Nehemiah Chapter 10

Signers of the Covenant

1Now those that sealed were, Nehemiah, the Tirshatha, the son of Hachaliah, and Zidkijah, 2Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah, 3Pashur, Amariah, Malchijah, 4Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluch, 5Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah, 6Daniel, Ginnethon, Baruch, 7Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin, 8Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah: these were the priests. 9And the Levites: both Jeshua the son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons of Henadad, Kadmiel; 10And their brethren, Shebaniah, Hodijah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan, 11Micha, Rehob, Hashabiah, 12Zaccur, Sherebiah, Shebaniah, 13Hodijah, Bani, Beninu. 14The chief of the people; Parosh, Pahathmoab, Elam, Zatthu, Bani, 15Bunni, Azgad, Bebai, 16Adonijah, Bigvai, Adin, 17Ater, Hizkijah, Azzur, 18Hodijah, Hashum, Bezai, 19Hariph, Anathoth, Nebai, 20Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir, 21Meshezabeel, Zadok, Jaddua, 22Pelatiah, Hanan, Anaiah, 23Hoshea, Hananiah, Hashub, 24Hallohesh, Pileha, Shobek, 25Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah, 26And Ahijah, Hanan, Anan, 27Malluch, Harim, Baanah.

The Vows of the Covenant

28And the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the porters, the singers, the Nethinims, and all they that had separated themselves from the people of the lands unto the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, every one having knowledge, and having understanding; 29They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes; 30And that we would not give our daughters unto the people of the land, nor take their daughters for our sons: 31And if the people of the land bring ware or any victuals on the sabbath day to sell, that we would not buy it of them on the sabbath, or on the holy day: and that we would leave the seventh year, and the exaction of every debt.

32Also we made ordinances for us, to charge ourselves yearly with the third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God; 33For the shewbread, and for the continual meat offering, and for the continual burnt offering, of the sabbaths, of the new moons, for the set feasts, and for the holy things, and for the sin offerings to make an atonement for Israel, and for all the work of the house of our God.

34And we cast the lots among the priests, the Levites, and the people, for the wood offering, to bring it into the house of our God, after the houses of our fathers, at times appointed year by year, to burn upon the altar of the LORD our God, as it is written in the law: 35And to bring the firstfruits of our ground, and the firstfruits of all fruit of all trees, year by year, unto the house of the LORD: 36Also the firstborn of our sons, and of our cattle, as it is written in the law, and the firstlings of our herds and of our flocks, to bring to the house of our God, unto the priests that minister in the house of our God: 37And that we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground unto the Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes in all the cities of our tillage. 38And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house. 39For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil, unto the chambers, where are the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the porters, and the singers: and we will not forsake the house of our God.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

Signers of the Covenant

1 Now those who sealed were: Nehemiah the governor, the son of Hacaliah, and Zedekiah, 2 Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah, 3 Pashhur, Amariah, Malchijah, 4 Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluch, 5 Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah, 6 Daniel, Ginnethon, Baruch, 7 Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin, 8 Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah; these were the priests. 9 The Levites: namely, Jeshua the son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons of Henadad, Kadmiel; 10 and their brothers, Shebaniah, Hodiah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan, 11 Mica, Rehob, Hashabiah, 12 Zaccur, Sherebiah, Shebaniah, 13 Hodiah, Bani, Beninu. 14 The chiefs of the people: Parosh, Pahathmoab, Elam, Zattu, Bani, 15 Bunni, Azgad, Bebai, 16 Adonijah, Bigvai, Adin, 17 Ater, Hezekiah, Azzur, 18 Hodiah, Hashum, Bezai, 19 Hariph, Anathoth, Nobai, 20 Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir, 21 Meshezabel, Zadok, Jaddua, 22 Pelatiah, Hanan, Anaiah, 23 Hoshea, Hananiah, Hasshub, 24 Hallohesh, Pilha, Shobek, 25 Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah, 26 and Ahiah, Hanan, Anan, 27 Malluch, Harim, Baanah.

The Vows of the Covenant

28 The rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the porters, the singers, the Nethinim, and all those who had separated themselves from the peoples of the lands to the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, everyone who had knowledge, and understanding— 29 they joined with their brothers, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God’s law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of Yahweh our Lord, and his ordinances and his statutes; 30 and that we would not give our daughters to the peoples of the land, nor take their daughters for our sons; 31 and if the peoples of the land bring wares or any grain on the Sabbath day to sell, that we would not buy of them on the Sabbath, or on a holy day; and that we would forego the seventh year, and the exaction of every debt.

