Who was Mispereth?

Mispereth is a little-known biblical figure mentioned in Nehemiah 7:7 as one of the individuals who returned from the Babylonian exile to Jerusalem and Judah with Zerubbabel. The name Mispereth appears in the list of returnees, a register important for establishing genealogical, tribal, and priestly legitimacy during the restoration of Israel after captivity.

The name Mispereth (Hebrew: מִסְפֶּרֶת, Mispéreth) may be derived from a root meaning “numbering” or “enumeration.” This could suggest a role associated with organization, census-taking, or record-keeping, although the Bible does not provide narrative detail about this individual’s life or duties.

Biblical References

• Nehemiah 7:7 – “…who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah…”

• A parallel list is found in Ezra 2:2, though some names appear with slight variations, and Mispereth does not appear by name there. This suggests that Mispereth may be a variant or alternate listing of one of the individuals in the Ezra account.

Cross References

• Ezra 2:2 – List of those who returned with Zerubbabel.

• Nehemiah 12:1 – Further records of leaders returning with Zerubbabel.

• Jeremiah 29:10 – God‘s promise to bring the people back after seventy years.

• Isaiah 44:28; 45:1-4 – Prophecies concerning Cyrus’s role in the return.

Mispereth and the Return from Exile

Mispereth’s inclusion in Nehemiah’s record underscores his participation in one of the most significant events in post-exilic Jewish history—the return from Babylonian captivity. After decades in exile, God fulfilled His promise through King Cyrus of Persia, allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their temple and national identity. The lists in Ezra and Nehemiah preserve the memory of those who responded in faith and obedience to this divine call.

Though the Bible does not provide additional biographical information about Mispereth, his name being recorded highlights the value God places on His faithful people, even those who are less known. He was among the pioneers who faced uncertainty, hardship, and the daunting task of restoring a devastated city.

Theological Significance

Mispereth’s mention is a reminder that in God‘s redemptive story, even those who are not famous or prominently featured in Scripture are known, named, and honored. The list in Nehemiah 7 is more than a census—it is a testimony to God’s faithfulness in keeping His covenant promises and preserving His people.

The restoration of Jerusalem after the exile is part of the unfolding plan of redemption that culminates in the coming of Jesus Christ. The returning exiles, including Mispereth, played a role in preparing the way for the fulfillment of messianic prophecies. Their faithfulness in rebuilding the temple and the city set the stage for Jesus, who would later enter that very city to accomplish salvation for His people.

Christ-Centered Connection

Mispereth’s name appears in a chapter that helps mark the restoration of worship, order, and hope among God‘s people. This restoration points forward to the greater restoration that Jesus brings through the gospel. Jesus is the true and better Zerubbabel—the One who leads the final return from the exile of sin, not to a physical city, but to the presence of God Himself (Hebrews 12:22).

Every name in the return list reminds us of God’s personal knowledge of His people. Just as Mispereth was counted among the faithful remnant, Jesus said, “Rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20).

Broader Biblical Themes

1. God’s Faithfulness to His Covenant

Mispereth’s return fulfills God’s promise to bring His people back from captivity, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness to the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants.

2. The Remnant

Mispereth is part of the faithful remnant that God preserved. Throughout Scripture, God works through a faithful few to accomplish His purposes (Isaiah 10:20-22; Romans 11:5).

3. Restoration and Renewal

The post-exilic community foreshadows the spiritual restoration offered in Christ. Mispereth’s presence in the list highlights the importance of individual roles in the corporate renewal of God’s people.

4. Names and Divine Record

God is a God who remembers names. Lists like the one in Nehemiah 7 mirror the Book of Life (Revelation 20:12), assuring believers that their identity is secure in Him.

Reflection Questions

1. What can we learn from individuals like Mispereth, whose faithfulness is noted even without detailed stories?

2. How does God’s care in recording names reflect His personal knowledge and love for His people today?

3. In what ways are you contributing to the spiritual rebuilding work in your own community, as the exiles did in theirs?

4. How does the return from exile point to the greater spiritual return offered through the gospel of Jesus?

5. Are you living with the assurance that your name is written in heaven, as Jesus promised His followers?

Mispereth may be a minor figure in the grand narrative, but his inclusion reminds us that no act of faithfulness is forgotten by God. In the quiet obedience of the few, the foundation was laid for the coming of the One who would redeem the many.