Nehemiah 10:20

KJV

Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir,

KJV (with Strong's)

Magpiash {H4047}, Meshullam {H4918}, Hezir {H2387},

Complete Jewish Bible

Magpi'ash, Meshulam, Hezir,

Berean Standard Bible

Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir,

American Standard Version

Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 10:20, listing the names "Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir," is a concise yet profound segment within the larger record of the solemn covenant renewal undertaken by the returned Jewish exiles in Jerusalem. These names represent specific individuals who affixed their seals to a binding agreement, publicly affirming their personal and communal commitment to obey God's Law. Far from being a mere roster, this verse underscores the meticulous nature of ancient Near Eastern legal and religious documentation, highlighting the gravity and intentionality of the people's renewed dedication to their covenant relationship with Yahweh following the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 10:20 is situated within a crucial chapter that details the formal sealing of a renewed covenant between the post-exilic Jewish community and God. This act follows a period of intense spiritual revival, initiated by Ezra's public reading of the Law in [Nehemiah 8](/nehemiah/8 "Nehemiah 8 - The Reading of the Law"), and a profound national confession of sin and divine faithfulness in [Nehemiah 9](/nehemiah/9 "Nehemiah 9 - Confession and Covenant"). The covenant document, explicitly mentioned as being sealed in [Nehemiah 9:38](/nehemiah/9-38 "Nehemiah 9:38 - The Covenant is Sealed"), serves as the climax of this spiritual awakening. Chapter 10 then meticulously lists the signatories, beginning with Nehemiah, the priests, Levites, and then the chiefs of the people, of whom Magpiash, Meshullam, and Hezir are a part. This detailed enumeration emphasizes the comprehensive and binding nature of their collective pledge.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Nehemiah 10 unfold in Jerusalem around 444 BCE, during the Persian period. The Jewish people had returned from Babylonian exile, and under the leadership of Nehemiah, the city walls had been successfully rebuilt. However, physical restoration was only part of the divine plan; spiritual restoration was paramount. The act of covenant renewal was a common practice in the ancient Near East, often involving formal documents, public readings, and the affixing of seals by prominent individuals to signify agreement and commitment. For the returning exiles, this was not merely a legal formality but a profound spiritual re-establishment of their national identity, which was intrinsically linked to their covenant relationship with God, as first established at Mount Sinai (cf. [Exodus 24](/exodus/24 "Exodus 24 - The Covenant at Sinai")). The meticulous record-keeping, including the listing of names, reflects the seriousness and binding nature of such an agreement in their culture.
* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 10:20, as part of the broader covenant sealing, contributes to several foundational themes in the book of Nehemiah and beyond. Firstly, it highlights **Covenant Fidelity**, emphasizing the people's renewed commitment to the Law of Moses as the blueprint for their national and individual lives, a theme central to Israel's identity from [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "Deuteronomy - The Covenant Renewed") onwards. Secondly, it underscores **Personal Accountability** within a communal framework, as each named individual, including Magpiash, Meshullam, and Hezir, personally endorsed the agreement, demonstrating that collective commitment is built upon individual resolve. Thirdly, the act of signing together showcases **Community Unity** and solidarity, essential for the fragile post-exilic community's survival and spiritual flourishing, echoing the call for unity found in [Psalm 133:1](/psalm/133-1 "Psalm 133:1 - The Goodness of Unity"). Finally, the very act of documenting these names speaks to the theme of **Historical Record and Divine Remembrance**, suggesting that God meticulously records the faithful acts of His people, just as He remembers His covenant promises (cf. [Psalm 105:8](/psalm/105-8 "Psalm 105:8 - God Remembers His Covenant")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Magpiash (Hebrew, _magpiash'_):** The meaning of this name is uncertain, though some suggest it might relate to "moth-eaten" or "destroying moth," or even "fleeing." Regardless of its precise etymology, its inclusion here signifies an individual who, despite any personal history or meaning of their name, stood in solidarity with the community to affirm the covenant. The very act of being listed emphasizes that every individual signatory, whether prominent or obscure, was vital to the collective commitment.
* **Meshullam (Hebrew, _meshullam'_):** This name is common in the Old Testament and typically means "paid back," "recompensed," or "at peace." Its recurrence suggests a respected individual, and its meaning could subtly underscore the idea of "making peace" or "making whole" with God through covenant renewal, or perhaps the "recompense" of God's faithfulness to His people. In this context, Meshullam represents a leader who actively participated in the public declaration of fidelity to God's Law.
* **Hezir (Hebrew, _chezir'_):_** This name means "pig" or "wild boar," which might seem unusual for a signatory to a sacred covenant. However, names in ancient cultures often had diverse origins and did not always carry the same connotations as they might today. Its inclusion demonstrates that the list was comprehensive, encompassing individuals whose names might seem common or even peculiar, yet who were recognized leaders taking a solemn vow. The diversity of names further reinforces the broad communal participation in this pivotal event.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Magpiash":** This name represents an individual leader among the people who personally affixed their seal to the covenant document. His inclusion signifies that the commitment was not merely a general communal agreement but a specific, individual pledge by those in positions of influence, underscoring personal responsibility within the collective.
* **"Meshullam":** As another named chief, Meshullam's presence on the list further emphasizes the broad base of leadership that formally consented to the covenant. His act of sealing served as a public declaration of his allegiance to God's Law, setting an example for the wider community and solidifying the agreement's legitimacy.
* **"Hezir":** The inclusion of Hezir's name completes this trio of chiefs, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of the signatories. His participation, alongside Magpiash and Meshullam, highlights the unity of purpose among the leaders and their collective resolve to guide the nation back to covenant faithfulness, making the agreement binding and representative of the entire community's will.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 10:20, within its broader context, primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Documentation**. The meticulous listing of names throughout Nehemiah 10 is a prime example of enumeration, serving to establish the comprehensive and authoritative nature of the covenant. This detailed record-keeping functions as **Documentation**, providing a historical and legal testament to the solemn agreement made by the post-exilic community. Furthermore, the very act of listing these names carries **Symbolism**; each name represents not just an individual but a commitment, a pledge, and a representative of a family or clan. The collective presence of these names symbolizes the unified resolve of the people to walk in obedience to God's Law, transforming an abstract concept of covenant into a tangible, signed agreement by specific, accountable individuals.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The listing of names in Nehemiah 10:20 is a powerful testament to the biblical theme of covenant and the importance of human response to divine initiative. Just as God faithfully remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and brought His people out of exile, the people, in turn, were called to reaffirm their commitment to Him. This act of sealing the covenant was a public declaration of their identity as God's chosen people, bound by His Law. It underscores that true spiritual revival is not merely emotional but leads to concrete, actionable steps of obedience and commitment. The meticulous record of names emphasizes that God values individual commitment within the communal body, and that such pledges are taken seriously in the divine economy.