32 Also we made ordinances for ourselves, to charge ourselves yearly with the third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God; 33 for the show bread, and for the continual meal offering, and for the continual burnt offering, for the Sabbaths, for the new moons, for the set feasts, and for the holy things, and for the sin offerings to make atonement for Israel, and for all the work of the house of our God.

34 We cast lots, the priests, the Levites, and the people, for the wood offering, to bring it into the house of our God, according to our fathers’ houses, at times appointed, year by year, to burn on the altar of Yahweh our God, as it is written in the law; 35 and to bring the first fruits of our ground, and the first fruits of all fruit of all kinds of trees, year by year, to the house of Yahweh; 36 also the firstborn of our sons, and of our livestock, as it is written in the law, and the firstborn of our herds and of our flocks, to bring to the house of our God, to the priests who minister in the house of our God; 37 and that we should bring the first fruits of our dough, and our wave offerings, and the fruit of all kinds of trees, the new wine and the oil, to the priests, to the rooms of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground to the Levites; for they, the Levites, take the tithes in all the cities of our tillage. 38 The priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes to the house of our God, to the rooms, into the treasure house. 39 For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the wave offering of the grain, of the new wine, and of the oil, to the rooms, where are the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests who minister, and the porters, and the singers. We will not forsake the house of our God.

Signers of the Covenant

1 Now these were the ones who sealed the document:

Nehemiah the governor, son of Hacaliah,

and also Zedekiah,

2 Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah,

3 Pashhur, Amariah, Malchijah,

4 Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluch,

5 Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah,

6 Daniel, Ginnethon, Baruch,

7 Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin,

8 Maaziah, Bilgai, a and Shemaiah.

These were the priests.

9 The Levites:

Jeshua son of Azaniah,

Binnui of the sons of Henadad, Kadmiel,

10 and their associates: Shebaniah, Hodiah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan,

11 Mica, Rehob, Hashabiah,

12 Zaccur, Sherebiah, Shebaniah,

13 Hodiah, Bani, and Beninu.

14 And the leaders of the people:

Parosh, Pahath-moab, Elam, Zattu, Bani,

15 Bunni, Azgad, Bebai,

16 Adonijah, Bigvai, Adin,

17 Ater, Hezekiah, Azzur,

18 Hodiah, Hashum, Bezai,

19 Hariph, Anathoth, Nebai,

20 Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir,

21 Meshezabel, Zadok, Jaddua,

22 Pelatiah, Hanan, Anaiah,

23 Hoshea, Hananiah, Hasshub,

24 Hallohesh, Pilha, Shobek,

25 Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah,

26 Ahijah, Hanan, Anan,

27 Malluch, Harim, and Baanah.

The Vows of the Covenant

28 “The rest of the people—the priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, temple servants, b and all who had separated themselves from the people of the land to obey the Law of God—along with their wives and all their sons and daughters who are able to understand, 29 hereby join with their noble brothers and commit themselves with a sworn oath to follow the Law of God given through His servant Moses and to carefully obey all the commandments, ordinances, and statutes of the LORD our Lord.

30 We will not give our daughters in marriage to the people of the land, and we will not take their daughters for our sons.

31 When the people of the land bring merchandise or any kind of grain to sell on the Sabbath day, we will not buy from them on a Sabbath or holy day. Every seventh year we will let the fields lie fallow, and will cancel every debt.

32 We also place ourselves under the obligation to contribute a third of a shekel c yearly for the service of the house of our God: 33 for the showbread, for the regular grain offerings and burnt offerings, for the Sabbath offerings, for the New Moons and appointed feasts, for the holy offerings, for the sin offerings to make atonement for Israel, and for all the duties of the house of our God.

34 We have cast lots among the priests, Levites, and people for the donation of wood by our families at the appointed times each year. They are to bring it to the house of our God to burn on the altar of the LORD our God, as it is written in the Law.

35 We will also bring the firstfruits of our land and of every fruit tree to the house of the LORD year by year. 36 And we will bring the firstborn of our sons and our livestock, as it is written in the Law, and will bring the firstborn of our herds and flocks to the house of our God, to the priests who minister in the house of our God.

