Nehemiah 10:1

¶ Now those that sealed [were], Nehemiah, the Tirshatha, the son of Hachaliah, and Zidkijah,

Now those that sealed {H2856} were, Nehemiah {H5166}, the Tirshatha {H8660}, the son {H1121} of Hachaliah {H2446}, and Zidkijah {H6667},

On the sealed document were the names of: Nechemyah the Tirshata the son of Hakhalyah, Tzedekyah,

Now these were the ones who sealed the document: Nehemiah the governor, son of Hacaliah, and also Zedekiah,

Now those that sealed were: Nehemiah the governor, the son of Hacaliah, and Zedekiah,

Commentary on Nehemiah 10:1 (KJV)

Nehemiah 10:1 begins a pivotal section in the book of Nehemiah, listing the prominent individuals who formally ratified the solemn covenant made by the returned exiles in Judah. This verse sets the stage for understanding the commitment and leadership involved in the spiritual renewal of the Jewish community after their return from Babylonian captivity.

Historical and Cultural Context

Following the successful rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 6) and a profound spiritual revival initiated by the public reading of the Law by Ezra the scribe (Nehemiah 8:8), the people of Israel confessed their sins and renewed their covenant with God. This act, detailed in Nehemiah 9, culminated in a written agreement. Nehemiah 10:1 introduces the signatories, beginning with Nehemiah himself, underscoring the formal and binding nature of this post-exilic commitment to God's commandments, statutes, and judgments. The act of "sealing" was a crucial legal procedure in the ancient Near East, making a document official and binding.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Covenant Renewal and Commitment: The primary theme is the formal and public act of renewing the covenant with God. This was not merely a verbal promise but a legally attested document, symbolizing the deep resolve of the community to rededicate themselves to divine law.
  • Leadership by Example: Nehemiah, as the highest civil authority present, leads the list of signatories. This demonstrates the importance of spiritual and civic leaders setting a personal example of obedience and faithfulness, inspiring the people to follow suit.
  • Corporate Responsibility: The list of those who sealed the covenant, detailed in the subsequent verses, includes priests, Levites, and other leaders, signifying a collective and unified commitment from all segments of the community to uphold God's Law and restore proper worship and societal order.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Tirshatha": This title, applied to Nehemiah, is a Persian loanword. It is generally understood to mean "governor" or "commissioner," indicating his official authority granted by the Persian king. Nehemiah’s use of this title highlights his dual role as a political leader and a spiritual catalyst for his people, using his administrative power to facilitate religious reform.
  • "Sealed": In ancient cultures, sealing a document with a signet ring or stamp was a formal legal act that authenticated and validated the contents. It signified a firm, unshakeable agreement, making the covenant a legally binding contract between the people and God, witnessed by the community.

Significance and Practical Application

Nehemiah 10:1 provides powerful insights for believers today. It emphasizes that while internal faith is paramount, outward, formal expressions of dedication can solidify resolve and provide a public testimony of commitment. Nehemiah's leadership, where he actively participated in the commitment he expected of the community, serves as a timeless example for leaders in all spheres.

The act of the people entering into this solemn covenant reminds us of the conscious, deliberate choice required in our faith. It calls for a personal and corporate commitment to live according to God's principles, just as the Israelites committed to the Law. For Christians, this echoes the call to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, as a spiritual act of worship.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Nehemiah 9:38

    And because of all this we make a sure [covenant], and write [it]; and our princes, Levites, [and] priests, seal [unto it].

  • Nehemiah 8:9

    ¶ And Nehemiah, which [is] the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day [is] holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.

  • Nehemiah 1:1

    ¶ The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,

  • Nehemiah 7:70

    And some of the chief of the fathers gave unto the work. The Tirshatha gave to the treasure a thousand drams of gold, fifty basons, five hundred and thirty priests' garments.

  • Ezra 2:63

    And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim.

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