Nehemiah 12:44
¶ And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited.
And at that time {H3117} were some {H582} appointed {H6485} over the chambers {H5393} for the treasures {H214}, for the offerings {H8641}, for the firstfruits {H7225}, and for the tithes {H4643}, to gather {H3664} into them out of the fields {H7704} of the cities {H5892} the portions {H4521} of the law {H8451} for the priests {H3548} and Levites {H3881}: for Judah {H3063} rejoiced {H8057} for the priests {H3548} and for the Levites {H3881} that waited {H5975}.
At that time, men were appointed to be in charge of the storerooms for supplies, contributions, firstfruits and tenths, and to gather into them, from the fields belonging to the cities, the portions prescribed by the Torah for the cohanim and L'vi'im. For Y'hudah rejoiced over the cohanim and L'vi'im who took their position
And on that same day men were appointed over the rooms that housed the supplies, contributions, firstfruits, and tithes. The portions specified by the Law for the priests and Levites were gathered into these storerooms from the fields of the villages, because Judah rejoiced over the priests and Levites who were serving.
And on that day were men appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the heave-offerings, for the first-fruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them, according to the fields of the cities, the portions appointed by the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited.
Cross-References
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Nehemiah 13:12 (5 votes)
Then brought all Judah the tithe of the corn and the new wine and the oil unto the treasuries. -
Nehemiah 13:13 (5 votes)
And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them [was] Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah: for they were counted faithful, and their office [was] to distribute unto their brethren. -
Nehemiah 10:37 (4 votes)
And [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. -
Nehemiah 10:39 (4 votes)
For 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. -
2 Chronicles 31:11 (3 votes)
¶ Then Hezekiah commanded to prepare chambers in the house of the LORD; and they prepared [them], -
2 Chronicles 31:13 (3 votes)
And Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, [were] overseers under the hand of Cononiah and Shimei his brother, at the commandment of Hezekiah the king, and Azariah the ruler of the house of God. -
Numbers 3:10 (2 votes)
And thou shalt appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall wait on their priest's office: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.
Commentary
Nehemiah 12:44 describes a crucial aspect of the post-exilic spiritual revival in Jerusalem: the systematic organization of support for the priests and Levites who served in the newly restored temple. This verse highlights the practical steps taken to ensure that those dedicated to God's service were adequately provided for, reflecting a renewed commitment to the Mosaic Law.
Context
Following the significant work of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls under Nehemiah's leadership and the spiritual renewal brought about by Ezra's teaching of the Law, the people of Judah turned their attention to restoring proper temple worship and its sustained operation. Nehemiah 12 culminates with the dedication of the wall and the establishment of an administrative structure for the temple. Verse 44 specifically details the appointment of individuals responsible for managing the temple's finances and provisions, including tithes, offerings, and firstfruits. This was essential because the Levites and priests, by divine decree, did not inherit land and were to be sustained by the contributions of the other tribes, as outlined in the Law of Moses.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The term "chambers" (Hebrew: lishkah) refers to specific rooms or storerooms within the temple complex, designed for the storage of these holy contributions. This detail highlights the meticulous planning and infrastructure put in place to manage the resources dedicated to God's service, ensuring order and accountability.
Practical Application
Nehemiah 12:44 offers enduring principles for believers today. It reminds us of the biblical precedent for supporting those who serve in ministry, whether pastors, missionaries, or other spiritual leaders. This support is not merely charity but an act of obedience and partnership in God's work. Furthermore, the verse emphasizes the importance of good stewardship and administration of resources within the church, ensuring that contributions are handled with integrity and used effectively. Finally, the "rejoiced" aspect challenges us to give not out of obligation, but with a joyful heart, recognizing the value of spiritual service and the blessings it brings.
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