Nehemiah 7:21: “the descendants of Ater (through Hezekiah) 98”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

Nehemiah 7:21 lists the descendants of Ater, numbering 98 people, as part of the group of exiles who returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity. The mention of “through Hezekiah” may indicate a specific lineage, possibly tied to King Hezekiah, a faithful king of Judah. Although the group of 98 descendants is smaller compared to others in this chapter, their inclusion shows that even small families had a role in the restoration of the city. Each family, regardless of size, contributed to the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the reestablishment of the Jewish nation. This verse highlights the collective nature of the return from exile, where every family’s faithfulness mattered.

Historical Context

The historical context of this verse is the return of the Jewish people from exile in Babylon. After the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, many Jews were taken into captivity, where they lived for about 70 years. The city of Jerusalem, including its temple, was left in ruins. However, the Persian king Cyrus issued a decree allowing the Jewish people to return to their homeland to rebuild the city and the temple. Several waves of exiles returned over the years, including families like the descendants of Ater.

The descendants of Ater are specifically noted as being through Hezekiah, which may indicate a direct connection to the royal lineage of King Hezekiah, a notable figure in the history of Judah. King Hezekiah was known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to reform the nation spiritually. Although this group was small, their willingness to return to a destroyed city and help in the rebuilding process demonstrates their commitment to God’s promises and their desire to see the nation restored.

Theological Implications

Theologically, Nehemiah 7:21 underscores the faithfulness of God in bringing His people back from exile. God had promised through the prophets that He would return His people to their land after a time of discipline, and the descendants of Ater are part of the fulfillment of that promise. This verse also highlights that God values both large and small contributions. The 98 descendants of Ater may seem like a small group, but their presence and participation in the rebuilding effort were essential. In God’s economy, it’s not the size of the contribution that matters, but the faithfulness of the people involved.

This verse also reminds us that God works through families and individuals to accomplish His purposes. The descendants of Ater, though few in number, were part of the larger community effort to rebuild Jerusalem. God’s work often involves a collective effort, where each person and family has a role to play in fulfilling His plan.

Literary Analysis

Nehemiah 7:21 is part of a genealogical list that records the families who returned from exile to help rebuild Jerusalem. These lists serve a dual purpose: they establish the continuity of the returning exiles with their ancestors, and they emphasize the scale and scope of the restoration effort. The mention of specific numbers, like the 98 descendants of Ater, gives us a sense of the diversity and size of the groups involved in the rebuilding process.

The reference to Hezekiah may be a way of connecting this family to a legacy of faithfulness. King Hezekiah was one of the most faithful kings of Judah, known for his reforms and dedication to God. By highlighting this connection, the text may be showing that the descendants of Ater were continuing in the tradition of faithfulness and commitment to God’s purposes.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Ezra 2:16: This verse also lists the descendants of Ater among those who returned from exile, showing consistency between Ezra’s and Nehemiah’s records.
• Jeremiah 29:10-14: In this passage, God promises to bring His people back from exile, a promise fulfilled in part through the return of families like the descendants of Ater.
• 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 Ater.
• Psalm 126:1-3: This psalm celebrates the return of the exiles and the joy of restoration, a joy that would have been shared by families like the descendants of Ater.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, Nehemiah 7:21 serves as a reminder that God values both large and small acts of faithfulness. Just as the descendants of Ater played a role in rebuilding Jerusalem, no matter how small their group, each of us is called to contribute to the building of God’s kingdom. This verse encourages us to see the importance of even small contributions in the work of God. Every person and every family has a role to play, and no contribution is insignificant when it’s done in faith.

This verse also challenges us to be faithful in responding to God’s call, even when it seems like we don’t have much to offer. The descendants of Ater didn’t let their small number stop them from participating in God’s work. Similarly, we are called to step out in faith, trusting that God will use whatever we have to offer for His purposes.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Nehemiah 7:21 reflects God’s love and faithfulness to His people. Even after a period of exile and discipline, God remained faithful to His promises, bringing His people back to their land and restoring their lives. The return of the descendants of Ater, along with many other families, is evidence of God’s enduring love and His desire to restore what has been broken. This verse also shows that God’s love is personal—He cares for families and individuals, and He values each person’s contribution to His work.

God’s love is not just for the powerful or influential; it extends to small groups and families who are willing to follow Him in faith. The descendants of Ater may have been few in number, but they were still an important part of God’s plan for restoration.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Nehemiah 7:21 connects to Jesus Christ through the theme of restoration. Just as the descendants of Ater 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,” which mirrors the restoration work seen in Nehemiah’s time. The return of the exiles, including the descendants of Ater, points forward to the greater work of restoration that Jesus accomplished through His life, death, and resurrection.

Additionally, the rebuilding of Jerusalem points to the spiritual restoration that Jesus is carrying out in His church. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus promises to build His church, and just as the descendants of Ater played a role in the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem, Christians today are called to participate in the spiritual restoration that Jesus is accomplishing through His church.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does Nehemiah 7:21 encourage you to see your role in God’s kingdom work, even if it seems small or insignificant?
2. What does this verse teach you about the importance of faithfulness and obedience, even when the task seems challenging or overwhelming?
3. How can you contribute to the restoration work that God is doing in your church or community, just as the descendants of Ater contributed to the rebuilding of Jerusalem?
4. How does this verse remind you of God’s faithfulness to His promises, even after difficult times or seasons of discipline?
5. How does the restoration work in Nehemiah’s time point you toward the greater restoration that Jesus brings into our lives?

Nehemiah 7:21 is a reminder that God’s work often involves the faithfulness of individuals and families who respond to His call. Just as the descendants of Ater 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 values every person’s contribution, no matter how small, and includes each of us in His redemptive plan.