Nehemiah Chapter 10
Please read: Nehemiah 10 –
The last verse of the previous chapter tells us that the people made a written covenant promise to God. This written covenant was then sealed (authenticated) with the signature of men of leadership. They knew that covenants were important to God and they wanted to show their sincerity and loyalty to God by making a binding covenant with Him. This covenant was also a statement of understanding that if they broke the covenant, that God would curse them, punish them for their disobedience.
What the people promised to do going forward in their walk with God was exactly what He had told them in His Law that they must do. We must remember that these people had already lived through a time of God’s judgement when they were taken away captive by the Babylonians. They knew that God would do that again or something similar to bring them back into alignment with Him. So, their covenant promises truly meant a great deal to them. And the importance of the signatures of the leadership of the people held great meaning. These men were putting their lives on the line as being responsible for leading and guiding the people in righteous living.
Let's Reflect
1. The signatures on this written document included Nehemiah the governor, the Levites, and what other important group?
2. According to verse 30 what was the first part of their covenant promise?
3. According to the law of Moses, they also promised that they would not partake in purchases from outsiders on the Sabbath, they promised to let their land rest in the seventh year and to also forgive debts in the seventh year. What did they promise to give to the temple yearly for its necessary operation?
4. They promised to take care of the things needed for the sacrifices that would be made at the temple such as the wood that would be needed. They also promised to bring their firstfruits. What does firstfruits mean?
5. They also promised to give their firstborn sons which meant they would be “set apart” (recognized) to be available to be used as a servant to God. What other firstborn did they pledge to give to God for His service?
6. They also promised to give of their tithes to God. Who collected the monies called tithes?
7. The people took action after hearing the Law of God read to them. They did not simply listen passively. They determined they must live a different lifestyle because they realized God demanded it. The promises they made were to live godly lives and to not neglect God’s laws. According to the last verse, they were promising to give attention to what?
