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Nehemiah 10

39 verses

TL;DR

Nehemiah 10 records a covenant by the priests, Levites, and Israelites to observe God's law, maintain temple service, and uphold Sabbath and intermarriage prohibitions.

Summary

The chapter begins with a comprehensive listing of the priests, Levites, and people who commit to a covenant. They agree not to intermarry with surrounding nations, refuse to buy Sabbath goods, and promise to obey Moses' law. They set ordinances for annual contributions to temple service, including a third of a shekel for worship, offerings, and the care of the house of God. The covenant includes strict rules on firstfruits, tithes, and sacrificial duties, with a detailed procedure for distributing offerings to priests and Levites. The priests pledge to bring offerings of bread, wine, oil, and livestock, while the Levites receive tithes and the tithes of tithes for temple upkeep. The people affirm they will not abandon the house of God, underscoring a renewed commitment to the covenant community.

Outline
  1. Identification of priests, Levites, and common people and their covenant commitments
  2. Prohibitions against intermarriage, Sabbath trade, and the sale of land
  3. Ordinances for tithes, firstfruits, and annual temple offerings
  4. Procedures for the distribution of offerings among priests, Levites, and the treasury
Themes
Covenant renewalSeparation from surrounding peoplesSacred economics and temple worship
Keywords
covenanttithesfirstfruitsSabbathintermarriagetemplepriestsLevitesMoses' lawhouse of God
People
NehemiahTirshathaHachaliahZidkijahSeraiahAzariahJeremiahPashurAmariahMalchijahHattushShebaniahMalluchHarimMeremothObadiahDanielGinnethonBaruchMeshullamAbijahMijaminMaaziahBilgaiShemaiahJeshuaAzaniahBinnuiHenadadKadmielParoshPahathmoabElamZatthuBaniBunniAzgadBebaiAdonijahBigvaiAdinAterHizkijahAzzurHashumBezaiHariphAnathothNebaiMagpiashHezirMeshezabeelZadokJadduaPelatiahAnaiahHosheaHananiahHashubHalloheshPilehaShobekRehumHashabnahMaaseiahAhijahAnanMalluchHarimBaanah
Places
JerusalemAnathoththe house of Godthe cities of our tillage
Things
tithesfirstfruitsshewbreadburnt offeringsin offeringwood offeringshekeltreasury house
Key Verses
  • Nehemiah 10:29: Commits to walk in God’s law and keep Sabbath
  • Nehemiah 10:31: Prohibits intermarriage and sale of goods on the Sabbath
  • Nehemiah 10:32: Sets up annual monetary contribution for temple service
  • Nehemiah 10:35: Details distribution of firstfruits and tithes
Questions
  • What motivated the Israelites to renew the covenant after the exile?
  • How did the restrictions on intermarriage and Sabbath commerce affect Israelite society?
  • In what ways does the covenant reflect the economic structure of temple worship?
  • What role did the detailed list of names serve in the covenant record?
  • How does this covenant compare to earlier covenant texts in terms of obligations and protections?
Sentiment

positive
The chapter conveys commitment and renewal of faith.