37 Moreover, we will bring to the priests at the storerooms of the house of our God the firstfruits of our dough, of our grain offerings, of the fruit of all our trees, and of our new wine and oil. A tenth of our produce belongs to the Levites, so that they shall receive tithes in all the towns where we labor. 38 A priest of Aaron’s line is to accompany the Levites when they collect the tenth, and the Levites are to bring a tenth of these tithes to the storerooms of the treasury in the house of our God. 39 For the Israelites and the Levites are to bring the contributions of grain, new wine, and oil to the storerooms where the articles of the sanctuary are kept and where the ministering priests, the gatekeepers, and the singers stay.

Thus we will not neglect the house of our God.”

Footnotes:

8 a Bilgai  is a variant of Bilgah ; see Nehemiah 12:5.
28 b Hebrew Nethinim
32 c A third of a shekel  is approximately 0.13 ounces or 3.8 grams, probably of silver.

Signers of the Covenant

1And over those sealed are Nehemiah the Tirshatha, son of Hachaliah, and Zidkijah, 2Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah, 3Pashhur, Amariah, Malchijah, 4Huttush, Shebaniah, Malluch, 5Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah, 6Daniel, Ginnethon, Baruch, 7Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin, 8Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah; these are the priests. 9And the Levites: both Jeshua son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons of Henadad, Kadmiel; 10and their brethren: Shebaniah, Hodijah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan, 11Micha, Rehob, Hashabiah, 12Zaccur, Sherebiah, Shebaniah, 13Hodijah, Bani, Beninu. 14Heads of the people: Parosh, Pahath-Moab, Elam, Zatthu, Bani, 15Bunni, Azgad, Bebai, 16Adonijah, Bigvai, Adin, 17Ater, Hizkijah, Azzur, 18Hodijah, Hashum, Bezai, 19Hariph, Anathoth, Nebai, 20Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir, 21Meshezabeel, Zadok, Jaddua, 22Pelatiah, Hanan, Anaiah, 23Hoshea, Hananiah, Hashub, 24Hallohesh, Pilha, Shobek, 25Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah, 26and Ahijah, Hanan, Anan, 27Malluch, Harim, Baanah.

The Vows of the Covenant

28And the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, the Nethinim, and every one who hath been separated from the peoples of the lands unto the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, every knowing intelligent one, 29are laying hold on their brethren, their honourable ones, and coming in to an execration, and in to an oath, to walk in the law of God, that was given by the hand of Moses, servant of God, and to observe and to do all the commands of Jehovah our Lord, and His judgments, and His statutes; 30and that we give not our daughters to the peoples of the land, and their daughters we take not to our sons; 31and the peoples of the land who are bringing in the wares and any corn on the sabbath-day to sell, we receive not of them on the sabbath, and on a holy day, and we leave the seventh year, and usury on every hand.

32And we have appointed for ourselves commands, to put on ourselves the third of a shekel in a year, for the service of the house of our God, 33for bread of the arrangement, and the continual present, and the continual burnt-offering of the sabbaths, of the new moons, for appointed seasons, and for holy things, and for sin-offerings, to make atonement for Israel, even all the work of the house of our God.

34And the lots we have caused to fall for the offering of wood, among the priests, the Levites, and the people, to bring in to the house of our God, by the house of our fathers, at times appointed, year by year, to burn on the altar of Jehovah our God, as it is written in the law, 35and to bring in the first fruits of our ground, and the first fruits of all fruit of every tree, year by year, to the house of Jehovah, 36and the firstlings of our sons, and of our cattle, as it is written in the law, and the firstlings of our herds and our flocks, to bring in to the house of our God, to the priests who are ministering in the house of our God. 37And the beginning of our dough, and our heave-offerings, and the fruit of every tree, of new wine, and of oil, we bring in to the priests, unto the chambers of the house of our God, and the tithe of our ground to the Levites; and they -- the Levites -- have the tithes in all the cities of our tillage; 38and the priest, son of Aaron, hath been with the Levites in the tithing of the Levites, and the Levites bring up the tithe of the tithe to the house of our God unto the chambers, to the treasure-house; 39for unto the chambers do they bring in -- the sons of Israel and the sons of Levi -- the heave-offering of the corn, the new wine, and the oil, and there are vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests, those ministering, and the gatekeepers, and the singers, and we do not forsake the house of our God.

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of Nehemiah 10?

2Introduction to Nehemiah 10

3Context of Nehemiah 10

4Ancient Key Word Study

5Compare & Contrast

6Nehemiah 10 Unique Insights

7Nehemiah 10 Connections to Yeshua

8Nehemiah 10 Scriptural Echoes

9Nehemiah 10 Devotional

10Did You Know

What is the meaning of Nehemiah 10?

