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In the KJVVerse 12,561 of 31,102
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Commentary on Nehemiah 10 verses 1–31
1 ¶ Now those that sealed were, Nehemiah, the Tirshatha, the son of Hachaliah, and Zidkijah,
2 Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah,
3 Pashur, Amariah, Malchijah,
4 Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluch,
5 Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah,
6 Daniel, Ginnethon, Baruch,
7 Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin,
8 Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah: these were the priests.
9 And the Levites: both Jeshua the son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons of Henadad, Kadmiel;
10 And their brethren, Shebaniah, Hodijah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan,
11 Micha, Rehob, Hashabiah,
12 Zaccur, Sherebiah, Shebaniah,
13 Hodijah, Bani, Beninu.
14 The chief of the people; Parosh, Pahathmoab, Elam, Zatthu, Bani,
15 Bunni, Azgad, Bebai,
16 Adonijah, Bigvai, Adin,
17 Ater, Hizkijah, Azzur,
18 Hodijah, Hashum, Bezai,
19 Hariph, Anathoth, Nebai,
20 Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir,
21 Meshezabeel, Zadok, Jaddua,
22 Pelatiah, Hanan, Anaiah,
23 Hoshea, Hananiah, Hashub,
24 Hallohesh, Pileha, Shobek,
25 Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah,
26 And Ahijah, Hanan, Anan,
27 Malluch, Harim, Baanah.
28 And the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the porters, the singers, the Nethinims, and all they that had separated themselves from the people of the lands unto the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, every one having knowledge, and having understanding;
29 They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes;
30 And that we would not give our daughters unto the people of the land, nor take their daughters for our sons:
31 And if the people of the land bring ware or any victuals on the sabbath day to sell, that we would not buy it of them on the sabbath, or on the holy day: and that we would leave the seventh year, and the exaction of every debt.
When Israel was first brought into covenant with God it was done by sacrifice and the sprinkling of blood, Ex. 24. But here it was done by the more natural and common way of sealing and subscribing the written articles of the covenant, which bound them to no more than was already their duty. Now here we have,
I. The names of those public persons who, as the representatives and heads of the congregation, set their hands and seals to this covenant, because it would have been an endless piece of work for every particular person to do it; and, if these leading men did their part in pursuance of this covenant, their example would have a good influence upon all the people. Now observe, 1. Nehemiah, who was the governor, signed first, to show his forwardness in this work and to set others a good example, Neh 10:1. Those that are above others in dignity and power should go before them in the way of God. 2. Next to him subscribed twenty-two priests, among whom I wonder we do not find Ezra, who was an active man in the solemnity (Ezr 8:2) which was but the first day of the same month, and therefore we cannot think he was absent; but he, having before done his part as a scribe, now left it to others to do theirs. 3. Next to the priests, seventeen Levites subscribed this covenant, among whom we find all or most of those who were the mouth of the congregation in prayer, Ezr 9:4, Ezr 9:5. This showed that they themselves were affected with what they had said, and would not bind those burdens on others which they themselves declined to touch. Those that lead in prayer should lead in every other good work. 4. Next to the Levites, forty-four of the chief of the people gave it under their hands for themselves and all the rest, chiefly those whom they had influence upon, that they would keep God's commandments. Their names are left upon record here, to their honour, as men that were forward and active in reviving and endeavouring to perpetuate religion in their country. The memory of such shall be blessed. It is observable that most of those who were mentioned, Ezr 7:8, etc., as heads of houses or clans, are here mentioned among the first of the chief of the people that subscribed, whoever was the present head bearing the name of him that was head when they came out of Babylon, and these were fittest to subscribe for all those of their father's house. Here are Parosh, Pahathmoab, Elam, Zatthu, Bani (Neh 10:14), Azgad, Bebai, Bigvai, Adin, Ater, Hashum, Bezai, Hariph, Anathoth, and some others in the following verses, that are all found in that catalogue. Those that have interest must use it for God.
II. The concurrence of the rest of the people with them, and the rest of the priests and Levites, who signified their consent to what their chiefs did. With them joined, 1. Their wives and children; for they had transgressed, and they must reform. Every one that had knowledge and understanding must covenant with God. As soon as young people grow up to be capable of distinguishing between good and evil, and of acting intelligently, they ought to make it their own act and deed to join themselves to the Lord. 2. The proselytes of other nations, all that had separated themselves from the people of the lands, their gods and their worship, unto the law of God, and the observance of that law. See what conversion it; it is separating ourselves from the course and custom of this world, and devoting ourselves to the conduce of the word of God. And, as there is one law, so there is one covenant, one baptism, for the stranger and for him that is born in the land. Observe how the concurrence of the people is expressed, Neh 10:29. (1.) They clave to their brethren one and all. Here those whom the court blessed the country blessed too! The commonalty agreed with their nobles in this good work. Great men never look so great as when they encourage religion, and are examples of it; and they would by that, as much as any thing, secure an interest in the most valuable of their inferiors. Let but the nobles cordially espouse religious causes, and perhaps they will find people cleave to them therein closer than they can imagine. Observe, Their nobles are called their brethren; for, in the things of God, rich and poor, high and low, meet together. (2.) They entered into a curse and an oath. As the nobles confirmed the covenant with their hands and seals, so the people with a curse and an oath, solemnly appealing to God concerning their sincerity, and imprecating his just revenge if they dealt deceitfully. Every oath has in it a conditional curse upon the soul, which makes it a strong bond upon the soul; for our own tongues, if false and lying tongues, will fall, and fall heavily, upon ourselves.
