Book of Nehemiah - Chapter 7 - Verse 36
Meaning
The specific verse "The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five" appears in the book of Nehemiah in the Old Testament. This verse refers to the number of people from the city of Jericho who returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. During this time, many Israelites were exiled from their homeland, but some were later allowed to return by the Persian king, Cyrus. The city of Jericho was one of the locations from which people returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple and the city walls. The mention of the number 345 serves to emphasize the significance of the people of Jericho in the history of the Israelites and their return to their land. It shows that a substantial number of individuals from Jericho were willing to leave their homes and communities to help in the rebuilding of Jerusalem, indicating their commitment to their faith and their nation.
Theological Overview
When looking at the theological interpretation of the verse "The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five," it is important to consider the significance of numbers in biblical text. In the Bible, numbers often carry symbolic meaning. The number three typically represents divine perfection or completion, while the number five is often associated with grace, kindness, and goodness. Therefore, the fact that there are three hundred forty-five children of Jericho could be seen as a symbol of God's perfect and gracious provision for the people of Jericho. Additionally, Jericho itself holds significance in the Bible as the city that Joshua and the Israelites conquered by following God's instructions. This victory demonstrated God's power and faithfulness to his people. Thus, the mention of the children of Jericho in this verse could serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness and provision throughout history.