Introduction to Nehemiah 10

Nehemiah 10 stands as a powerful testament to covenant renewal and communal commitment to God. This chapter records a solemn moment when the restored community of Israel, having heard and understood God’s Law, collectively pledges to follow His ways. The significance of this chapter lies in its demonstration of how genuine spiritual revival leads to concrete actions and commitments.

This pivotal chapter bridges the gap between understanding God’s Word and applying it in practical ways. It shows us that true spiritual transformation isn’t merely emotional or intellectual—it demands tangible responses that affect our daily choices and lifestyle.

Context of Nehemiah 10

This chapter follows directly from the passionate prayer of confession in Nehemiah 9, where the people acknowledged their historical failures and God’s consistent faithfulness. The timing is crucial—it occurs after the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls and the public reading of the Torah during the Feast of Tabernacles. This sequence shows how physical restoration led to spiritual renewal, culminating in this formal commitment to God.

Within the broader biblical narrative, Nehemiah 10 echoes earlier covenant renewals, particularly those under Moses (Exodus 24:1-8) and Joshua (Joshua 24:1-28). It represents a pattern in Israel’s history where national reformation follows spiritual revival. This chapter also foreshadows the New Covenant, where God’s law would be written on hearts (Jeremiah 31:31-34), showing how God’s people throughout history have needed to regularly recommit themselves to His ways.

The chapter’s position in the post-exilic period is particularly significant as it demonstrates how the returning remnant sought to avoid the sins that led to their exile, actively choosing to align themselves with God’s covenant expectations.

Ancient Key Word Study

Seal (חָתַם – chatham): More than just a signature, this term implies a binding oath and personal guarantee. Used in ancient near eastern treaty documents, it signifies an irrevocable commitment and personal accountability before God.
Covenant (אֲמָנָה – amanah): Derived from the root meaning “faithfulness” or “firmness,” this term emphasizes the binding nature of the agreement. Unlike modern contracts, it represents a relationship-based commitment grounded in trust and loyalty.
Nobles (חֹרִים – chorim): Literally “free ones,” this term designated the social elite who bore special responsibility for leading the community. Their participation demonstrated whole-society commitment to the covenant.
Separate (בָּדַל – badal): This verb carries the idea of making a clear distinction or division. In this context, it speaks of the deliberate choice to live differently from surrounding nations, maintaining spiritual and cultural distinctiveness.
Offerings (תְּרוּמָה – terumah): More than just general gifts, this term specifically refers to portions set aside as holy to God. It carries the concept of lifting something up, symbolizing dedication to divine service.
House of God (בֵּית הָאֱלֹהִים – beth ha’elohim): Beyond just a building, this phrase represents the center of worship and God’s presence among His people. It symbolizes the priority of worship in community life.
First fruits (בִּכּוּרִים – bikkurim): These initial harvest offerings symbolized acknowledging God’s provision and sovereignty. They represented giving God the best rather than leftovers.
Priests (כֹּהֲנִים – kohanim): More than religious functionaries, they served as mediators between God and people, maintaining spiritual order and teaching God’s ways to the community.
Levites (לְוִיִּם – Levi’im): This dedicated tribe served as assistants to the priests and teachers of the Law. Their support through tithes represented the community’s commitment to maintaining spiritual education and worship.

Compare & Contrast

Verse 1’s use of “sealed document” (בַּאֲמָנָה הַחֲתוּמִים) rather than simply “wrote” emphasizes the legally binding nature of the commitment. This terminology was deliberately chosen to parallel ancient near eastern treaty documents, giving the covenant renewal official status.
The phrase “entered into a curse and an oath” in verse 29 combines two Hebrew terms (בְּאָלָה וּבִשְׁבוּעָה) that could seem redundant but together emphasize both the consequences of breaking the covenant and the positive commitment to keep it.
The specification of “one-third of a shekel” for the temple tax (verse 32) rather than a half-shekel as in Exodus 30:13 likely reflects the economic reality of the post-exilic community while maintaining the principle of regular temple support.
The commitment to bring “wood offerings” (verse 34) represents a new addition to Mosaic law, addressing the practical needs of continuous temple worship in a deforested region.
The phrase “we will not neglect the house of our God” (verse 39) uses the Hebrew word נַעֲזֹב (abandon) rather than a simpler term for “forget,” emphasizing active responsibility rather than passive remembrance.

Can a Bible Come to Life over a Coffee?

