Nehemiah 10:11

KJV

Micha, Rehob, Hashabiah,

KJV (with Strong's)

Micha {H4316}, Rehob {H7340}, Hashabiah {H2811},

Complete Jewish Bible

Mikha, Rechov, Hashavyah,

Berean Standard Bible

Mica, Rehob, Hashabiah,

American Standard Version

Mica, Rehob, Hashabiah,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 10:11, listing the names Micha, Rehob, and Hashabiah, is a concise yet significant verse within a broader passage (Nehemiah 10:9-27) that meticulously records the Levites, priests, and leaders who formally affixed their seals to a solemn covenant with God. This act, following the public reading of the Law and a period of national repentance, signified a profound communal and individual commitment to renewed obedience to God's commandments and the restoration of faithful practices in post-exilic Jerusalem.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 10 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative flow of the book, transitioning from the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls (Nehemiah 1-6) and the repopulation of the city (Nehemiah 7) to a profound spiritual renewal. Chapters 8 and 9 describe the public reading of the Law by Ezra, leading to deep conviction, confession of sin, and corporate worship. This spiritual awakening culminates in the formal covenant documented in Nehemiah 10. The listing of names, including those in Nehemiah 10:11, serves as a legal and spiritual record of those who personally endorsed this binding agreement, underscoring the seriousness of their commitment to walk in God's Law and uphold His statutes. The flow emphasizes that physical restoration must be accompanied by spiritual revival and covenant faithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Nehemiah 10 occur in the mid-5th century BC, during the Persian period, following the return of Jewish exiles from Babylon. The community was striving to re-establish its identity as God's people in their ancestral land. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, covenants were foundational to political, social, and religious life, often involving formal documents, public oaths, and the sealing of names to signify agreement and commitment. This covenant in Nehemiah was a national renewal, a reaffirmation of the Mosaic Covenant, demonstrating the people's collective resolve to live distinctly as God's chosen nation. The meticulous listing of names highlights the individual responsibility within this corporate commitment, a common practice in legal and administrative documents of the time.
* **Key Themes:** The names in Nehemiah 10:11 contribute to several overarching themes in the book of Nehemiah and the broader post-exilic narrative. Firstly, **Covenant Renewal and Commitment** is paramount; the entire chapter details the people's solemn pledge to God, a fresh start after generations of unfaithfulness that led to exile. The public signing underscores the seriousness and public nature of this commitment, mirroring the original covenant at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God's Covenant with Israel"). Secondly, **Accountability and Leadership** are highlighted, as the signatories include priests, Levites, and chiefs of the people. These individuals, including Micha, Rehob, and Hashabiah, were spiritual leaders responsible for guiding the people in the Law, and their public signing established a clear standard of accountability for themselves and the community they served, as seen in the call for obedience in [Deuteronomy 29:10-15](/deuteronomy/29-10 "Deuteronomy 29:10-15 - Covenant Renewal"). Thirdly, the **Divine Record and Remembrance** is a subtle but powerful theme. The meticulous listing of names implies that God takes note of those who commit themselves to Him, serving as a historical record of faithfulness and a testament to the enduring relationship between God and His people. This echoes the concept of names being recorded in God's book, as mentioned in [Malachi 3:16](/malachi/3-16 "Malachi 3:16 - Book of Remembrance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Micha (Hebrew, _mîkā'_):** A shortened form of Michael (מִיכָאֵל, _mîkā'ēl_), meaning "Who is like God?" This rhetorical question serves as a powerful theological statement, acknowledging God's incomparable greatness and sovereignty. In the context of a covenant renewal, bearing such a name could signify a personal declaration of God's uniqueness and supremacy, aligning one's identity with the very nature of the God to whom the covenant is made.
* **Rehob (Hebrew, _reḥōḇ_):** Meaning "broad place," "street," or "open space." This name often refers to a geographical location (e.g., [Numbers 13:21](/numbers/13-21 "Numbers 13:21 - Spies in Rehob")) or can metaphorically suggest freedom, spaciousness, or prosperity. While its specific significance for this individual is not detailed, it might indicate a place of origin or a hopeful aspiration for the community's future, free from the constraints of exile and oppression.
* **Hashabiah (Hebrew, _ḥašabyāh_):** Meaning "Yahweh has accounted," "Yahweh has considered," or "Yahweh has esteemed." This name carries profound theological weight, directly connecting to the act of being listed and remembered in the covenant. It beautifully resonates with the idea that God acknowledges, values, and takes note of the commitment and faithfulness of His people, reinforcing the theme of divine remembrance and the personal significance of each signatory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Micha":** This name signifies an individual who, by participating in the covenant, implicitly affirms the incomparable nature of God. The inclusion of Micha's name indicates his personal and public endorsement of the community's renewed commitment to Yahweh, the one true God, acknowledging His unique authority and power over their lives and nation.
* **"Rehob":** The presence of Rehob's name among the signatories represents another individual's participation in the solemn pledge. While the name itself may allude to a geographical origin or a desire for freedom, its inclusion here primarily highlights his personal commitment to the covenant, contributing to the collective strength and unity of the renewed community.
* **"Hashabiah":** The name Hashabiah, meaning "Yahweh has accounted," powerfully underscores the divine recognition of the covenant-making act. His inclusion signifies an individual whose commitment is not only observed by the community but is also, by the very meaning of his name, seen and valued by God Himself, reinforcing the spiritual weight and eternal significance of the signed agreement.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 10:11, as part of a larger list, primarily employs **Cataloguing** or **Listing**, a common literary device in historical and legal texts of the ancient world. This meticulous enumeration of names serves several purposes: it provides an official record of the signatories, lending authenticity and weight to the covenant; it emphasizes the collective nature of the commitment while simultaneously highlighting the individual participation of each person; and it underscores the importance of every member's role in the community's spiritual life. The sheer volume of names, though seemingly mundane, creates a sense of **Repetition** that reinforces the widespread and unified dedication of the people. Furthermore, the inclusion of names like "Hashabiah" introduces a subtle layer of **Symbolism**, where the name itself becomes a theological statement, reflecting the divine acknowledgment of the human act of covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The covenant in Nehemiah 10, sealed by individuals like Micha, Rehob, and Hashabiah, stands as a powerful testament to the enduring biblical theme of God's covenant relationship with His people and humanity's call to faithful response. This act of renewal reflects the cyclical pattern of sin, repentance, and restoration found throughout Scripture. It underscores that true spiritual revival is not merely emotional but leads to concrete, public commitments to God's Law and His ways. The meticulous recording of names signifies the personal accountability inherent in such a covenant, reminding us that while God deals with nations and communities, He also sees and values the individual's heart and commitment. This human act of signing mirrors God's own faithfulness to His promises, even when His people falter, demonstrating His desire for an intimate, binding relationship.

