects to Jesus Christ in the broader theme of restoration. Just as the descendants of Bigvai returned to help rebuild Jerusalem, Jesus came to restore our broken relationship with God. In Luke 19:10, Jesus says that He came “to seek and to save the lost,” a mission of restoration that mirrors the return of the exiles to their homeland.
Additionally, the rebuilding of Jerusalem points forward to the spiritual restoration that Jesus brings through His life, death, and resurrection. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus promises to build His church, and the restoration efforts in Nehemiah’s time serve as a foreshadowing of that greater work. Just as the descendants of Bigvai played a role in the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem, Christians today are called to participate in the spiritual restoration that Jesus is accomplishing in the world today.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Nehemiah 7:19 encourage you to see your role in God’s kingdom work, both individually and as part of a community?
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of faithfulness and obedience, even when following God’s call requires sacrifice?
- How can you contribute to the restoration work that God is doing in your church or community, just as the descendants of Bigvai contributed to the rebuilding of Jerusalem?
- How does this verse remind you of God’s faithfulness to His promises, even after difficult times or seasons of exile?
- How does the restoration work in Nehemiah’s time point you toward the greater restoration that Jesus brings into our lives?
Nehemiah 7:19 serves as a powerful reminder that God’s work is often carried out through the faithfulness of individuals and families who respond to His call. Just as the descendants of Bigvai played a role in the restoration of Jerusalem, we are called to be part of God’s ongoing work of restoration in the world through Jesus Christ. God’s love and faithfulness are evident in how He includes each of us in His redemptive plan, restoring what has been broken and calling us to be part of His family.