III. The general purport of this covenant. They laid upon themselves no other burden than this necessary thing, which they were already obliged to by all other engagements of duty, interest, and gratitude - to walk in God's law, and to do all his commandments, Neh 10:29. Thus David swore that he would keep God's righteous judgments, Psa 119:106. Our own covenant binds us to this, if not more strongly, yet more sensibly, than we were before bound, and therefore we must not think it needless thus to bind ourselves. Observe, When we bind ourselves to do the commandments of God we bind ourselves to do all his commandments, and therein to have an eye to him as the Lord and our Lord.
IV. Some of the particular articles of this covenant, such as were adapted to their present temptations. 1. That they would not intermarry with the heathen, Neh 10:30. Many of them had been guilty of this, Ezr 9:1. In our covenants with God we should engage particularly against those sins that we have been most frequently overtaken in and damaged by. Those that resolve to keep the commandments of God must say to evil doers, Depart, Psa 119:115. 2. That they would keep no markets on the sabbath day, or any other day of which the law had said, You shall do no work therein. They would not only not sell goods themselves for gain on that day, but they would not encourage the heathen to sell on that day by buying of them, no not victuals, under pretence of necessity; but would buy in their provisions for their families the day before, Neh 10:31. Note, Those that covenant to keep all God's commandments must particularly covenant to keep sabbaths well; for the profanation of them is an inlet to other instances of profaneness. The sabbath is a market day for our souls, but not for our bodies. 3. That they would not be severe in exacting their debts, but would observe the seventh year as a year of release, according to the law, Neh 10:31. In this matter they had been faulty (ch. 5), and here therefore they promise to reform. This was the acceptable fast, to undo the heavy burden, and to let the oppressed go free, Isa 58:6. It was in the close of the day of expiation that the jubilee trumpet sounded. It was for the neglect of observing the seventh year as a year of rest for the land that God had made it enjoy its sabbaths seventy years (Lev 26:35), and therefore they covenanted to observe that law. Those are stubborn children indeed that will not amend the fault for which they have been particularly corrected.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–31. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Nehemiah 10:11, concisely listing the names Micha, Rehob, and Hashabiah, is a significant detail within a larger 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 pivotal act, occurring after 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, establishing a spiritual and legal foundation for the community's future.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Nehemiah 10:11, as an integral part of an extensive list of names, primarily employs Cataloguing or Enumeration, a pervasive literary device in historical and legal texts of the ancient Near East. This meticulous enumeration of names serves multiple crucial purposes: it establishes an official and verifiable record of the covenant signatories, thereby lending authenticity, legal weight, and solemnity to the agreement; it powerfully emphasizes the collective and unified nature of the community's commitment while simultaneously highlighting the indispensable individual participation of each person; and it underscores the importance of every member's role in the spiritual life and destiny of the returned exiles. The sheer volume of names, though seemingly mundane, creates a sense of Repetition that reinforces the widespread and unified dedication of the people to their covenant vows. Furthermore, the inclusion of names such as "Hashabiah" introduces a subtle but profound layer of Symbolism, where the very meaning of the name becomes a theological statement, reflecting the divine acknowledgment and remembrance 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 perpetual call to faithful response. This act of renewal vividly reflects the cyclical pattern of sin, repentance, and restoration found throughout Scripture, demonstrating that true spiritual revival is not merely an emotional experience but culminates in 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 intimately sees and values the individual's heart and commitment. This human act of signing mirrors God's own unwavering faithfulness to His promises, even when His people falter, profoundly demonstrating His desire for an intimate, binding, and enduring relationship.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Nehemiah 10:11 might initially appear as a mere historical record of names, it carries profound and timeless implications for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that authentic faith is not a passive assent but an active, often public, commitment to God's will and His kingdom. Just as these individuals publicly affirmed their dedication to the covenant, 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 a watching world. Our commitment to Christ, though not sealed with wax on a physical scroll, is known to God and should be tangibly evident in our obedience, our selfless service, and our active participation in the church. This verse encourages us to value the corporate worship and covenant of the church, recognizing the immense strength, encouragement, and accountability found in collective dedication to God's purposes, and to live lives that authentically reflect our declared allegiance to Him.
Questions for Reflection
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 deeply 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 sincere response of faith. Furthermore, some names, like Hashabiah ("Yahweh has regarded/accounted"), carry inherent theological meaning, reinforcing the idea of divine remembrance and recognition of human faithfulness. These lists, though seemingly dry to a modern reader, are a testament to the seriousness of the covenant and the profound importance of individual accountability before God and the community. This practice of recording names is seen throughout Scripture, from genealogies to the Book of Life.
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, powerfully highlights the significance of individual identity and personal responsibility before God. For us today, it serves as a profound reminder that our faith is deeply personal, requiring individual decision and commitment, even within the context of 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, 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 intimately by name and profoundly values our faithfulness and obedience.
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 Christ. The Israelites' earnest pledge to obey the Law, though sincere and well-intentioned, ultimately revealed humanity's inherent inability to perfectly uphold God's righteous standards, thereby foreshadowing the desperate need for a greater, more efficacious covenant. Jesus, the ultimate covenant keeper and perfect mediator, perfectly fulfilled the Law through His sinless life and atoning death, establishing a new and better covenant. This New Covenant is not written on stone tablets or perishable scrolls, but on the hearts of His people through the indwelling Holy Spirit, as prophesied in Jeremiah 31:33 and expounded upon in Hebrews 8:6-13. 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, not by their own imperfect pledges or works, but solely by the perfect sacrifice and glorious resurrection of Jesus. Our commitment is no longer to a system of laws for righteousness, but to a Person—Jesus Christ—who is Himself our righteousness (1 Corinthians 1:30). 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).