The list here in verses 6-73a is basically a duplicate of that in Ezra 2.1-70. There are some slight differences in numbers in the list, but the total number of people is the same: 42,360. The order of some family names varies, and there are some omissions and additions. The purpose of the list at this point is to establish the relationship of the community to the past in order to ensure its authenticity in the present. When this has been assured, then Jerusalem can be reestablished as the political and religious center of the community. For notes on the names in the list, see Ezra 2.

Had carried into exile: Verse 6 is a repetition of Ezra 2.1 with the exception of this phrase that replaces “had carried captive to Babylonia.”

Quoted with permission from Noss, Philip A. and Thomas, Kenneth J. A Handbook on Nehemiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2005. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .