Nehemiah 10:29

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

They clave {H2388} to their brethren {H251}, their nobles {H117}, and entered {H935} into a curse {H423}, and into an oath {H7621}, to walk {H3212} in God's {H430} law {H8451}, which was given {H5414} by {H3027} Moses {H4872} the servant {H5650} of God {H430}, and to observe {H8104} and do {H6213} all the commandments {H4687} of the LORD {H3068} our Lord {H113}, and his judgments {H4941} and his statutes {H2706};

Complete Jewish Bible

joined their kinsmen and their leaders in swearing an oath, accompanied by a curse [in case of noncompliance], as follows: "We will live by God's Torah, given by Moshe the servant of God, and will perform and obey all the mitzvot, rulings and laws of ADONAI our Lord.

Berean Standard Bible

hereby join with their noble brothers and commit themselves with a sworn oath to follow the Law of God given through His servant Moses and to carefully obey all the commandments, ordinances, and statutes of the LORD our Lord.

American Standard Version

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 Jehovah our Lord, and his ordinances and his statutes;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 10:29 records the profound and solemn commitment of the returned Jewish exiles in Jerusalem to uphold God's Law. Following the rebuilding of the city walls and a spiritual revival ignited by Ezra's public reading of the Torah, the entire community, from common people to nobles, formally bound themselves in a covenant. This binding agreement, sealed with a self-imprecatory curse and a sacred oath, underscored their unified resolve to walk in obedience to all the commandments, judgments, and statutes given by God through Moses, signifying a deep renewal of their relationship with the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 10:29 is situated within a crucial section of Nehemiah (chapters 8-10) that describes the spiritual renewal of the post-exilic community. Chapter 8 details the public reading of the Law by Ezra, leading to widespread conviction, confession, and celebration of the Feast of Booths. Chapter 9 records a lengthy prayer of confession and remembrance of God's faithfulness and Israel's repeated rebellion. This sets the stage for the formal covenant renewal in chapter 10. Verse 29 specifically follows a detailed list of leaders who signed the covenant document (Nehemiah 10:1-27) and precedes the specific commitments made within the covenant regarding temple support, tithing, and Sabbath observance (Nehemiah 10:30-39). It serves as the overarching declaration of intent by the entire congregation, providing the theological foundation for the practical stipulations that follow.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Nehemiah 10 occur around 444 BC, approximately 90 years after the first return from Babylonian exile. The Jewish community in Judah was still rebuilding, both physically and spiritually, under Persian rule. The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, completed in [Nehemiah 6:15](/nehemiah/6-15 "Nehemiah 6:15 - Completion of the Wall"), provided physical security and a sense of national identity, but the spiritual foundation needed urgent attention. The act of "entering into a curse, and into an oath" was a highly significant and common practice in ancient Near Eastern treaty-making and covenant ceremonies. It involved invoking divine judgment upon oneself if the terms of the agreement are violated, making the commitment profoundly serious and legally binding in the eyes of both God and man. This was not merely a promise but a formal, public, and self-binding declaration of allegiance, echoing the original covenant established at Sinai.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several major themes present throughout Nehemiah and the broader Old Testament narrative. It highlights **Covenant Renewal**, demonstrating the community's conscious decision to reaffirm their unique relationship with Yahweh, reminiscent of the covenant at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Giving of the Law"). A central theme is **Commitment to God's Law**, emphasizing practical obedience to divine instruction as the pathway to blessing and faithfulness. This commitment is comprehensive, encompassing all facets of the Torah—commandments, judgments, and statutes, as seen in the call to meditate on the Law in [Joshua 1:8](/joshua/1-8 "Joshua 1:8 - Meditate on the Law"). Furthermore, the phrase "They clave to their brethren, their nobles" underscores **Unity and Corporate Responsibility**, showing a collective and unified commitment across all social strata, essential for rebuilding their spiritual and physical nation. Finally, the explicit mention of the Law being "given by Moses the servant of God" reinforces the **Divine Authority** and immutability of God's Word, connecting this post-exilic renewal directly to the foundational revelation at Sinai, as recorded in [Exodus 20:1](/exodus/20-1 "Exodus 20:1 - The Ten Commandments").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Clave (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** From the root חָזַק (H2388), this verb means "to fasten upon," "to seize," "to be strong," "to be courageous," and also "to cleave" or "to hold fast." In this context, it conveys a profound sense of loyalty, adherence, and inseparable attachment. It signifies not merely agreement but a deep, intentional bonding with their fellow Israelites (their brethren, their nobles) in a shared purpose and commitment. It is a powerful word that speaks to solidarity, unity of purpose, and a firm resolve, essential for a people rebuilding their spiritual and national identity.
* **Curse (Hebrew, _ʼâlâh'_):** אָלָה (H423) refers to an imprecation or a self-imprecatory oath, a curse invoked upon oneself should one fail to keep a promise or covenant. It is a solemn declaration that calls for divine judgment to fall upon the swearer if they violate their word. This term highlights the extreme gravity and binding nature of their commitment, making it clear that their oath was not a casual promise but one with severe spiritual consequences for disobedience.
* **Oath (Hebrew, _shᵉbûwʻâh'_):** שְׁבוּעָה (H7621) denotes a formal, sworn declaration or vow, often made in the name of God, to confirm a promise or resolve. While "curse" emphasizes the negative consequences of breaking the vow, "oath" emphasizes the positive act of making the solemn promise itself. Together, "curse and oath" form a legalistic idiom signifying an absolutely binding and irrevocable agreement, underscoring the community's profound earnestness in their covenant renewal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They clave to their brethren, their nobles,"**: This opening clause establishes the corporate nature of the covenant. "They" refers to the entire congregation, as indicated in [Nehemiah 10:28](/nehemiah/10-28 "Nehemiah 10:28 - The Rest of the People Join the Covenant"). The phrase "clave to" (from _châzaq_) signifies a deep, unified adherence and solidarity among all members of the community, from the common people ("their brethren") to the leadership ("their nobles"). It emphasizes that this was not merely a top-down decree but a collective, willing commitment from every segment of society.
* **"and entered into a curse, and into an oath,"**: This phrase describes the solemn and binding nature of their commitment. As discussed in the key word analysis, "curse" (_ʼâlâh_) and "oath" (_shᵉbûwʻâh_) together form a legalistic idiom for a self-imprecatory vow. By doing so, they explicitly invoked divine judgment upon themselves if they failed to uphold their promise, demonstrating the extreme seriousness with which they regarded this covenant renewal. It was a public, formal, and deeply spiritual act of self-binding.
* **"to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God,"**: This clause specifies the content and authority of their commitment. Their oath was "to walk in God's law," meaning to live in practical obedience to divine instruction. This "law" (Torah) is explicitly identified as having divine origin, "given by Moses the servant of God." This attribution reinforces its absolute authority and connects this post-exilic renewal directly to the foundational revelation at Mount Sinai, affirming the continuity of God's covenant with His people.
* **"and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes;"**: This final clause further elaborates on the comprehensive nature of their commitment to the Law. The terms "commandments" (_mitzvot_), "judgments" (_mishpatim_), and "statutes" (_chukkim_) are distinct but overlapping facets of God's revealed will. "Commandments" are general divine precepts, "judgments" refer to judicial or civil ordinances, and "statutes" are specific decrees or ordinances, often ritualistic. By listing these, the community affirmed their intent to obey every aspect of God's comprehensive instruction, acknowledging His supreme authority as "the LORD our Lord."

