Nehemiah 10:24

KJV

Hallohesh, Pileha, Shobek,

KJV (with Strong's)

Hallohesh {H3873}, Pileha {H6401}, Shobek {H7733},

Complete Jewish Bible

HaLochesh, Pilcha, Shovek,

Berean Standard Bible

Hallohesh, Pilha, Shobek,

American Standard Version

Hallohesh, Pilha, Shobek,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 10:24 meticulously lists Hallohesh, Pileha, and Shobek as three of the many individuals who affixed their seals to a solemn covenant in Jerusalem. This verse is an integral part of a comprehensive roster detailing the post-exilic community's public and formal reaffirmation of their commitment to God's laws and practices. It underscores the profound individual and collective responsibility undertaken in the renewal of their relationship with Yahweh, highlighting the personal participation that undergirded the nation's spiritual revival.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 10 is the culmination of a powerful spiritual awakening that began with the public reading of the Law in [Nehemiah 8](/nehemiah/8 "Nehemiah 8 - The Reading of the Law"). This deep engagement with God's Word led to a profound national confession of sin and a heartfelt commitment to God's covenant, eloquently expressed in the lengthy prayer of [Nehemiah 9](/nehemiah/9 "Nehemiah 9 - Confession and Covenant Renewal"). Chapter 10 then records the formalization of this renewed commitment through a binding written agreement sealed by the community's leaders and representatives. Verses [Nehemiah 10:1-27](/nehemiah/10-1-27 "Nehemiah 10:1-27 - Signatories of the Covenant") meticulously enumerate the priests, Levites, and chiefs of the people who personally endorsed this covenant. Nehemiah 10:24, with its simple listing of Hallohesh, Pileha, and Shobek, is a specific entry within this extensive register, underscoring the personal participation of these individuals, representing a broader cross-section of the populace, in this pivotal act of national and spiritual renewal. The subsequent verses, [Nehemiah 10:28-39](/nehemiah/10-28-39 "Nehemiah 10:28-39 - Terms of the Covenant Renewal"), detail the specific terms of the covenant, including pledges regarding Sabbath observance, temple support, and marriage purity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in Nehemiah unfold in the mid-5th century BCE, following the return of Jewish exiles from Babylon. The community in Jerusalem was diligently working to re-establish its distinct identity and religious practices in their ancestral homeland, albeit under Persian suzerainty. While the physical rebuilding of the city walls, completed in [Nehemiah 6:15](/nehemiah/6-15 "Nehemiah 6:15 - Completion of the Wall"), provided essential physical security, the spiritual and social fabric of the people required significant restoration. Covenants were a foundational element of ancient Near Eastern society, often involving formal documents, public readings, and solemn oaths to ensure their binding nature. For Israel, the covenant with God was central to their identity, rooted in the Mosaic Law. The act of sealing a written document in public, as described in [Nehemiah 9:38](/nehemiah/9-38 "Nehemiah 9:38 - The Written Covenant"), was a legally binding and profoundly culturally significant act, signifying a deep and communal commitment. The meticulous listing of names, even those seemingly minor, was a common practice in ancient administrative and religious documents, serving as a permanent record of participation and accountability within the community.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing of names in [Nehemiah 10](/nehemiah/10 "Nehemiah 10 - The Sealed Covenant"), including Hallohesh, Pileha, and Shobek in [Nehemiah 10:24](/nehemiah/10-24 "Nehemiah 10:24 - Hallohesh, Pileha, Shobek"), powerfully reinforces several key themes. Primarily, it highlights **Covenant Renewal and Commitment**, demonstrating the community's solemn pledge to live in accordance with God's commands, as detailed in [Nehemiah 10:28-39](/nehemiah/10-28-39 "Nehemiah 10:28-39 - Specific Pledges of the Covenant"). This was not merely a general agreement but a binding pledge made by identifiable individuals, emphasizing **Corporate Identity and Accountability**. Each name represents a personal "yes" to God's will, fostering a deep sense of collective ownership and mutual responsibility within the restored community. Furthermore, the covenant aimed at the **Restoration of Godly Order**, re-establishing proper worship, Sabbath observance, temple support, and community purity. The signatories, including those mentioned in this verse, committed to these specific reforms, which were vital for the nation's spiritual health and the re-establishment of their unique identity as God's chosen people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hallohesh (Hebrew, _Lôwchêsh'_):** This name, meaning "(the) enchanter" or "whisperer," is derived from a root associated with secret speech or incantation. While the etymology might suggest a past profession or characteristic, its theological significance in this context is solely its inclusion within the official list of those who sealed the covenant. This individual, regardless of their personal background or the potential implications of their name, was a recognized member of the community who personally affirmed the covenant, highlighting the breadth of participation in this solemn act.
