Nehemiah 10:25

KJV

Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah,

KJV (with Strong's)

Rehum {H7348}, Hashabnah {H2812}, Maaseiah {H4641},

Complete Jewish Bible

Rechum, Hashavnah, Ma'aseiyah,

Berean Standard Bible

Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah,

American Standard Version

Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 10:25 meticulously lists Rehum, Hashabnah, and Maaseiah among the numerous leaders, priests, and Levites who affixed their seals to a solemn covenant with God. This verse, part of a comprehensive register (Nehemiah 10:1-27), powerfully underscores the profound personal and collective commitment of the Jewish people returning from Babylonian exile to walk in unwavering obedience to God's Law, thereby emphasizing the divine regard for individual faithfulness within a corporate act of dedication and spiritual renewal.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 10:25 is situated within a pivotal section of the book of Nehemiah, which chronicles the formal covenant made by the returned exiles in Jerusalem. This solemn agreement is a direct consequence of the successful [rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls](/nehemiah/6-15 "Nehemiah 6:15 - Completion of the Wall") under Nehemiah's diligent leadership and the profound spiritual revival sparked by the public reading of the Law in [Nehemiah 8](/nehemiah/8 "Nehemiah 8 - The Reading of the Law") and the subsequent great confession and prayer of [Nehemiah 9](/nehemiah/9 "Nehemiah 9 - Confession and Covenant"). The extensive list of signatories, spanning [Nehemiah 10:1-27](/nehemiah/10 "Nehemiah 10 - The Covenant Sealed"), serves as a tangible and permanent record of the community's unified resolve to adhere rigorously to the Mosaic Law, particularly concerning crucial aspects such as prohibitions against intermarriage, strict Sabbath observance, and the financial support of the temple. The deliberate inclusion of specific names, even those seemingly minor in the grand narrative, highlights the deeply personal and voluntary nature of this sweeping corporate commitment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Nehemiah 10:25 is post-exilic Jerusalem, circa 444 BC, following the return of Jewish exiles from Babylon. This era was characterized by an intense desire among the repatriated community to re-establish their national and religious identity in strict accordance with God's divine commands. Covenant-making was a foundational and recurring practice in ancient Israelite society, typically involving formal declarations, the creation of written documents, and the public affixing of seals, as vividly illustrated in foundational texts like [Exodus 24](/exodus/24 "Exodus 24 - The Covenant at Sinai") and [Deuteronomy 29](/deuteronomy/29 "Deuteronomy 29 - Renewal of the Covenant in Moab"). The act of "sealing" the covenant was far more than a mere formality; it was a legally binding and profoundly culturally significant gesture, signifying a personal and collective oath sworn before God. The individuals listed, including Rehum, Hashabnah, and Maaseiah, were likely heads of families, prominent community leaders, or representatives of specific clans, whose individual signatures symbolically represented the solemn commitment of their respective households or broader kinship groups, thereby solidifying the entire community's adherence to the renewed covenant.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing of names in Nehemiah 10:25 powerfully contributes to several overarching and interconnected themes prevalent throughout the book of Nehemiah. Firstly, it profoundly underscores **Personal Commitment**, demonstrating that the covenant was not merely a top-down decree imposed by leadership but a voluntary, individual pledge made by those who had genuinely understood, accepted, and embraced the Law. This resonates deeply with the consistent biblical call for personal obedience found throughout the book of [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy "The Book of Deuteronomy"). Secondly, the collective act highlights **Corporate Solidarity**, showcasing the remarkable unity, shared purpose, and collective will of the people to obey God. This communal act of sealing the covenant, involving hundreds of individuals, powerfully emphasizes the indispensable importance of shared faith, mutual accountability, and collective action within the community, a theme central to the successful restoration efforts described in [Nehemiah 3](/nehemiah/3 "Nehemiah 3 - Rebuilding the Walls"). Finally, the meticulous recording of each name, even those seemingly obscure, points to **Divine Record-Keeping** and the immense value God places on every individual's faithfulness, obedience, and contribution to His kingdom work. This suggests that no act of devotion, however small or seemingly insignificant, goes unnoticed or unremembered by Him, a profound concept also articulated in the "book of remembrance" in [Malachi 3:16](/malachi/3-16 "Malachi 3:16 - Book of Remembrance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rehum (Hebrew, _Rᵉchûwm'_):** This name, a form of the Hebrew word for "compassion" or "pity," carries significant theological weight within the context of the covenant. Its inclusion among the signatories might reflect a characteristic of the individual or, more broadly, a communal hope for God's continued compassion and mercy upon the returned exiles as they committed themselves anew to His Law. It serves as a subtle reminder that the covenant relationship, while demanding obedience, is fundamentally rooted in God's gracious character.
