Neh 7:1-4 | Clarke | STEP | Nehemiah makes use of proper precautions in guarding the city gates, . He proposes to reckon the people according to their genealogies; and finds a register of those who came out of Babylon, with Zerubbabel, . A transcript of the register, vv. 8-60. Account of those who came from other provinces; and of priests who, because they could not show their register, were put away from the priesthood as polluted, . The sum total of the congregation: of their men-servants and maid-servants; singing men and women; horses, mules, camels, and asses, . The sums given by different persons for the work, . All betake themselves to their several cities, .

Nehemiah 7:1-4

Introduction

Nehemiah makes use of proper precautions in guarding the city gates, Neh 7:1-4. He proposes to reckon the people according to their genealogies; and finds a register of those who came out of Babylon, with Zerubbabel, Neh 7:5-7. A transcript of the register, vv. 8-60. Account of those who came from other provinces; and of priests who, because they could not show their register, were put away from the priesthood as polluted, Neh 7:61-65. The sum total of the congregation: of their men-servants and maid-servants; singing men and women; horses, mules, camels, and asses, Neh 7:66-69. The sums given by different persons for the work, Neh 7:70-72. All betake themselves to their several cities, Neh 7:73. Verse 2

My brother Hanani - This was the person who gave Nehemiah the account of the desolate state of the Jews, Neh 1:2. He is now made ruler of Jerusalem, probably because Nehemiah was about to return to the Persian court. And he found this man to be one in whom he could trust:

1. Because he was a faithful man - one who had a proper belief in God, his government, and his protection; and being devoted to the interests of his people, would be faithful in the discharge of his office.

2. Because he feared God above many - was the most religious person in the congregation; would govern according to the laws; would take care of the interests of pure religion; would not oppress, take bribes, nor abuse his authority; but act in all things as one who had the fear of God continually before his eyes. These are the proper qualifications of a governor. Verse 3

Until the sun be hot - The meaning of this is, the gates were not to be opened before sunrise, and always shut at sunset. This is the custom to the present day in many of the cities of the East if a traveler arrives after sunset, he finds the gates shut; and on no consideration will they open them till the next morning, so that those who come late are obliged to lodge in the plain, or under the walls.

Every one - over against his house - Each was obliged to guard that part of the wall that was opposite to his own dwelling. Verse 4

The houses were not builded - The city was not yet rebuilt, only a row of houses in the inside of the wall all round.