* [Deuteronomy 29:10-15](/deuteronomy/29-10 "Deuteronomy 29:10-15 - Covenant Renewal at Moab")
* [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant Prophecy")
* [Revelation 3:5](/revelation/3-5 "Revelation 3:5 - Names in the Book of Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Nehemiah 10:11 might initially appear as a mere historical record of names, it carries profound implications for contemporary believers. It reminds us that faith is not a passive assent but an active, often public, commitment to God's will. Just as these individuals publicly affirmed their dedication, we too are called to a similar resolve in our faith, not merely in private devotion but in how we live our lives within the community of believers and before the world. Our commitment to Christ, though not sealed with wax on a physical scroll, is known to God and should be evident in our obedience, our service, and our participation in the church. This verse encourages us to value the corporate worship and covenant of the church, recognizing the strength and encouragement found in collective dedication to God's purposes, and to live lives that authentically reflect our declared allegiance to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my personal commitment to God manifest itself publicly in my life?**
* **In what ways do I contribute to the corporate spiritual health and covenant faithfulness of my faith community?**
* **What does it mean for my "name" to be recorded in God's book, and how does that understanding impact my daily choices?**
* **How can I ensure my faith is not just a private matter but a lived reality that inspires accountability and dedication?**

### FAQ
**Why are these specific names listed in the Bible, and what is their significance?**

Answer: The listing of names like Micha, Rehob, and Hashabiah in Nehemiah 10 serves several crucial purposes. Historically, it provides an official and verifiable record of those who participated in the solemn covenant renewal, lending legal and social weight to the agreement. Theologically, it underscores the personal nature of commitment within a corporate context; each name represents an individual who willingly pledged allegiance to God and His Law. It emphasizes that while God deals with His people collectively, He also recognizes and values the individual's response of faith. Furthermore, some names, like Hashabiah ("Yahweh has accounted"), carry inherent theological meaning, reinforcing the idea of divine remembrance and recognition of human faithfulness. These lists, though seemingly dry, are a testament to the seriousness of the covenant and the importance of individual accountability before God and the community.

**Does the Bible's emphasis on names in passages like Nehemiah 10:11 have any relevance for us today?**

Answer: Absolutely. The emphasis on names throughout the Bible, including in Nehemiah 10:11, highlights the significance of individual identity and personal responsibility before God. For us today, it serves as a powerful reminder that our faith is deeply personal, requiring individual decision and commitment, even within a community. Just as these individuals publicly affirmed their dedication to the Mosaic Law, believers today are called to a personal and public commitment to Christ and His teachings. This concept finds its ultimate expression in the New Testament, where believers' names are said to be written in the [Book of Life](/revelation/20-15 "Revelation 20:15 - The Book of Life"), signifying their eternal covenant relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It encourages us to live lives worthy of that divine recognition, knowing that God knows each of us by name and values our faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous listing of names in Nehemiah 10:11, signifying a renewed commitment to the Old Covenant, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant established through Jesus. The Israelites' earnest pledge to obey the Law, though sincere, ultimately revealed humanity's inability to perfectly uphold God's righteous standards, foreshadowing the need for a greater covenant. Jesus, the ultimate covenant keeper, perfectly fulfilled the Law and established a new and better covenant, not written on stone tablets or scrolls, but on the hearts of His people through His Spirit (as prophesied in [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant on Hearts") and explained in [Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - Christ, the Mediator of a Better Covenant")). While the names in Nehemiah were recorded on an earthly scroll, believers in Christ have their names eternally inscribed in the [Lamb's Book of Life](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Names in the Book of Life"), not by their own imperfect pledges, but by the perfect sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus. Our commitment is no longer to a system of laws for righteousness, but to a Person—Jesus Christ—who is our righteousness ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Righteousness")). He is the one who "accounts" for us, fulfilling the very meaning of "Hashabiah," ensuring our inclusion in God's eternal family and securing our place in the new Jerusalem, where only those whose names are written in the Book of Life may enter ([Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Entrance to the New Jerusalem")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Nehemiah 11:22

The overseer also of the Levites at Jerusalem [was] Uzzi the son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micha. Of the sons of Asaph, the singers [were] over the business of the house of God.

Nehemiah 11:15

Also of the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hashub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Bunni;

Ezra 8:19

And Hashabiah, and with him Jeshaiah of the sons of Merari, his brethren and their sons, twenty;

Ezra 8:24

¶ Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests, Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brethren with them,

Nehemiah 12:24

And the chief of the Levites: Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua the son of Kadmiel, with their brethren over against them, to praise [and] to give thanks, according to the commandment of David the man of God, ward over against ward.