Nehemiah 10:31

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And if the people {H5971} of the land {H776} bring {H935} ware {H4728} or any victuals {H7668} on the sabbath {H7676} day {H3117} to sell {H4376}, that we would not buy {H3947} it of them on the sabbath {H7676}, or on the holy {H6944} day {H3117}: and that we would leave {H5203} the seventh {H7637} year {H8141}, and the exaction {H4853} of every debt {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"If the peoples of the lands bring merchandise or food to sell on Shabbat, we will not buy from them on Shabbat or on a holy day. "We will forego [planting and harvesting our fields] during the seventh year and collecting debts then.

Berean Standard Bible

When the people of the land bring merchandise or any kind of grain to sell on the Sabbath day, we will not buy from them on a Sabbath or holy day. Every seventh year we will let the fields lie fallow, and will cancel every debt.

American Standard Version

and if the peoples of the land bring wares or any grain on the sabbath day to sell, that we would not buy of them on the sabbath, or on a holy day; and that we would forego the seventh year, and the exaction of every debt.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 10:31 records a pivotal commitment made by the returned exiles in Jerusalem, forming a solemn covenant to uphold God's Law. This specific verse outlines their pledge to refrain from commercial transactions on the Sabbath and other holy days, demonstrating a renewed dedication to the sanctity of divine rest. Furthermore, it includes their promise to observe the Sabbatical year, allowing the land to lie fallow, and to release all debts in that seventh year, reflecting a profound trust in God's provision and a commitment to social justice within the community. This was a practical outworking of their spiritual revival, aiming to restore covenant faithfulness in their daily lives.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 10:31 is an integral part of the solemn covenant documented in Nehemiah chapter 10. This covenant follows a period of intense spiritual renewal for the post-exilic community. After the completion of the wall of Jerusalem, Ezra the scribe publicly read the Law to the assembled people in [Nehemiah 8](/nehemiah/8 "Nehemiah 8 - Reading of the Law"). This led to profound conviction, national repentance, and a corporate confession of sins and God's faithfulness in [Nehemiah 9](/nehemiah/9 "Nehemiah 9 - Confession and Covenant"). The covenant itself, sealed by the leaders, Levites, and priests, details specific commitments the people made to walk in God's Law. Nehemiah 10:31, along with other verses in the chapter, translates their general pledge of obedience into concrete actions, addressing areas where they had historically failed, particularly concerning the Sabbath and economic justice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The returned exiles faced significant challenges in re-establishing their identity and nationhood in Judah. They lived under Persian rule, surrounded by "people of the land" – various non-Israelite groups or those who had intermarried and adopted foreign customs. These surrounding peoples often engaged in commerce on the Sabbath, posing a direct temptation and challenge to the Israelites' distinct covenant identity. Historically, the failure to observe the Sabbath and the Sabbatical year was a significant factor contributing to their seventy-year exile, as prophesied in [Leviticus 26:34-35](/leviticus/26-34 "Leviticus 26:34-35 - Consequences of Disobedience"). By committing to these laws, the community was actively seeking to avoid past mistakes and re-establish a society founded on God's principles, demonstrating their separation from pagan practices and their reliance on divine provision rather than human enterprise alone.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several critical themes central to the book of Nehemiah and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, **Sabbath Sanctity** is paramount, emphasizing the sacredness of the day of rest and its protection from commercial activity. This commitment directly reflects the Fourth Commandment found in [Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Sabbath Commandment"). Secondly, the theme of **Trust in God's Provision** is evident in the promise to observe the Sabbatical year (the _Shemitah_), as outlined in [Leviticus 25:1-7](/leviticus/25-1 "Leviticus 25:1-7 - Laws of the Sabbatical Year"). This required immense faith that God would provide sufficiently in the sixth year to sustain them through the seventh. Thirdly, **Social Justice and Compassion** are highlighted by the commitment to release debts, a practice commanded in [Deuteronomy 15:1-2](/deuteronomy/15-1 "Deuteronomy 15:1-2 - Debt Release in the Sabbatical Year"). This ensured that poverty did not become a perpetual burden within the community. Finally, the verse underscores the overarching theme of **Covenant Fidelity**, demonstrating the people's earnest desire to live in faithful obedience to God's commands as a distinct, holy nation. Nehemiah's later actions in [Nehemiah 13:15-22](/nehemiah/13-15 "Nehemiah 13:15-22 - Nehemiah's Enforcement of Sabbath Observance") show the ongoing struggle and his determination to enforce these very commitments.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sabbath (Hebrew, _shabbat'_):** Derived from the verb _shavat_, meaning "to cease, desist, rest." This term denotes a complete cessation from labor and commercial activity, consecrated as a day of rest and worship. It is not merely a break from work but a sacred time dedicated to God, a sign of the covenant between God and Israel, and a reminder of God's creative rest and His provision. The commitment here is to protect this sacred time from worldly intrusions, even if it means economic disadvantage.