* **Hashabnah (Hebrew, _Chăshabnâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "inventiveness" or "thoughtfulness," the name Hashabnah suggests a deliberate and considered approach to the serious commitment being made. The presence of this name among the covenant signers implies that the agreement was not entered into lightly or impulsively, but with careful thought, conviction, and a conscious understanding of its profound implications by those involved. It highlights the intellectual and spiritual engagement required for true covenant faithfulness.
* **Maaseiah (Hebrew, _Maʻăsêyâh'_):** Meaning "work of Jah" or "act of the Lord," this name is particularly poignant and theologically rich in the context of the covenant. It suggests that the individual bearing this name, and by extension the entire community, understood their actions—their commitment to the Law, their rebuilding efforts, and their spiritual renewal—as a direct outworking of God's sovereign will and empowering presence. It serves as a powerful theological reminder that human obedience is not merely an independent endeavor but a responsive act to divine initiative and enablement. The presence of such a name among the signatories reinforces the pervasive idea that the entire covenant process was viewed as a divine act, not merely a human enterprise.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Rehum":** The inclusion of Rehum in this list signifies a personal and public affirmation of the covenant. His name, possibly reflecting "compassion," adds a layer of meaning, suggesting that the commitment was made with an understanding of God's merciful character and perhaps a plea for continued divine favor. His seal, alongside those of others, contributed to the collective weight and legal validity of the community's pledge.
* **"Hashabnah":** As another signatory, Hashabnah's presence underscores the comprehensive nature of the covenant. His name, implying "thoughtfulness" or "consideration," suggests that the individuals entering this covenant did so with careful deliberation and not out of mere compulsion. This highlights the intentionality and conviction behind the community's renewed dedication to God's Law.
* **"Maaseiah":** The inclusion of Maaseiah, whose name means "Work of Yahweh," is profoundly symbolic. It emphasizes the theological understanding that the entire covenant renewal, and indeed the restoration of Jerusalem and its people, was perceived as God's work being accomplished through His chosen instruments. Each individual named, including Maaseiah, was a willing participant in this divine enterprise, signifying that their personal obedience and commitment were integral to the larger redemptive plan of God for His people.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 10:25, as an integral part of a much larger register, primarily employs the literary device of **Catalog/List**. This technique is extensively utilized throughout biblical narratives, appearing in genealogies, census records, and lists of officials, to convey comprehensiveness, historical accuracy, and to underscore the importance of individual identity within a collective. The sheer volume of names, though potentially appearing monotonous to a modern reader, serves to emphasize the profound **Corporate Solidarity** of the community; it was not merely a handful of prominent leaders, but a substantial and representative portion of the people who personally committed themselves to the covenant. The **Repetition** of names and the consistent format of their listing reinforce the meticulousness of the record-keeping and the legally binding nature of the covenant. Furthermore, there is a distinct element of **Symbolism** embedded not only in the very act of sealing itself, which represents an unbreakable and solemn commitment, but also in the meanings of some of the names (such as Maaseiah, "Work of Yahweh"), which subtly yet powerfully reinforce the theological underpinnings of the entire event as a divine initiative and accomplishment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The act of sealing a covenant, as vividly depicted in Nehemiah 10:25, serves as a profound theological statement about the dynamic and reciprocal relationship between God and His people. It signifies a mutual agreement, wherein God graciously offers His blessings, protection, and faithfulness in exchange for human obedience and unwavering faithfulness to His divine commands. This momentous event in Nehemiah powerfully echoes the foundational covenant established at Mount Sinai, where the nation of Israel formally agreed to God's Law, and simultaneously foreshadows the ultimate, superior covenant established through the person and work of Jesus Christ. It underscores the timeless truth that true faith is not merely intellectual assent or passive belief but a tangible, active commitment expressed through obedience, public declaration, and a life lived in accordance with God's will, where every individual's participation is not only valued but meticulously recorded by God.

