Matthew Poole
Nehemiah 7

Introduction

Nehemiah committeth the charge of Jerusalem to Hanani and Hananiah, Nehemiah 7:1, 2. His advice to them, Nehemiah 7:3, 4. He finds out a register of the genealogy of them that came at first out of Babylon, Nehemiah 7:5-65. The whole number of them, Nehemiah 7:66, 67. Their substance, Nehemiah 7:68, 69. Their offerings, Nehemiah 7:70-73.

Verse 1

i.e. When I had taken order that the Levites should be summoned from all places to celebrate the dedication of the wall, as it was done, Nehemiah 12:27.

Verse 2

Hanani; of whom see Nehemiah 1:2. The ruler of the palace, i.e. of Nehemiah's court; justly so called, because he lived in great splendour, and like a viceroy, though it was wholly at his own charge. Charge over Jerusalem, to preserve its peace and safety, and to take particular care of the shutting the gates of the city. He was a faithful man, to wit, Hananiah last mentioned; for it was needless to say any thing in commendation of Hanani, who had shown his piety and zeal for God and his country, in taking a tedious journey from Jerusalem to Shushan, to inform Nehemiah of the sad estate of Jerusalem, and to implore his helping hand to relieve it, Nehemiah 1. A faithful man; he chose not magistrates and officers out of any partial or carnal respects to his own kindred, or acquaintance, or favourites, but from true piety and prudence, such as were fittest for and would be most faithful in their employments. And feared God: this is added as the ground and reason, both why he was faithful, and why Nehemiah put such trust and confidence in him, because he knew that the fear of God would keep him from yielding to those temptations to perfidiousness which he was likely to meet with when Nehemiah was gone, and against which a man destitute of God's fear hath no sufficient fence. Above many; more than most men did; or, above the common pitch of piety.

Verse 3

Until the sun be hot, i.e. till it be clear and broad day; when enemies approaching may be discovered, and the people of the city will be ready for the defence in case of an assault. While they stand by, i.e. the watches appointed to that end, as is manifest from the following words. Every one to be over against his house, i.e. every one in his turn keeping watch with others in that watching-place which is next to his house.

Verse 4

i.e. Not all, nor completely built; but only some slight buildings of boards or stones were made for the present use of the generality of the people.

Verse 5

God put into mine heart: this action, though merely prudential, he doth not ascribe to himself, or his own wit, but to the gift and grace of God directing and inclining him to it. To gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people not only for the particular end here mentioned, but for divers other weighty purposes and matters, of which the following chapters treat. That they might be reckoned by genealogy; that so it might appear to what families each person belonged, and where their ancient habitations lay, which for a great number of them were in the city, the replenishing of which was now his design. Them which came up at the first, to wit, with Zerubbabel, as it follows, Nehemiah 7:7. But this following catalogue differs in some particulars from that Ezra 2, of which see the notes there.

Verse 6-70

The Tirshatha, i.e. the governor, to wit, Nehemiah. So it is no wonder that the number of the monies, and other things here contributed, differ from that Ezra 2, because this is another collection; that was made in Zerubbabel's time, and this in Ezra's.

Verse 71-73