* **Pileha (Hebrew, _Pilchâʼ'_):** Derived from a root meaning "slicing," the name Pileha likely signifies "slicing" or "division." As with Hallohesh, the theological weight of this name is not in its etymology but in the fact that Pileha was a distinct individual whose commitment to God's law was formally recorded. Their presence on the list underscores the comprehensive nature of the covenant, involving diverse members of the community, ensuring that the commitment was widespread and representative.
* **Shobek (Hebrew, _Shôwbêq'_):** This name, an active participle from a primitive root meaning "to leave" or "to forsake," suggests "forsaking." Like the others, Shobek's inclusion signifies personal participation in the covenant. The consistent pattern of listing names emphasizes that the covenant was not a vague, abstract agreement but a concrete, personal pledge by specific individuals, making their commitment a permanent part of Israel's spiritual heritage and a testament to the broad communal buy-in.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hallohesh,"**: This opening name signifies the first of three individuals specifically mentioned in this verse. Its placement within the larger list of signatories underscores the meticulous record-keeping of the covenant, ensuring that each participant, regardless of their prominence, was acknowledged and their commitment documented. This highlights the individual's personal responsibility in the corporate act of covenant renewal. The comma indicates that this is one name in a series.
* **"Pileha,"**: The second name in the sequence reinforces the idea of individual participation in a collective act. The inclusion of distinct names, rather than a general statement, emphasizes the personal nature of the commitment. Pileha's presence on this list means they were a recognized member of the community who stood in solidarity with their brethren to uphold God's law. The comma again signifies continuation of the list.
* **"Shobek,"**: The final name in this verse completes the trio, further cementing the principle that the covenant was sealed by a multitude of specific individuals. Shobek's inclusion, like the others, serves as a testament to the broad-based commitment across the community, where leaders and common people alike formally bound themselves to the terms of the renewed covenant with God. The absence of a comma indicates the end of the list for this particular verse.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Nehemiah 10:24, and indeed throughout the entire section of [Nehemiah 10:1-27](/nehemiah/10-1-27 "Nehemiah 10:1-27 - The Signatories of the Covenant"), is **Listing** or **Roster**. This meticulous enumeration of names serves a crucial function: it formalizes and authenticates the covenant, transforming a general agreement into a legally and spiritually binding document. The **Repetition** of names across these verses creates a cumulative effect, emphasizing the breadth and depth of the community's commitment. This literary choice underscores the **Emphasis** on individual accountability within the corporate body. By naming each signatory, the text highlights that the covenant was not merely a top-down decree but a bottom-up affirmation, where every named individual, including Hallohesh, Pileha, and Shobek, personally assented to the terms. This technique also lends historical veracity and gravity to the narrative, providing a tangible and verifiable record of a momentous spiritual event.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 10:24, though a simple list of names, is deeply significant for its theological implications. It underscores the biblical principle that covenant relationships with God are both corporate and intensely personal. While the nation of Israel entered into a covenant with God at Sinai, the post-exilic renewal required individual affirmation. Each name listed, including Hallohesh, Pileha, and Shobek, represents a personal "amen" to God's commands, demonstrating that true spiritual revival leads to tangible, individual commitment. This meticulous record-keeping by God's people reflects God's own attention to detail and His valuing of each person's response to His call. It reminds us that our faith is not merely a private affair but has public, communal implications, binding us to God and to one another in shared purpose and accountability, ensuring the vitality and integrity of the believing community.