* [Deuteronomy 29:10-15](/deuteronomy/29-10-15 "Covenant Renewal in Moab")
* [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "The New Covenant Prophecy")
* [Revelation 20:12](/revelation/20-12 "The Book of Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Nehemiah 10:25 might initially appear to be a mere historical record of names, it carries profound and enduring implications for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that our faith is not intended to be a private, isolated affair but a public, communal commitment to God and His redemptive purposes. Just as these individuals in Nehemiah personally affixed their seals to a tangible document, we are called to make a conscious, personal, and public decision to follow Christ and live in accordance with His transformative Word. Furthermore, the meticulous recording of each name teaches us a vital spiritual lesson: every act of faithfulness, every contribution to God's kingdom, no matter how small, hidden, or seemingly insignificant, is seen, valued, and eternally remembered by God. Our individual commitment and obedience do not stand alone; rather, they collectively strengthen the corporate body of Christ, fostering a vibrant community characterized by mutual accountability, profound encouragement, and a shared mission to advance God's kingdom, thereby reflecting the powerful corporate solidarity demonstrated by the returned exiles.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what tangible, public ways does my personal commitment to Christ manifest itself in my daily life, mirroring the public sealing of the covenant?**
* **How does the profound idea that God meticulously records individual faithfulness encourage and motivate me in my daily walk, especially in seemingly small acts of obedience or service?**
* **What specific role do I play in strengthening the corporate solidarity and unity of my faith community, and how can I more effectively contribute to our shared commitment to God's will and mission?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Bible list so many names, like those in Nehemiah 10:25, which seem insignificant to the modern reader?**

Answer: The meticulous listing of names in biblical texts, including Nehemiah 10:25, serves several crucial and profound purposes. First, it provides **historical authenticity and legal verification**, demonstrating that the covenant was a genuine, formally executed agreement involving specific, identifiable individuals. This lends credibility to the narrative. Second, it powerfully underscores the theme of **personal accountability and commitment**; each name represents a conscious, voluntary choice to obey God's Law and participate in the community's renewal. Third, it highlights the **corporate nature of faith and community**. The sheer volume of names emphasizes that the entire community, through its representative leaders, was united in this solemn pledge, fostering a deep sense of shared responsibility, identity, and collective purpose. Finally, and perhaps most profoundly, it reveals **God's meticulous attention to every individual**. It suggests that no one is insignificant in His eyes, and every act of faithfulness, obedience, or contribution, no matter how small, is seen, valued, and eternally remembered by Him, often recorded in a "book of remembrance" as seen in [Malachi 3:16](/malachi/3-16 "Malachi 3:16 - Book of Remembrance") or the ultimate [Book of Life](/revelation/20-12 "Revelation 20:12 - The Book of Life"). These lists serve as a powerful reminder that God cherishes and values each person's unique contribution to His grand redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The covenant sealed in Nehemiah 10, with its meticulous list of names representing a corporate commitment to the Law, finds its ultimate fulfillment, transformation, and glorious consummation in the New Covenant established through the person and perfect work of Jesus Christ. While the old covenant was inscribed on tablets of stone and required human signatures and adherence to external regulations, the new covenant, beautifully prophesied in [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant written on hearts"), is miraculously written on the very hearts of believers by the indwelling Holy Spirit. The personal commitment reflected in Nehemiah 10:25 is profoundly echoed and elevated in the individual's decision to confess Jesus as Lord and believe in His resurrection from the dead, thereby entering into a new, living, and eternal covenant relationship with God (cf. [Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confession and Belief")). Furthermore, just as the names of the faithful in Nehemiah were recorded in an earthly document, the names of all who believe in Christ are eternally inscribed in the far more significant and secure [Lamb's Book of Life](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - The Book of Life"). This signifies a far greater and more secure belonging, not based on legalistic adherence to a code, but on the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who perfectly fulfills the Law and its righteous demands. In Christ, our "work of Yahweh" is no longer about striving to meet external legal requirements through human effort, but about living by grace through faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit, as we are progressively transformed into His likeness and joyfully participate in His ongoing mission to redeem and reconcile the world to God (cf. [Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - Created for Good Works")).

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 3:17

After him repaired the Levites, Rehum the son of Bani. Next unto him repaired Hashabiah, the ruler of the half part of Keilah, in his part.

Nehemiah 3:32

And between the going up of the corner unto the sheep gate repaired the goldsmiths and the merchants.