Nehemiah 10:34

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:

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}:

"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.

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.

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

Context and Background

Nehemiah 10:34 is part of a crucial chapter detailing the solemn covenant made by the Israelites after their return from Babylonian exile. Following the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and the public reading of the Law by Ezra, the people, led by their officials, priests, and Levites, committed themselves to faithfully observing God's commandments (Nehemiah 9:38). This verse specifically addresses one of the practical provisions for maintaining the Temple worship: the "wood offering."

The daily sacrifices on the altar required a continuous supply of wood to keep the fire burning, as commanded in the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 6:12-13). Since the Temple treasury might not always have funds to purchase wood, and to ensure consistent provision, the community decided to organize this essential service. They cast lots among the various groups—priests, Levites, and the general populace—to assign specific families and times each year for bringing the wood. This ensured that the altar of the LORD God would always have fuel for the burnt offerings, reflecting a deep commitment to restored worship.

Key Themes and Significance

  • Commitment to Sustaining Worship: This verse highlights the people's proactive dedication to ensuring the continuous operation of the Temple and its sacrificial system. It wasn't enough to rebuild; they committed to maintaining.
  • Shared Responsibility: The burden of providing for the Temple was not left solely to the priests or Levites. By casting lots among all segments of society ("priests, the Levites, and the people"), the community demonstrated a collective ownership and responsibility for God's house.
  • Obedience to the Law: The phrase "as it is written in the law" underscores their earnest desire to adhere strictly to divine commands, even in seemingly mundane matters like providing wood. This reflects a renewed reverence for God's instructions.
  • Order and Foresight: The use of lots and the appointment of specific "times appointed year by year" reveal a systematic and organized approach. This foresight ensured that the essential elements of worship were never neglected due to a lack of provision.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 10:34 offers timeless principles for believers today. Just as the Israelites committed to sustaining their place of worship, we are called to actively support our spiritual communities and ministries. This can involve:

  • Participating Actively: Beyond attending services, we are encouraged to contribute our time, talents, and resources to the work of God's kingdom, understanding that everyone has a role to play (1 Corinthians 12:27).
  • Fulfilling Our Commitments: The verse reminds us of the importance of honoring our commitments to God and to the community of faith, whether it's through regular giving, volunteering, or serving in specific capacities.
  • Being Orderly and Intentional: Just as the wood offering was planned "year by year," our spiritual disciplines and contributions should be intentional and consistent, not haphazard.

Ultimately, this verse is a powerful reminder that genuine spiritual revival often manifests in practical, collective actions that ensure the ongoing worship and service of God.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Nehemiah 13:31 (6 votes)

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

  • Leviticus 6:12 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 40:16 (3 votes)

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

  • Hebrews 10:3 (2 votes)

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

  • Hebrews 10:7 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    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.