Nehemiah 10:34

KJV

And we cast the lots among the priests, the Levites, and the people, for the wood offering, to bring [it] into the house of our God, after the houses of our fathers, at times appointed year by year, to burn upon the altar of the LORD our God, as [it is] written in the law:

KJV (with Strong's)

And we cast {H5307} the lots {H1486} among the priests {H3548}, the Levites {H3881}, and the people {H5971}, for the wood {H6086} offering {H7133}, to bring {H935} it into the house {H1004} of our God {H430}, after the houses {H1004} of our fathers {H1}, at times {H6256} appointed {H2163} year {H8141} by year {H8141}, to burn {H1197} upon the altar {H4196} of the LORD {H3068} our God {H430}, as it is written {H3789} in the law {H8451}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"We, the cohanim, the L'vi'im and the people, will cast lots in connection with the wood offering, so that it will be brought to the house of our God according to our fathers' clans, at specified times, year by year, and then be burned on the altar of ADONAI our God, as prescribed in the Torah.

Berean Standard Bible

We have cast lots among the priests, Levites, and people for the donation of wood by our families at the appointed times each year. They are to bring it to the house of our God to burn on the altar of the LORD our God, as it is written in the Law.

American Standard Version

And we cast lots, the priests, the Levites, and the people, for the wood-offering, to bring it into the house of our God, according to our fathers’ houses, at times appointed, year by year, to burn upon the altar of Jehovah our God, as it is written in the law;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 10:34 details a practical and organized commitment made by the returned exiles in Jerusalem to ensure the continuous provision of wood for the Temple altar. This verse highlights the communal responsibility shared by priests, Levites, and the general populace, who cast lots to assign families specific times each year to bring the necessary fuel for the burnt offerings, thereby upholding the Mosaic Law and demonstrating their renewed dedication to sustained worship of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 10:34 is situated within a pivotal chapter that records the solemn covenant sworn by the post-exilic community in Jerusalem. Following the completion of the city wall ([Nehemiah 6:15](/nehemiah/6-15 "Nehemiah 6:15 - Completion of the Wall")), the public reading and explanation of the Law by Ezra ([Nehemiah 8:1-8](/nehemiah/8-1 "Nehemiah 8:1-8 - Ezra Reads the Law")), and a profound period of confession and worship ([Nehemiah 9](/nehemiah/9 "Nehemiah 9 - Confession and Covenant Renewal")), the people, led by their leaders, formally commit themselves to faithfully observing God's commandments. Chapter 10 outlines the specific provisions of this covenant, including commitments regarding marriage ([Nehemiah 10:30](/nehemiah/10-30 "Nehemiah 10:30 - No Intermarriage")), Sabbath observance ([Nehemiah 10:31](/nehemiah/10-31 "Nehemiah 10:31 - Sabbath Observance")), and, crucially, the financial and material support of the Temple and its services ([Nehemiah 10:32-39](/nehemiah/10-32 "Nehemiah 10:32-39 - Temple Support")). The wood offering, therefore, is not an isolated act but an integral part of a comprehensive, practical outworking of their renewed covenant relationship with God, ensuring that the "house of our God" would not be neglected ([Nehemiah 10:39](/nehemiah/10-39 "Nehemiah 10:39 - Do Not Neglect the House of God")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The scene is set in Jerusalem during the post-exilic period, likely around 444 BC, following the return of Jewish exiles from Babylon. The community faced the immense task of not only rebuilding the physical city and Temple but also restoring their spiritual life and national identity. The Temple, though rebuilt, required constant maintenance and provision for its daily sacrificial system. The Mosaic Law stipulated that the fire on the altar of burnt offering was to be kept burning continually ([Leviticus 6:12-13](/leviticus/6-12 "Leviticus 6:12-13 - The Perpetual Fire on the Altar")). This necessitated a reliable and continuous supply of wood. In ancient Israel, casting lots (_goral_) was a common method for making decisions, distributing land, or assigning duties, often believed to reveal divine will or ensure impartiality ([Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lot is Cast into the Lap")). By involving "priests, Levites, and the people," the community ensured that the burden and privilege of supporting Temple worship were shared across all societal strata and ancestral "houses of our fathers," reflecting a collective ownership and commitment to the restored worship life.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Nehemiah and the broader post-exilic narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Obedience**, as the people explicitly commit to doing "as it is written in the law," demonstrating a renewed reverence for God's commands after generations of neglect. Closely related is **Restoration of Worship**, as the provision of wood directly facilitates the central act of Temple worship—the burnt offering—underscoring their dedication to re-establishing proper communion with God. The involvement of all segments of society highlights the theme of **Communal Responsibility and Shared Stewardship**, emphasizing that the maintenance of God's house and the spiritual life of the nation was a collective endeavor, not solely the burden of the priestly class. Finally, the organized, "year by year" appointment of duties reflects **Order, Foresight, and Diligence** in their spiritual commitments, ensuring that essential elements of worship would not be neglected due to lack of planning or resources.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lots (Hebrew, _gôrāl_):** This term refers to small objects (stones, sticks) cast to make decisions or assign portions, often with the belief that the outcome was divinely determined. In this context, casting lots ensured a fair and impartial distribution of the responsibility for the wood offering among the various families and groups, preventing disputes and ensuring systematic provision. It also underscored the seriousness and divine sanction of this commitment.
* **Wood Offering (Hebrew, _'ēṣ_):** While literally referring to timber, in this cultic context, it signifies the essential fuel required to maintain the perpetual fire on the altar of burnt offering. The "wood offering" was not a sacrifice in itself but a necessary provision for the daily sacrifices, symbolizing the continuous nature of worship and the community's practical dedication to sustaining it. Its regular provision was as critical as the animals themselves.
* **As it is written in the law (Hebrew, _ka'ăšer kātûḇ ba'tôrâ_):** This phrase emphasizes the community's earnest desire to adhere strictly to the Mosaic Law. It grounds their practical actions in divine command, demonstrating that their commitment was not arbitrary but rooted in scriptural obedience. This reflects a post-exilic emphasis on the authority of the Torah as the guide for Israel's life and worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And we cast the lots among the priests, the Levites, and the people":** This clause highlights the collective and equitable nature of the decision. The responsibility for the wood offering was not imposed by leaders but was a shared commitment, distributed fairly among all segments of the community: the religious leaders (priests and Levites) and the general populace. This ensured broad participation and ownership.
* **"for the wood offering, to bring [it] into the house of our God":** This specifies the purpose of the lot-casting: to organize the provision of wood. The destination, "the house of our God" (the Temple), underscores the sacred purpose of this practical task, linking mundane labor directly to divine worship.
* **"after the houses of our fathers, at times appointed year by year":** This detail reveals the systematic and organized approach. The responsibility was assigned by ancestral family units ("houses of our fathers"), ensuring continuity and accountability across generations. The phrase "at times appointed year by year" indicates a regular, scheduled, and predictable system, preventing neglect and ensuring a consistent supply.
* **"to burn upon the altar of the LORD our God":** This clarifies the ultimate function of the wood: to fuel the perpetual fire for the burnt offerings on the altar. This was the heart of the sacrificial system, symbolizing atonement and communion with God. The repetition of "our God" emphasizes the restored covenant relationship and personal ownership of their worship.
* **"as [it is] written in the law":** This concluding phrase provides the theological justification and authority for their actions. Their commitment was not a human invention but a faithful adherence to God's established commands, particularly those found in the Pentateuch regarding the maintenance of the altar fire ([Leviticus 6:12-13](/leviticus/6-12 "Leviticus 6:12-13 - The Perpetual Fire on the Altar")).

