Nehemiah 7:55: “The temple servants: the descendants of Barkos, Sisera, Temah”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

Nehemiah 7:55 mentions three more families of temple servants: the descendants of Barkos, Sisera, and Temah. These individuals were part of the Nethinim, a group of people dedicated to assisting the priests and Levites in the temple. The temple servants had various responsibilities, such as maintaining the temple, preparing the offerings, and performing practical tasks that allowed the worship of God to continue smoothly. Their service, though not as visible as that of the priests, was crucial to the daily operations of the temple.

The inclusion of the descendants of Barkos, Sisera, and Temah in this verse shows that God values the work of all His people, even those whose roles may seem small or unglamorous. Their faithfulness in fulfilling their tasks played a vital role in the worship and religious life of Israel.

Historical Context

The historical context of Nehemiah 7:55 is set after the Jewish people returned from exile in Babylon. The temple had been destroyed, and Jerusalem lay in ruins. When the Jewish exiles were allowed to return to their homeland, they began the process of rebuilding both the city and the temple. The return of the temple servants, such as the descendants of Barkos, Sisera, and Temah, was crucial for restoring the temple’s daily worship practices.

The temple servants, or Nethinim, had been appointed long before the exile to help the Levites and priests with the practical aspects of temple worship. Their return to Jerusalem after the exile reflects their dedication to the temple and their willingness to continue serving God despite the challenges they had faced during exile.

Theological Implications

Nehemiah 7:55 teaches that every role in service to God is important, no matter how humble or unseen it may be. The descendants of Barkos, Sisera, and Temah were not in leadership positions, but their work was essential for the functioning of the temple. This shows that God values faithfulness in every task, and He honors those who serve Him diligently, whether they are leading or supporting from behind the scenes.

This verse also speaks to the idea that God calls all kinds of people to participate in His work. The temple servants came from different families and backgrounds, yet they were all called to serve in the temple. This reflects the truth that God uses people from all walks of life to fulfill His purposes, and every person’s contribution matters.

Literary Analysis

Nehemiah 7:55 is part of a larger genealogical list that records the families and groups who returned from exile to help rebuild Jerusalem and restore temple worship. These lists serve both historical and theological purposes. Historically, they provide an account of the people involved in rebuilding the physical and spiritual life of Jerusalem. Theologically, they emphasize the importance of every person’s role in the community of faith. By listing these families, the text shows that even the most practical, behind-the-scenes work was essential to restoring the worship of God.

The specific mention of the descendants of Barkos, Sisera, and Temah underscores that the worship of God required a communal effort, with each person playing a part, whether visible or not.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Ezra 2:53-55: This passage includes the same families of temple servants, showing their continued role in supporting temple worship during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah.
• 1 Chronicles 9:2: This verse mentions the Nethinim (temple servants) as part of the community that returned to Jerusalem, highlighting their essential role in maintaining the daily operations of the temple.
• Romans 12:6-8: Paul teaches that each member of the body of Christ has different gifts, and all are important for the function of the church, just as the temple servants were important in their specific tasks.
• 1 Corinthians 12:12-27: This passage explains that every member of the body of Christ is vital, reflecting how each group of temple servants contributed to Israel’s worship life.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For today’s Christian, Nehemiah 7:55 serves as a reminder that every act of service, no matter how small or unnoticed, is valuable in God’s kingdom. The descendants of Barkos, Sisera, and Temah played a critical role in supporting the work of the priests and Levites, even though their service was behind the scenes. This teaches us that whatever role we play in the church—whether it’s teaching, serving, or helping in practical ways—God values our work when it’s done faithfully and with a heart for Him.

Additionally, this verse speaks to the importance of community in God’s work. Just as the temple servants worked together with the priests and Levites to support the worship life of Israel, Christians today are called to work together, using their different gifts to serve one another and build up the body of Christ.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Nehemiah 7:55 reflects God’s love in the way He values every person’s contribution. God’s love isn’t reserved only for those in leadership roles; He honors the service of everyone, even those who work quietly and without recognition. The descendants of Barkos, Sisera, and Temah were essential to the functioning of the temple, and their faithfulness was remembered and valued by God.

God’s love is also evident in the way He invites all people to participate in His work. The temple servants were not from the priestly class, but God called them to serve in His temple. This demonstrates God’s inclusive love—He values and uses everyone who is willing to serve Him, regardless of their background or status.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Nehemiah 7:55 connects to Jesus Christ through the theme of humble service. Jesus, during His time on earth, emphasized that greatness in God’s kingdom comes through serving others. In Mark 10:45, Jesus said that He came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many. The temple servants, like the descendants of Barkos, Sisera, and Temah, exemplified this kind of humble service by faithfully supporting the worship of God.

Jesus also demonstrated that no act of service is too small to be important in God’s eyes. In John 13:1-17, Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, showing that even the most humble tasks can be acts of love and devotion when done with the right heart. The temple servants’ work points to the way Jesus calls His followers to serve one another in humility, just as He served us.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does Nehemiah 7:55 encourage you to value the small acts of service in your own life or in your church?
2. What does this verse teach you about the importance of being faithful in the tasks God has given you, even if they seem less visible or significant?
3. How can you contribute to the life of your church or community, just as the temple servants contributed to the worship life of Israel?
4. How does this verse remind you of God’s love for all people, regardless of their role or status in the community?
5. How does the humble service of the temple servants in this verse point you toward Jesus’ example of serving others?

Nehemiah 7:55 reminds us that every role in the kingdom of God is important, no matter how small or behind-the-scenes it may seem. Just as the descendants of Barkos, Sisera, and Temah served faithfully in the temple, we are called to serve faithfully in whatever tasks God has given us. This verse encourages us to value every act of service, knowing that God sees and appreciates our faithfulness. Ultimately, this verse points us to Jesus, who modeled perfect service by giving His life for us, and who calls us to follow His example of humble and faithful service.