Book of Nehemiah - Chapter 7 - Verse 22

The verse 'The children of Hashum, three hundred twenty and eight' is found in the book of Ezra in the Old Testament. This verse is a part of a list of names of individuals who returned from exile in Babylon to Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel, a prince of Judah. The specific mention of the number 328 signifies the large group of people who returned to Jerusalem, indicating a significant and organized effort to rebuild the city and restore the Jewish community. This verse highlights the importance of documenting and honoring the individuals who played a role in the restoration of Jerusalem after the exile. Each name listed in these verses represents a story of faith, perseverance, and commitment to their faith and community. By recording the names and numbers of those who returned, the verse serves as a reminder of the unity and strength of the Jewish people during a challenging and transformative period in their history.

When examining the verse "The children of Hashum, three hundred twenty and eight" from a theological perspective, it is important to consider the significance of numbers in the Bible. In ancient Hebrew culture, numbers held symbolic meaning and were often used to convey spiritual truths. The number three, for example, represents divine wholeness or completeness, while eight is associated with resurrection or new beginnings. Therefore, the mention of three hundred twenty-eight individuals in the lineage of Hashum could be seen as a symbolic representation of a complete and renewed community within the context of their genealogy.

Furthermore, the name Hashum itself carries significance in Hebrew. In some interpretations, Hashum is believed to mean "silencing" or "hastening." This could suggest that the descendants of Hashum were called to silence their doubts or fears and to hasten towards their divine purpose or destiny. By delving into the theological interpretation and word studies of this verse, we can gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual themes and messages embedded within the genealogies found in the Bible.