* [Deuteronomy 29:10-15](/deuteronomy/29-10-15 "Covenant Renewal in Moab")
* [Joshua 24:25-27](/joshua/24-25-27 "Joshua 24:25-27 - Covenant Renewal at Shechem")
* [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 10:20, though a simple list of names, serves as a profound reminder of the significance of personal and corporate commitment to God. In an age often marked by fleeting promises and superficial engagements, the solemn act of these ancient leaders affixing their seals to a covenant document challenges us to consider the depth of our own spiritual commitments. Are our declarations of faith merely verbal, or are they substantiated by intentional actions and a public alignment with God's will? This verse calls us to consider our "signature" of faith—the tangible ways in which we demonstrate our allegiance to Christ and His kingdom. It encourages us to embrace accountability, both individually and communally, recognizing that our personal faithfulness contributes to the strength and witness of the entire body of believers. Just as Magpiash, Meshullam, and Hezir stood together, we too are called to live out our faith in unity, supporting and encouraging one another in our collective pursuit of God's purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for me to "sign" my commitment to God in my daily life?**
* **How does my personal commitment contribute to the strength and witness of my faith community?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to renew my covenant with God, moving from passive assent to active obedience?**
* **How can I foster greater unity and accountability within my spiritual community, following the example of the leaders in Nehemiah 10?**

### FAQ

**Why are these specific names listed in Nehemiah 10:20, and what is their significance?**

Answer: The names Magpiash, Meshullam, and Hezir are listed as part of a comprehensive roster of leaders—priests, Levites, and chiefs of the people—who affixed their seals to the covenant document in Nehemiah 10. Their significance lies not necessarily in their individual prominence (as they are not extensively mentioned elsewhere in Scripture), but in their collective representation. Their inclusion emphasizes the breadth and depth of the community's commitment to God's renewed covenant. Each name represents an individual leader taking personal responsibility for the nation's pledge, making the agreement legally binding and demonstrating a unified, intentional resolve to obey God's Law. This meticulous record-keeping underscores the seriousness of the spiritual undertaking and the importance of personal accountability within the communal body, echoing the principle found in [Romans 14:12](/romans/14-12 "Romans 14:12 - Each of us will give an account").

**What was the purpose of "sealing" the covenant, and how does this relate to modern commitments?**

Answer: In the ancient Near East, "sealing" a document, typically with a signet ring, was a legal act that rendered an agreement binding and official, much like a modern signature. For the covenant in Nehemiah 10, sealing served several purposes: it formalized the agreement, made it legally enforceable, and publicly declared the signatories' commitment. It transformed a verbal promise into a tangible, undeniable pledge before God and the community. This act relates to modern commitments by highlighting the importance of intentionality, integrity, and public declaration in our faith. Just as these leaders put their "seal" on their promise to God, believers today are called to live out their faith with authenticity and conviction, making their commitment evident through their actions and words, as encouraged in [James 2:17](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith without works is dead"). It reminds us that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but a lived reality, a "sealed" commitment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The covenant renewal in Nehemiah 10, symbolized by the names like Magpiash, Meshullam, and Hezir, foreshadows the ultimate and perfect covenant established through Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant, though divinely given, relied on human obedience and required repeated renewals due to human failure. It served as a tutor to lead us to Christ, revealing humanity's inability to perfectly uphold God's righteous standards (cf. [Galatians 3:24](/galatians/3-24 "Galatians 3:24 - The Law as a Guardian")). The New Covenant, however, is not sealed by the signatures of fallible men but by the precious blood of the perfect [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Jesus Himself is the mediator of this superior covenant, one "established on better promises" (cf. [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant")). While the names in Nehemiah 10 were written on a scroll, signifying an external pledge, those who believe in Christ have their names "written in the Lamb's Book of Life" (cf. [Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - The Book of Life")), signifying an internal, spiritual transformation and an eternal relationship. Our commitment under the New Covenant is not merely to a written law, but to a living Person, Jesus Christ, who empowers us by His Spirit to live in true obedience and fellowship (cf. [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant Written on Hearts")).

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.