Why don t the numbers in the list equal the total figure (Nehemiah7:66)?
Neither Nehemiah s total (31,089) nor Ezra s (29,818) match their stated total (42,360). The number of women may account for the difference, but that would mean three times as many men returned as women. Others suggest the difference represents the number of children under 12 or Jews from tribes other than Judah and Benjamin. Still others think errors in copying the text created the problem. Since both Ezra and Nehemiah use the same grand total, that number is presumed to be accurate. The Quest Study Bible Why is God s name not mentioned in the book of Esther? The book of Esther s failure to mention God is glaring. The explanation can best be seen in the providence of God and his hiddenness. Many believe that there is an indirect reference to Esther s faith when she spoke of fasting (4:16; cf. 4:3; 9:31). The statement relief and deliverance will arise from another place (4:14) comes very close to being an acknowledgment of God and probably should be understood that way. The NIV Bible