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 10:29 employs several significant literary devices to convey the gravity and depth of the community's commitment. **Covenant Formula** is central, as the verse explicitly describes the formal act of entering into a binding agreement, complete with the solemnity of a "curse and an oath." This reflects the ancient Near Eastern tradition of treaty-making, underscoring the legal and spiritual weight of their vow. The use of **Legal Language** is evident in the specific terms "curse," "oath," "law," "commandments," "judgments," and "statutes," which are all precise legal and theological categories. This precise terminology emphasizes the comprehensive and binding nature of their adherence to God's revealed will. Furthermore, the **Repetition** and cumulative effect of "commandments... judgments and his statutes" highlight the exhaustive scope of their promise—they committed to obey every facet of God's instruction, leaving no room for selective obedience. The **Collective Voice** ("They clave," "entered into") emphasizes the unity and corporate nature of this spiritual renewal, demonstrating a community-wide dedication rather than individual, isolated promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 10:29 stands as a powerful testament to the enduring theme of covenant renewal and the centrality of God's Law in the life of His people. It demonstrates a profound understanding that national restoration is inextricably linked to spiritual obedience. The community's willingness to bind themselves with a curse and an oath underscores the seriousness of their commitment to Yahweh, recognizing Him as their sovereign Lord. This act mirrors the original covenant at Sinai, where Israel pledged obedience to God's commands, and serves as a vital reminder that true worship involves not only praise but also practical adherence to divine instruction. The unified commitment of "brethren" and "nobles" emphasizes the corporate responsibility of the covenant community, where all members are called to uphold God's standards collectively.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Joshua 24:24](/joshua/24-24 "Israel's Pledge of Obedience")
* [Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "God's Word as a Lamp")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 10:29 offers a profound challenge and encouragement for believers today. It calls us to consider the depth of our own commitment to God's Word and His will. Just as the post-exilic community recognized that their future depended on wholehearted obedience, so too does our spiritual vitality and effectiveness as God's people depend on our intentional adherence to Christ's teachings. This verse reminds us that faith is not merely intellectual assent but a life lived in active "walking in God's law." It encourages us to take our vows seriously—whether the baptismal vows of dedication to Christ, marriage vows, or personal commitments made before God. Furthermore, the unity displayed by the Israelites, "cleaving to their brethren," highlights the importance of corporate discipleship. We are called to support one another in our pursuit of godliness, holding each other accountable and encouraging faithfulness within the community of believers. Our collective witness and spiritual strength are amplified when we are unified in our dedication to God's revealed truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "entering into a curse, and into an oath" reveal about the seriousness with which the Israelites viewed their commitment to God, and how does this challenge my own approach to spiritual vows or promises?**
* **How does the comprehensive nature of "commandments, judgments, and statutes" encourage me to pursue holistic obedience to God's Word in all areas of my life?**
* **In what ways can I "clave to my brethren" (my fellow believers) to foster greater unity and mutual accountability in living out our faith today?**
* **Considering the emphasis on God's Law being "given by Moses the servant of God," how does acknowledging the divine origin of Scripture impact my willingness to submit to its authority?**