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 10:34 employs several literary devices to convey its message. The phrase "wood offering" functions as a **Metonymy**, where the part (wood) stands for the whole system of maintaining the altar fire and, by extension, the entire sacrificial worship. The act of bringing wood itself carries **Symbolism**, representing the community's practical obedience, shared responsibility, and sustained commitment to God's commands and the Temple. The "fire upon the altar" is also symbolic, representing the continuous presence of God and the ongoing need for atonement and worship. The repeated use of "our God" throughout the chapter, including in this verse, emphasizes a renewed sense of **Communal Ownership and Relationship** with Yahweh, highlighting the personal and collective nature of their covenant commitment. Furthermore, the structured, "year by year" approach demonstrates **Foresight** and **Order**, reflecting a deliberate and disciplined spiritual life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 10:34 is a powerful testament to the principle that genuine spiritual revival is not merely emotional or intellectual but manifests in practical, communal, and sustained acts of obedience and stewardship. The commitment to the wood offering underscores the theological truth that worship requires diligent provision and active participation from the entire community, not just a select few. It highlights the importance of order, foresight, and shared responsibility in maintaining the integrity and continuity of corporate worship. This verse teaches that even seemingly mundane tasks, when performed in obedience to God's word and with a heart dedicated to His service, become sacred acts that contribute to the flourishing of His house and the spiritual health of His people. It reflects a profound understanding that neglecting the practical needs of worship is tantamount to neglecting God Himself.

