Nehemiah 10:32

KJV

¶ Also we made ordinances for us, to charge ourselves yearly with the third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God;

KJV (with Strong's)

Also we made {H5975} ordinances {H4687} for us, to charge {H5414} ourselves yearly {H8141} with the third part {H7992} of a shekel {H8255} for the service {H5656} of the house {H1004} of our God {H430};

Complete Jewish Bible

"We will impose on ourselves a yearly tax of one-third of a shekel [one-seventh of an ounce of silver] for the service of the house of our

Berean Standard Bible

We also place ourselves under the obligation to contribute a third of a shekel yearly for the service of the house of our God:

American Standard Version

Also we made ordinances for us, to charge ourselves yearly with the third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 10:32 records a pivotal moment in the post-exilic community's covenant renewal, detailing their solemn, self-imposed annual financial commitment of a third part of a shekel. This ordinance was established to ensure the continuous and proper functioning of the Temple in Jerusalem, demonstrating the people's practical devotion, corporate responsibility, and tangible commitment to God's worship and the maintenance of His sacred house after their return from Babylonian captivity and the rebuilding of the city walls.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 10:32 is situated within the broader narrative of covenant renewal that spans Nehemiah chapters 8-10. Following the completion of the wall (Nehemiah 6) and the public reading of the Law by Ezra (Nehemiah 8), the people engaged in a profound corporate confession of sin and a review of God's faithfulness (Nehemiah 9). Chapter 10 then details the formal sealing of a "firm covenant" (as seen in [Nehemiah 9:38](/nehemiah/9-38 "Nehemiah 9:38 - Sealing of the Covenant")), signed by the leaders and affirmed by the entire community. This chapter lists the specific commitments the people pledged to uphold, ranging from abstaining from foreign marriages and Sabbath desecration to the practical support of the Temple. Verse 32, therefore, is not an isolated command but a concrete, self-imposed ordinance, a tangible expression of their renewed spiritual commitment and their understanding that true worship required sustained practical and financial backing. It forms part of the detailed stipulations that gave substance to their solemn oath.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The returning exiles faced immense challenges in the post-exilic period. They were a small, vulnerable community in a land that had been desolate, struggling with poverty, external opposition, and internal spiritual apathy. The Temple, though rebuilt decades earlier (under Zerubbabel, Ezra 3-6), required ongoing maintenance, supplies for sacrifices, and support for the Levites and priests. The Mosaic Law prescribed a "half-shekel" Temple tax (e.g., [Exodus 30:13](/exodus/30-13 "Exodus 30:13 - The Half-Shekel Temple Tax")), but this had likely fallen into disuse or was difficult to collect consistently during the exile and early return. The "third part of a shekel" in Nehemiah 10:32, therefore, represents a voluntary, corporate initiative by a community acutely aware of its past failures (as confessed in [Nehemiah 9](/nehemiah/9 "Nehemiah 9 - Corporate Confession and Covenant Renewal")) and determined to avoid them. It reflects their understanding that supporting the central place of worship was vital for their national and spiritual identity, demonstrating a profound cultural commitment to the Temple as the locus of God's presence and their communal life.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in Nehemiah and the post-exilic period. Firstly, it underscores **Covenant Commitment** and **Faithfulness**. The people's pledge was not merely verbal but translated into a binding, practical obligation, reflecting a desire to live out the terms of their renewed relationship with God, as established in [Nehemiah 9](/nehemiah/9 "Nehemiah 9 - Corporate Confession and Covenant Renewal"). Secondly, it highlights the critical importance of **Supporting God's House and Worship**. The specific purpose of the charge—"for the service of the house of our God"—emphasizes that true devotion necessitates tangible resources for the functioning of sacred institutions and the continuation of worship practices. This commitment was essential for the spiritual health and continuity of the community. Lastly, the verse powerfully conveys the theme of **Corporate Responsibility and Unity**. The phrase "we made ordinances for us, to charge ourselves yearly" demonstrates a collective decision and a shared burden, fostering a sense of unity, ownership, and solidarity in upholding the work of God among the community, as opposed to individual, sporadic contributions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ordinances (Hebrew, חֻקּוֹת _chuqqot_):** This term denotes statutes, decrees, or fixed regulations. It implies a binding, established rule, often with a legal or customary force. In this context, it signifies that the people's decision was not a fleeting impulse but a formalized, communal law they imposed upon themselves, giving it the weight of a solemn commitment within their renewed covenant.
* **Charge ourselves (Hebrew, עַל־נַפְשֵׁנוּ _ʿal-nafshēnu_):** Literally meaning "upon our soul" or "upon ourselves," this phrase emphasizes the voluntary and self-imposed nature of the commitment. It was not a tax levied by an external authority but a decision made internally by the community, indicating a willing and conscious assumption of responsibility. This highlights their earnest desire to fulfill their obligations to God.
* **Third part of a shekel (Hebrew, שְׁלִישִׁית הַשֶּׁקֶל _shlishit ha-sheqel_):** A shekel was a standard unit of weight and currency. The specific amount of a "third part" is noteworthy, especially when compared to the "half shekel" required by the Mosaic Law for the Temple tax (e.g., [Exodus 30:13](/exodus/30-13 "Exodus 30:13 - The Half-Shekel Temple Tax")). This difference has been interpreted in various ways: it could reflect the severe economic hardship and poverty of the post-exilic community, making even a smaller amount a significant sacrifice; it might represent a voluntary supplement to, or a distinct contribution from, the Mosaic tax; or it could be specifically designated for certain ongoing provisions for the Temple, as further elaborated in [Nehemiah 10:33](/nehemiah/10-33 "Nehemiah 10:33 - Specific Temple Provisions"). Regardless, it signifies a tangible, regular, and sacrificial commitment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Also we made ordinances for us":** This opening clause establishes the collective agency and intentionality behind the commitment. The decision to impose this financial obligation was a corporate act, reflecting a unified resolve among the people. It signifies the establishment of a new, self-governing regulation within their community, binding themselves to a specific action.
* **"to charge ourselves yearly":** This phrase further emphasizes the voluntary and self-imposed nature of the commitment, as discussed in the key word analysis. The term "yearly" highlights the regularity and sustained nature of this obligation. It was not a one-time offering but a consistent, annual contribution, ensuring continuous support for the Temple's operations. This regularity underscores their long-term dedication.
* **"with the third part of a shekel":** This specifies the exact amount of the annual contribution. As noted, this amount is distinct from the Mosaic half-shekel Temple tax, prompting scholarly discussion about its reasons. It was a fixed, measurable commitment, allowing for accountability and predictability in the Temple's finances, even if it was a reduced amount due to the community's economic circumstances.
* **"for the service of the house of our God;":** This final clause clearly states the ultimate purpose of the financial contribution. "The house of our God" refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, the center of Israelite worship. "For the service" indicates that the funds were designated for the ongoing operations, maintenance, supplies (like showbread, daily sacrifices, wood, incense), and support of the personnel (priests and Levites) necessary for the proper functioning of the Temple and its sacrificial system. This highlights the people's understanding that their worship required practical, material support.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 10:32 employs several literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is **Legal Language**, evident in the term "ordinances" (חֻקּוֹת), which frames the commitment as a binding statute rather than a mere suggestion. This underscores the solemnity and enforceability of their pledge. Closely related is the device of **Corporate Action**, highlighted by the repeated use of "we" and "ourselves," emphasizing the unified, communal decision-making and shared responsibility. This is not an individual mandate but a collective covenant. There is also an element of **Symbolism** in the "third part of a shekel" itself; regardless of its precise economic value, the very act of a regular, self-imposed financial contribution becomes a powerful symbol of their renewed dedication, their willingness to sacrifice, and their practical commitment to God's presence among them. The verse also implicitly uses **Contrast** by setting this new, self-imposed ordinance against the backdrop of past failures to uphold God's commands, thereby emphasizing the depth of their current repentance and resolve.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 10:32 offers profound theological and thematic insights into the nature of covenant and worship. It demonstrates that genuine spiritual revival and covenant renewal are not merely emotional experiences or verbal affirmations but demand tangible, practical outworkings. The decision to "charge ourselves" with a regular financial contribution underscores that true devotion involves stewardship of resources and a willingness to sacrifice for the ongoing work of God's kingdom. This commitment to supporting the "house of our God" reflects an understanding that corporate worship, the administration of sacred rites, and the spiritual well-being of the community require consistent material backing. It teaches that faith is active and expressed through practical obedience and shared responsibility, binding the community together in a common purpose to honor God.

