The men of Bethel and Ai, an hundred twenty and three.

NEHEMIAH 7:32KJV
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Nehemiah 7:32 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 7:32 mean?

Nehemiah 7:32 lists the number of men from the towns of Bethel and Ai who returned from exile, recording that there were 123 men from these places. This verse is part of a census documenting the people who came back to Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity.

Nehemiah, the governor of Judah, is organizing and recording the returned exiles to reestablish the community in Jerusalem. This verse is one entry in a long list of families and groups, showing the careful attention given to each town and its people. The mention of Bethel and Ai, both significant towns in Israel’s history, highlights the effort to restore the nation’s identity by keeping track of who returned from each place.

Where else these words appear

“Ai” Hebrew H5857 · used in 34 verses

  • Genesis 12:8 And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD.
  • Joshua 8:11 And all the people, even the people of war that were with him, went up, and drew nigh, and came before the city, and pitched on the north side of Ai: now there was a valley between them and Ai.
  • Joshua 8:26 For Joshua drew not his hand back, wherewith he stretched out the spear, until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai.

“Bethel” Hebrew H1008 · used in 63 verses

  • Genesis 12:8 And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD.
  • Judges 1:22 And the house of Joseph, they also went up against Bethel: and the LORD was with them.
  • 2 Kings 2:3 And the sons of the prophets that were at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he said, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.