This biblical entry has a unique origin story. Find out how it came to be—and why your visit today is about so much more than words. Get your coffee ready—God’s about to visit. But will you open the door for Him?

I’m ready

Nehemiah 10 Unique Insights

The chapter presents a fascinating example of how biblical law could be adapted to new circumstances while maintaining its essential principles. The addition of the wood offering schedule, not found in the Mosaic Law, shows how the community thoughtfully applied Torah principles to their current situation. This demonstrates that faithful obedience isn’t about rigid legalism but about understanding and applying God’s principles in changing circumstances.

The list of signatories in verses 1-27 follows a significant pattern. Beginning with Nehemiah the governor (rather than the high priest), it shows how civil and religious leadership worked together in post-exilic Jewish society. The Talmud (Megillah 27a) notes that this ordering reflects the unique temporary authority structure needed for community restoration, while maintaining respect for the traditional priestly role.

Early rabbinic commentary (Sifre to Deuteronomy) points out that the specific commitments made in this chapter go beyond mere repetition of Torah commands—they represent practical applications for their time. This shows how each generation must thoughtfully apply God’s eternal principles to their specific context.

The chapter also contains hidden numerical significance. The 84 signatories (when counting individuals and family representatives) corresponds to the gematria of the word “פדות” (redemption), suggesting that this covenant renewal was seen as part of God’s ongoing redemptive work.

Nehemiah 10 Connections to Yeshua

The solemn covenant renewal in this chapter prefigures the New Covenant established by Yeshua. Just as the people bound themselves with a written document sealed by leaders, the Messiah would establish a better covenant written on hearts (Hebrews 8:6-13).

The community’s commitment to support the temple worship system points forward to Yeshua, our great High Priest, who would not need daily sacrifices but would offer Himself once for all (Hebrews 7:27). The careful attention to maintaining proper worship foreshadows how believers would become living temples through the Messiah’s work (1 Corinthians 6:19).

Nehemiah 10 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter resonates with multiple biblical themes and passages. The covenant renewal mirrors similar ceremonies under Moses (Exodus 24) and Joshua (Joshua 24), showing the cyclical nature of spiritual renewal in Israel’s history.

The detailed attention to temple support echoes David’s preparations for the first temple (1 Chronicles 29:1-9). The commitment to avoid intermarriage recalls Solomon’s failures (1 Kings 11:1-8) and their consequences.

The promise to keep the Sabbath connects to creation (Genesis 2:1-3) and the exodus (Deuteronomy 5:12-15), showing how this command encompasses both creation and redemption themes.

Nehemiah 10 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to consider how we respond to God’s Word. The Israelites’ example shows that genuine spiritual revival leads to specific, practical commitments. What concrete changes should our understanding of God’s Word produce in our lives?

The community’s pledge to support God’s house reminds us to prioritize kingdom work in our resource allocation. Their commitment went beyond vague good intentions to specific, scheduled actions. How can we move from good intentions to concrete commitments in our spiritual lives?

Their promise to keep the Sabbath challenges our modern tendency to let busy schedules crowd out time with God. How can we create rhythms of rest and worship in our lives?

Did You Know

The practice of casting lots for the wood offering (verse 34) became an annual festival in Second Temple times called Yom Ha’atzim (Day of Wood Offering).
The list of signatories includes representatives from all social classes, making this one of the most inclusive covenant ceremonies in biblical history.
The temple tax mentioned here was later standardized to a half-shekel, as evidenced by coins found from the Second Temple period.
The commitment to bring firstfruits was scheduled according to an agricultural calendar that’s still reflected in modern Jewish observances of Shavuot.
The phrase “we will not neglect the house of our God” became a rallying cry during later periods of Jewish history when the temple was threatened.
The organizational structure reflected in the chapter influenced the development of synagogue governance throughout the Second Temple period.
Archaeological evidence from Persian-period Jerusalem shows evidence of the economic reforms mentioned in this chapter, including standardized weights and measures.
The specification of wood offerings suggests significant deforestation around Jerusalem during this period, confirmed by archaeological studies.
The commitment to avoid mixed marriages was particularly crucial as genetic studies suggest the post-exilic community was quite small and vulnerable to cultural absorption.

Have you been blessed?

This website has over 46,000 Biblical resources, made possible through the generosity of the 0.03% of supporters like you. If you’ve been blessed today, please consider sending a gift.

send a gift

Bible Themes

Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. What is the F.O.G?

Articles: 46862

0 Comments

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments