Nehemiah 7:45
The porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, an hundred thirty and eight. The porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, an hundred thirty and eight.
The renewed numbering of the Jews in Nehemiah 7 followed the finishing of the wall in fifty-two days. At that point proper officers and watches were appointed over the restored city. The register of families and servants, including the porters, belongs to that ordering of the community. That listing took place in B.C. 444.
The account stands within the Bible narrative of Babylonian life in the days of Ezra and Nehemiah. That narrative is confirmed by discoveries in the ancient lands adjoining Israel and having dealings with Israel. Archaeology gives information that illuminates that period.