Nehemiah 7:68,69

Enumeration Of The Beasts Of Burden (Nehemiah 7:68).

Nehemiah 7:68

‘Their horses were seven hundred and thirty six; their mules, two hundred and forty five; their camels, four hundred and thirty five; their asses, six thousand seven hundred and twenty.'

These are possibly enumerated as evidence of wealth, or because they were seen as having faithfully served the needs of the community on their journey. The camels and asses especially would have been necessary in order to carry the possessions of the emigrants. The horses and mules would have been for the most important to ride on (the horses for the outriders). It is noteworthy that cattle, sheep and goats are unmentioned. This would tend to support the idea that there was in this statement an indication of their gratitude to God in providing them with means of transportation. It was an indication that God was with His people. He had not allowed them to struggle on without help.

It would not be felt necessary in revising the list to renumber the beasts of burden. They did not form a part of the covenant community. It was sufficient to indicate God's satisfactory provision.