Nehemiah 10:1-39
Q.1. What was the substance of the Covenant that the people made with God? How serious was this national vow? – (Neh.9:38-10:31)
The people made a solemn Covenant. They confirmed it by signing their names on a sealed document (Neh.9:38 & 10:1 c.f. Neh.10:1-27). This involved all the people of Judah – 28 Now the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, the temple servants 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, all those who had knowledge and understanding, 29 are joining with their kinsmen, their nobles, and are taking on themselves a curse and an oath to walk in God’s law, which was given through Moses, God’s servant, and to keep and to observe all the commandments of God our Lord, and His ordinances and His statutes (Neh.10:28-29). Essentially, the people vowed to remain separated from the neighbouring peoples of the land, and to keep all the commandments of God. They also agreed to avoid buying goods from these people on the Sabbath, and not to fallow their land on the seventh year. They would also release the debts of their people (Neh.10:30-31).
Q.2. What steps ensured the follow through of their promises? How important were these steps for the services provided at the house of God? (Neh.9:32-39)
The leaders wisely spelled out practical steps to reinforce their promises. This was done by contributing an annual payment of a third of a shekel to support the functions of the temple – … to make atonement for Israel, and all the work of the house of our God (Neh.10:33). They also resolved to provide regular tithes, wood, the first fruits of their harvests, the firstlings of their flocks and herds, and the contribution for the redemption of their firstborn – … for the priests who are ministering in the house of our God … for the Levites are they who receive the tithes in all the rural towns (Neh.10:36-37). This would ensure that those set apart for their priestly functions could fulfill their duties – For the sons of Israel and the sons of Levi shall bring the contribution of the grain, the new wine, and the oil to the chambers; there are the utensils of the sanctuary, the priests who are ministering, the gatekeepers and the singers. Thus we will not neglect the house of our God (Neh.10:39).