Book of Nehemiah - Chapter 7 - Verse 45

The verse you mentioned comes from the book of Nehemiah in the Old Testament. In this verse, the porters are listed by their ancestry, tracing their lineage back to Shallum, Ater, Talmon, Akkub, Hatita, and Shobai. They are a group of one hundred and thirty-eight individuals who were responsible for the security and maintenance of the gates of the temple in Jerusalem. As porters, they had the important task of guarding the entrances to the temple, controlling access, and ensuring that only those who were authorized could enter. The mention of their lineage highlights the importance of heritage and lineage in the biblical narrative, as well as the significance of family ties within the community. This verse serves as a reminder of the organized and communal nature of the temple operations, with each individual playing a specific role in the functioning of the religious center.

Within the list of porters mentioned in this verse, there are six distinct lineage names provided: Shallum, Ater, Talmon, Akkub, Hatita, and Shobai, totaling to a sum of one hundred and thirty-eight individuals. The porters were tasked with various responsibilities, including guarding the entrances to the temple and ensuring that only appropriate individuals were granted access. Scholars have delved into the meanings of these names to glean potential insights into the roles or characteristics of the porters. For instance, Shallum can mean "retribution" or "recompense," perhaps suggesting a sense of justice or fairness in their duties. Ater may connote "helpful" or "humble," pointing to the attitude with which these individuals carried out their tasks. Talmon could signify "oppressed" or "afflicted," implying empathy and care for those who sought entry. By exploring the theological significance of these names and the responsibilities of the porters, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the meticulous organization and reverence involved in the functioning of the temple.