* [Exodus 30:13](/exodus/30-13 "Exodus 30:13 - The Half-Shekel Temple Tax"): This passage details the Mosaic Law's requirement for a half-shekel Temple tax for atonement, providing a crucial point of comparison for the "third part of a shekel" in Nehemiah 10:32.
* [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - Cheerful Giving"): Paul's exhortation for believers to give "not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver," resonates with the voluntary and self-imposed nature of the commitment in Nehemiah, highlighting the heart behind the giving.
* [Malachi 3:10](/malachi/3-10 "Malachi 3:10 - Bringing the Whole Tithe"): This prophetic call to bring the whole tithe into the storehouse "that there may be food in my house" echoes the principle of financially supporting God's house to ensure its provisions and the sustenance of its service.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 10:32 provides a timeless model for believers and the church today, emphasizing that our commitment to God is holistic, encompassing both spiritual devotion and practical stewardship. Just as the post-exilic community recognized the need to tangibly support the physical Temple for the continuation of worship and the spiritual health of the nation, so too are we called to contribute to the "house of our God" in its contemporary forms—the local church, its ministries, and its mission. This verse reminds us that collective responsibility is vital; the work of God is a shared endeavor, requiring the consistent and willing contributions of every member. Our giving, whether financial or through the offering of our time and talents, should be a deliberate, self-imposed act of worship, reflecting a cheerful and committed heart that understands its resources are ultimately God's and are to be used for His purposes. It's a call to move beyond mere attendance to active, sacrificial participation in building up the body of Christ and extending His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my personal giving (financial, time, talent) reflect the same spirit of voluntary, corporate commitment seen in Nehemiah 10:32 for the "house of our God" today?**
* **In what ways can my local church community foster a deeper sense of shared responsibility and collective ownership for its mission and ministries?**
* **Beyond financial contributions, what does it mean for me to "charge myself yearly" with practical acts of service and devotion to God's work?**
* **How does understanding the historical context of poverty and sacrifice in Nehemiah's time inform my perspective on giving today?**