* **Seventh year (Hebrew, _shemitah'_):** Literally meaning "release," "remission," or "dropping." This term refers specifically to the Sabbatical year, commanded by Mosaic Law (e.g., [Exodus 23:10-11](/exodus/23-10 "Exodus 23:10-11 - The Sabbatical Year") and [Leviticus 25:1-7](/leviticus/25-1 "Leviticus 25:1-7 - Laws of the Sabbatical Year")). During this year, the land was to lie fallow, and its produce was to be left for the poor and wild animals. The commitment to "leave the seventh year" signifies a profound act of faith, trusting God to provide for their needs despite not cultivating the land.
* **Exaction of every debt (Hebrew, _neshe kol-yad'_):** The phrase _neshe_ (נֶשֶׁא) refers to a "debt" or "loan," often implying a burden or an oppressive demand. _Kol-yad_ (כָּל־יָד) means "every hand" or "every debt." The full phrase refers to the legal right to demand payment of a debt. The commitment here is to _not_ exact or demand payment, but to release or cancel debts owed by fellow Israelites in the Sabbatical year, as mandated in [Deuteronomy 15:1-2](/deuteronomy/15-1 "Deuteronomy 15:1-2 - The Year of Release"). This was a crucial social justice measure designed to prevent perpetual poverty and ensure economic equity within the covenant community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"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":** This clause addresses the immediate practical challenge of maintaining Sabbath sanctity in a multicultural environment. "People of the land" refers to non-Israelites or those not committed to the Law, who would continue their commercial activities. The Israelites pledged to resist the temptation to engage in trade, whether buying "ware" (general goods) or "victuals" (foodstuffs), on the Sabbath or any other designated holy day. This commitment was crucial for preserving the distinctiveness of their covenant identity and ensuring that the sacred days were truly set apart for rest and worship, free from the pursuit of material gain.
* **"and [that] we would leave the seventh year":** This part of the pledge refers to the observance of the Sabbatical year (_Shemitah_). Every seventh year, the land was to remain uncultivated, lying fallow. This practice, commanded in the Law, was a test of faith, requiring the people to trust God's promise to provide abundant harvests in the sixth year to sustain them through the seventh. It also served as a reminder that the land ultimately belonged to God ([Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land Belongs to God")) and that their prosperity depended on His blessing, not solely on their agricultural efforts.
* **"and the exaction of every debt":** This final commitment is directly linked to the Sabbatical year. According to the Law, debts owed by fellow Israelites were to be released or canceled at the end of every seventh year ([Deuteronomy 15:1-2](/deuteronomy/15-1 "Deuteronomy 15:1-2 - The Year of Release")). This was a vital component of Israel's social welfare system, designed to prevent the accumulation of perpetual debt, alleviate poverty, and promote economic equality and compassion within the community. By pledging to forgo the "exaction" or demand for these debts, the people committed to upholding a fundamental principle of justice and mercy that reflected God's own character.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 10:31 employs several literary devices to convey its significant message. The most prominent is **Covenant Language**, as the verse is part of a formal, binding agreement between God and His people, articulated through a solemn oath. The use of "we would not buy" and "we would leave" signifies a collective, intentional commitment, highlighting the communal aspect of their renewed fidelity. There is also a clear example of **Parallelism** in the structure, linking the Sabbath observance with the Sabbatical year and debt release. All three elements relate to a divinely ordained rhythm of rest and release, demonstrating a holistic approach to obedience that encompasses both sacred time and economic practice. The verse also functions as a **Legal Code** or a specific **Ordinance** within the broader covenant, translating general principles of holiness and justice into actionable, measurable behaviors. Furthermore, an underlying **Antithesis** exists between the prevailing worldly economic practices (buying and selling on holy days, relentless debt collection) and the counter-cultural, faith-driven practices commanded by God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 10:31 is a powerful testament to the Israelites' renewed commitment to live as a holy nation distinct from the surrounding cultures, grounded in their covenant relationship with Yahweh. It underscores the profound theological truth that true obedience extends beyond ritual to permeate every aspect of life, including economic practices and the rhythms of time. The commitment to Sabbath rest and the Sabbatical year laws demonstrates a deep trust in God's sovereignty and provision, recognizing that human prosperity ultimately comes from Him, not solely from human effort or accumulation. It also highlights God's concern for social justice, ensuring that the poor and indebted are not perpetually oppressed, reflecting His compassionate character. This verse serves as a practical blueprint for how a community committed to God's Law lives out its faith, prioritizing divine commands over worldly pressures and embracing a counter-cultural lifestyle of rest, release, and reliance on God.