### FAQ
**Why was it necessary for the people to "enter into a curse, and into an oath" to walk in God's law?**

Answer: The act of "entering into a curse, and into an oath" was a deeply significant and common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures for formalizing covenants and treaties. It served to underscore the absolute seriousness and binding nature of the agreement. By invoking a curse upon themselves, the people were publicly declaring that divine judgment should fall upon them if they failed to uphold their promises. This was not a casual promise but a self-imprecatory vow, making it clear that their commitment to God's Law was irrevocable and carried severe spiritual consequences for disobedience. It reflected a profound understanding of the covenant relationship and the gravity of their pledge before God, similar to the covenant renewal seen in [Joshua 24](/joshua/24 "Joshua 24 - Covenant Renewal at Shechem"). It was a way to ensure accountability and to impress upon every individual the weight of their collective responsibility.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 10:29, with its emphasis on covenant renewal and a solemn commitment to walk in God's Law, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. The Israelites' pledge, though earnest, revealed the inherent limitation of human ability to perfectly keep the Law. Their "curse and oath" foreshadowed the need for a more perfect covenant, one not dependent on human resolve but on divine grace. Jesus, as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly fulfilled the Law, not only by living a sinless life but also by taking upon Himself the very curse of the Law for humanity's transgressions, as [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law") declares. Through His atoning sacrifice, He inaugurated the New Covenant, prophesied in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant"), where God's Law is no longer merely written on tablets of stone but on the hearts and minds of believers by the Holy Spirit. Our "cleaving to our brethren" in the church is now a spiritual union in Christ, and our obedience flows not from a fear of a curse but from a Spirit-empowered love and gratitude for the one who has already borne our curse. We are now called to "walk in the Spirit" ([Galatians 5:16](/galatians/5-16 "Galatians 5:16 - Walk by the Spirit")), fulfilling the righteous requirements of the Law through Christ who lives in us ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - Righteous Requirement of the Law Fulfilled")).

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

Ezekiel 36:27

And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do [them].

Psalms 119:106

¶ I have sworn, and I will perform [it], that I will keep thy righteous judgments.

John 15:14

Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

Titus 2:11

¶ For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

Titus 2:14

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

2 Kings 23:3

And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all [their] heart and all [their] soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant.

Nehemiah 5:12

Then said they, We will restore [them], and will require nothing of them; so will we do as thou sayest. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they should do according to this promise.