### FAQ
**Why is the amount "a third part of a shekel" instead of the "half shekel" mentioned in the Law?**

Answer: The "third part of a shekel" (Nehemiah 10:32) differs from the "half shekel" Temple tax prescribed in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Exodus 30:13](/exodus/30-13 "Exodus 30:13 - The Half-Shekel Temple Tax")). Several reasons are proposed for this difference. One common explanation is the severe economic hardship and poverty faced by the post-exilic community. Even a smaller amount would have represented a significant sacrifice for them, yet it was a commitment they felt they could realistically maintain annually. Another possibility is that this "third part" was a voluntary supplement or a distinct contribution specifically designated for certain ongoing Temple supplies or services, as indicated in the subsequent verse, [Nehemiah 10:33](/nehemiah/10-33 "Nehemiah 10:33 - Specific Temple Provisions"), which lists items like the showbread, daily sacrifice, and wood for the altar. It may not have replaced the half-shekel tax but was an additional, self-imposed "ordinance" to ensure the Temple's full operational needs were met. The emphasis is less on the exact amount and more on the principle of consistent, corporate, and sacrificial commitment to supporting God's house.

**Was this a mandatory tax or a voluntary offering?**

Answer: While Nehemiah 10:32 states, "we made ordinances for us, to charge ourselves yearly," implying it became a binding rule or statute, the phrasing "to charge ourselves" (literally, "upon our soul") strongly suggests a voluntary and self-imposed commitment. It was not a tax imposed by an external king or foreign power, nor was it explicitly a direct fulfillment of the Mosaic half-shekel Temple tax (which was a divine command). Instead, it was a collective decision made by the community, led by their spiritual leaders, to bind themselves to this regular contribution as a tangible expression of their renewed covenant with God. This act demonstrates a profound willingness and earnest desire to uphold their responsibilities to the Temple, making it a voluntary corporate pledge that became an established practice. This aligns with the principle of cheerful and willing giving, even when it becomes a regular, expected contribution within a covenant community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 10:32, with its focus on supporting the physical Temple for the service of God, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Christ. The Old Testament Temple was a shadow, pointing to the greater reality of God's dwelling among His people. Jesus Himself declared that He was greater than the Temple (e.g., [Matthew 12:6](/matthew/12-6 "Matthew 12:6 - Greater Than the Temple")), and He is ultimately the [true Temple](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the True Temple") in whom the fullness of God dwells. Our "service of the house of our God" is no longer primarily directed towards a physical building in Jerusalem, but towards Christ Himself and His body, the Church, which is now the [temple of the Holy Spirit](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple") and the dwelling place of God (e.g., [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Foundation of Apostles and Prophets")). Our "charging ourselves" with contributions is now an act of worship and partnership in the global mission of Christ's Church, supporting the proclamation of the Gospel, the discipleship of believers, and the care for the needy, as commanded by our Lord (e.g., [Matthew 28:19-20](/mathematics/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). Just as the Old Covenant people gave to sustain the worship of God, New Covenant believers give cheerfully and generously (e.g., [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - Cheerful Giving")) to advance Christ's kingdom, recognizing that all we have comes from Him and is to be used for His glory, reflecting the ultimate self-giving of Christ, who [gave His life as a ransom for many](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve").

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

Matthew 17:24

¶ And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute [money] came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?

Matthew 17:27

Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.

Exodus 30:11

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Exodus 30:16

And thou shalt take the atonement money of the children of Israel, and shalt appoint it for the service of the tabernacle of the congregation; that it may be a memorial unto the children of Israel before the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls.

Genesis 28:22

And this stone, which I have set [for] a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.

Proverbs 3:9

Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

2 Corinthians 8:12

For if there be first a willing mind, [it is] accepted according to that a man hath, [and] not according to that he hath not.