* [Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment: Remember the Sabbath Day")
* [Leviticus 25:1-7](/leviticus/25-1 "Leviticus 25:1-7 - Laws of the Sabbatical Year")
* [Deuteronomy 15:1-2](/deuteronomy/15-1 "Deuteronomy 15:1-2 - The Year of Release for Debts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 10:31 challenges believers today to consider the practical outworking of their faith in a world often driven by relentless consumption and economic pressure. The Israelites' commitment to halt commerce on the Sabbath and observe the Sabbatical year principles calls us to prioritize spiritual rest, worship, and community over the endless pursuit of material gain. It encourages a healthy rhythm of work and rest, trusting God for our provision rather than relying solely on our own efforts. While the specific economic laws of the Sabbatical year and debt release may not apply directly to Christians in the same way, the underlying principles of compassion, social justice, and releasing burdens on others are timeless. We are called to cultivate a generous spirit, to care for the vulnerable, and to live with integrity in our financial dealings, reflecting God's character. Ultimately, this verse reminds us of the seriousness of our own commitments to God, urging us to live counter-culturally, prioritizing His commands and His kingdom in every sphere of our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does our modern culture tempt us to violate principles of rest and sacred time, similar to the "people of the land" in Nehemiah's day?**
* **How can we practically cultivate a "Sabbath rhythm" in our lives that honors God and prioritizes spiritual renewal over constant activity and consumption?**
* **What does the commitment to "leave the seventh year" and "exaction of every debt" teach us about trusting God's provision and practicing generosity and social justice in our contemporary context?**
* **Where might we need to make a renewed "covenant" with God in our own lives, committing to practical obedience in areas where we have fallen short?**

### FAQ

**Why was the observance of the Sabbath and Sabbatical year so crucial for the returned exiles?**

Answer: The observance of the Sabbath and Sabbatical year was crucial for the returned exiles for several interconnected reasons. Firstly, it was a fundamental aspect of their covenant identity, distinguishing them as God's chosen people. The Sabbath was a sign of the covenant with Yahweh ([Exodus 31:13](/exodus/31-13 "Exodus 31:13 - Sabbath as a Sign")), reminding them of God's creation and His redemptive work. Secondly, neglecting these laws had been a significant reason for their seventy-year exile, as prophesied in [Leviticus 26:34-35](/leviticus/26-34 "Leviticus 26:34-35 - Consequences of Disobedience")). By committing to these observances, they were actively seeking to avoid past failures and demonstrate genuine repentance and a desire to walk in obedience. Thirdly, these laws required immense faith in God's provision. Trusting God to provide sufficiently without working the land for a year, or by releasing debts, was a tangible expression of their reliance on Him rather than their own efforts or worldly economic systems. It also fostered social justice and prevented perpetual poverty within the community, reflecting God's compassionate character.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The commitments made by the Israelites in Nehemiah 10:31, particularly concerning Sabbath rest and the release of debts, find their ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament laws served as a shadow, Christ is the substance, the very embodiment of the rest and release God intended for His people. Jesus declared Himself to be the "Lord of the Sabbath" ([Mark 2:28](/mark/2-28 "Mark 2:28 - Lord of the Sabbath")), asserting His authority over the law and revealing that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. He invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him, promising to give them true spiritual rest for their souls ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Furthermore, the concept of debt release finds its ultimate expression in Christ's atoning work. Through His sacrifice on the cross, He paid the ultimate debt of sin, canceling the "certificate of debt" that stood against us ([Colossians 2:14](/colossians/2-14 "Colossians 2:14 - Cancellation of Debt")). He is the one who sets us free from the bondage of sin and the law, ushering in a new covenant of grace where there is "no condemnation" for those in Him ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ")). The Sabbatical rest and debt release of the Old Covenant foreshadowed the complete and eternal rest and freedom from spiritual debt that believers experience in Christ, the one in whom all God's promises are "Yes" and "Amen" ([2_corinthians/1-20](/2-corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises in Christ")).

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

Leviticus 23:3

Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day [is] the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work [therein]: it [is] the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings.

Nehemiah 13:15

¶ In those days saw I in Judah [some] treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all [manner of] burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified [against them] in the day wherein they sold victuals.

Nehemiah 13:22

And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and [that] they should come [and] keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, [concerning] this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.

Exodus 23:10

¶ And six years thou shalt sow thy land, and shalt gather in the fruits thereof:

Exodus 23:11

But the seventh [year] thou shalt let it rest and lie still; that the poor of thy people may eat: and what they leave the beasts of the field shall eat. In like manner thou shalt deal with thy vineyard, [and] with thy oliveyard.

Exodus 20:10

But the seventh day [is] the sabbath of the LORD thy God: [in it] thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that [is] within thy gates:

Jeremiah 17:21

Thus saith the LORD; Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the sabbath day, nor bring [it] in by the gates of Jerusalem;