* [Deuteronomy 29:10-15](/deuteronomy/29-10-15 "Deuteronomy 29:10-15 - All Stand Before the Lord in Covenant")
* [Joshua 24:22](/joshua/24-22 "Joshua 24:22 - You Are Witnesses Against Yourselves")
* [Hebrews 10:24-25](/hebrews/10-24-25 "Hebrews 10:24-25 - Mutual Encouragement and Assembly")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly mundane list of names in Nehemiah 10:24 carries profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that our faith journey, while deeply personal and intimate, is also inherently communal and publicly expressed. Just as Hallohesh, Pileha, and Shobek were individually named as participants in a collective covenant, our commitment to Christ is both a personal decision and an integration into the visible body of believers. This verse challenges us to consider the tangible nature of our own covenant with God—whether through baptism, active church membership, consistent discipleship, or public witness. It calls us to move beyond passive assent to active, identifiable participation in God's work, recognizing that every individual's commitment contributes to the spiritual health, vitality, and missional effectiveness of the whole. Moreover, it highlights God's meticulous care and recognition of every person's contribution, no matter how small or seemingly obscure, affirming that every name is known and valued by Him in the grand tapestry of His redemptive plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what tangible ways do I personally and actively affirm my covenant relationship with God in my daily life and within my community?**
* **How does my individual commitment to Christ contribute to the spiritual health, unity, and witness of my local church or Christian community?**
* **Do I recognize and value the unique contributions of every member within my spiritual community, even those who may seem "obscure" or less prominent?**
* **What specific areas of my life need to be brought into fuller, more public alignment with my declared commitment to Christ and His kingdom?**

### FAQ
**Why are these specific names listed in the Bible? Are they important figures?**

Answer: The listing of Hallohesh, Pileha, and Shobek, along with dozens of other names in [Nehemiah 10:1-27](/nehemiah/10-1-27 "Nehemiah 10:1-27 - The Covenant Signatories"), serves a crucial purpose beyond highlighting individual prominence. In ancient Near Eastern culture, formal documents, especially covenants, were authenticated and made legally binding by the signatures or seals of participants. The meticulous enumeration of names here emphasizes the comprehensive and personal commitment of the post-exilic community to God's renewed covenant. It demonstrates that the agreement was not merely a general proclamation but a solemn, individual pledge by recognized members of the community—from the high priest to ordinary citizens. This act underscores the corporate identity and accountability of the people before God, ensuring that their commitment was publicly recorded and historically verifiable. Thus, every signatory, regardless of their historical fame, became an integral and vital part of this momentous spiritual event, signifying a widespread and personal dedication to God's law.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Nehemiah 10:24 records names under the Old Covenant, it subtly points towards the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The meticulous listing of individuals who personally sealed a covenant foreshadows the new covenant established through Jesus Christ, where individual commitment is paramount and eternally secured. In Christ, the old covenant's demands, which these individuals pledged to uphold, are perfectly fulfilled by the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Our names are not merely recorded on an earthly scroll, but believers are said to have their names written in the [Lamb's Book of Life](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - The Lamb's Book of Life"), signifying a far deeper and eternal covenant relationship with God through faith in Jesus. Just as Hallohesh, Pileha, and Shobek individually affirmed their allegiance to the Mosaic Law, so too does each believer personally enter into a new covenant with God through Christ's atoning work, becoming a living stone in a spiritual temple ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")) and a citizen of a heavenly kingdom ([Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship is in Heaven")). This new covenant is not based on human effort or adherence to external laws, but on the grace provided by Christ's sacrifice, empowering us to live in true obedience and fellowship with God, a fulfillment of the deepest desires of the hearts of those who signed the covenant in Nehemiah's day.

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.