* [Leviticus 6:12-13](/leviticus/6-12 "Leviticus 6:12-13 - The Perpetual Fire on the Altar")
* [1 Chronicles 9:31](/1_chronicles/9-31 "1 Chronicles 9:31 - Keepers of the Bread and Wood")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 10:34 offers profound insights for believers today, reminding us that our commitment to God is expressed not only in grand declarations but also in practical, often unseen, acts of service and provision. Just as the Israelites ensured the continuous burning of the altar fire, we are called to actively sustain the spiritual "fire" within our own lives and within our faith communities. This involves a willingness to contribute our time, talents, and resources, recognizing that every member has a vital role in supporting the work of God’s kingdom. It challenges us to move beyond passive attendance to active participation, embracing shared responsibility for the health and vitality of our churches and ministries. Whether through consistent giving, volunteering in practical ways, or faithfully serving in various capacities, our "wood offering" today ensures that the mission of God continues to burn brightly, impacting lives and glorifying His name. It calls for intentionality, consistency, and a deep-seated commitment to not neglect the "house of our God" in its modern manifestations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "wood offerings"—practical acts of service or provision—are you called to bring to your faith community today?**
* **How does shared responsibility strengthen the body of Christ, and in what ways can you better participate in it?**
* **In what areas of your spiritual life do you need to cultivate more order and foresight, like the "times appointed year by year" for the wood offering?**
* **How does your commitment to seemingly mundane tasks reflect your deeper obedience to God's "law" or commands?**

### FAQ
**Why was casting lots used to determine who brought the wood?**

Answer: Casting lots was a common and accepted method in ancient Israel for making important decisions, distributing tasks, or allocating resources. In this context, it served multiple purposes. Firstly, it ensured impartiality and fairness in distributing what could be a significant burden, preventing any single group or family from feeling disproportionately tasked. Secondly, it was often believed that the outcome of casting lots was divinely guided ([Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lot is Cast into the Lap")), lending a sense of divine sanction and authority to the assignments. This method helped to organize the entire community—priests, Levites, and the general populace—into a systematic, year-by-year rotation, guaranteeing a consistent and reliable supply of wood for the Temple's perpetual altar fire.

**What was the significance of the "wood offering" in Temple worship?**

Answer: The "wood offering" was crucial because the Mosaic Law commanded that the fire on the altar of burnt offering in the Temple must be kept burning continually, day and night ([Leviticus 6:12-13](/leviticus/6-12 "Leviticus 6:12-13 - The Perpetual Fire on the Altar")). This perpetual fire was essential for the daily sacrifices and offerings, which were central to Israel's worship, atonement, and communion with God. Without a constant supply of wood, the sacrificial system would cease, and the people would be unable to fulfill their covenant obligations. Therefore, the wood offering, though seemingly a mundane provision, was foundational to the continuous operation of Temple worship and symbolized the community's unwavering commitment to maintaining their relationship with God through obedience to His commands.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 10:34, with its focus on the meticulous provision of wood for the perpetual altar fire, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The continuous burning fire on the altar in the Old Testament foreshadowed the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose atoning work on the cross extinguished the need for repeated animal sacrifices. He is the ultimate "wood offering," as He willingly laid down His life on the wooden cross, becoming the perfect and sufficient sacrifice that truly takes away the sin of the world ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Furthermore, the perpetual fire also pointed to the eternal intercession of Christ at the right hand of God ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")) and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, who ignites and sustains the spiritual worship of believers today. As New Testament believers, we are called to offer "spiritual sacrifices" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - A Spiritual House and Holy Priesthood")), presenting our bodies as "living sacrifices" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices"))—a continuous, Christ-empowered act of worship that fulfills the spirit of Nehemiah's communal commitment to keep the fire of devotion burning.

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 13:31

And for the wood offering, at times appointed, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, for good.

Leviticus 6:12

And the fire upon the altar shall be burning in it; it shall not be put out: and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and lay the burnt offering in order upon it; and he shall burn thereon the fat of the peace offerings.

Leviticus 6:13

The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.

Isaiah 40:16

And Lebanon [is] not sufficient to burn, nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt offering.

Hebrews 10:3

But in those [sacrifices there is] a remembrance again [made] of sins every year.

Hebrews 10:7

¶ Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.

1 Chronicles 24:5

Thus were they divided by lot, one sort with another; for the governors of the sanctuary, and governors [of the house] of God, were of the sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar.