Nehemiah 10:37

KJV

And [that] we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground unto the Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes in all the cities of our tillage.

KJV (with Strong's)

And that we should bring {H935} the firstfruits {H7225} of our dough {H6182}, and our offerings {H8641}, and the fruit {H6529} of all manner of trees {H6086}, of wine {H8492} and of oil {H3323}, unto the priests {H3548}, to the chambers {H3957} of the house {H1004} of our God {H430}; and the tithes {H4643} of our ground {H127} unto the Levites {H3881}, that the same Levites {H3881} might have the tithes {H6237} in all the cities {H5892} of our tillage {H5656}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"We will bring the first of our dough, our contributions, the fruit of every kind of tree, wine and olive oil to the cohanim in the storerooms of the house of our God, along with the tenths from our land for the L'vi'im; since they, the L'vi'im, take the tenths in all the cities where we farm.

Berean Standard Bible

Moreover, we will bring to the priests at the storerooms of the house of our God the firstfruits of our dough, of our grain offerings, of the fruit of all our trees, and of our new wine and oil. A tenth of our produce belongs to the Levites, so that they shall receive tithes in all the towns where we labor.

American Standard Version

and that we should bring the first-fruits of our dough, and our heave-offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, the new wine and the oil, unto the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground unto the Levites; for they, the Levites, take the tithes in all the cities of our tillage.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 10:37 details a solemn commitment made by the returned exiles in Jerusalem to faithfully provide for the operational needs of the rebuilt temple and its dedicated ministers, the priests and Levites. This verse, part of a broader covenant renewal, outlines specific agricultural contributions—firstfruits of dough, trees, wine, and oil for the priests, and tithes of ground produce for the Levites—underscoring the community's renewed dedication to God's commands, their gratitude for His provision, and their understanding of the vital role of sustained worship and religious instruction in their national life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 10:37 is embedded within the detailed record of the covenant renewal ceremony described in Nehemiah 9-10. Following the completion of Jerusalem's walls in [Nehemiah 6](/nehemiah/6 "Nehemiah 6 - Completion of the Wall") and a powerful spiritual revival initiated by Ezra's public reading of the Law in [Nehemiah 8](/nehemiah/8 "Nehemiah 8 - Reading of the Law"), the people of Israel, led by their leaders, entered into a formal, written covenant with God. [Nehemiah 9](/nehemiah/9 "Nehemiah 9 - Confession of Sins and Covenant") recounts a profound prayer of confession and remembrance of God's faithfulness, culminating in the signing of this binding agreement. Chapter 10 then lists the signatories and, more importantly, details the specific stipulations of this renewed covenant, moving from general promises of obedience to concrete, practical commitments. Verse 37, therefore, is a tangible expression of their resolve to uphold the Mosaic Law's requirements concerning temple support, demonstrating that their spiritual revival was to be accompanied by practical, financial faithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Nehemiah unfold in the post-exilic period, specifically around 444 BCE, after the Jewish people had returned from seventy years of Babylonian captivity. Having rebuilt the temple under Zerubbabel and the city walls under Nehemiah, the community faced the challenge of re-establishing a functioning society rooted in their ancestral faith. Central to this was the restoration of proper worship and the sustained operation of the Second Temple. The Mosaic Law, particularly in books like [Numbers](/numbers/18 "Numbers 18 - Duties of Priests and Levites") and [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/14 "Deuteronomy 14 - Tithes and Offerings"), prescribed specific offerings and tithes to support the priests and Levites, who had no tribal land inheritance and were wholly dedicated to temple service. However, during periods of spiritual decline, these provisions were often neglected, leading to destitution among the temple workers and a breakdown of religious order. The commitment in Nehemiah 10:37 directly addresses this historical failure, aiming to prevent its recurrence by ensuring a stable and consistent financial foundation for the "house of our God."
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout Nehemiah and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Obedience to God's Law**, as the provisions for firstfruits and tithes were direct commandments from the Torah. Secondly, it emphasizes **Community Responsibility and Corporate Worship**, demonstrating that the spiritual health of the nation depended on the collective faithfulness of its members to sustain the mechanisms of worship. Thirdly, the practice of offering "firstfruits" underscores **Gratitude and Trust in God's Provision**, acknowledging Him as the ultimate source of all abundance and dedicating the best of their produce back to Him before enjoying the rest. Finally, the commitment to support the priests and Levites speaks to the theme of **Sustaining Ministry and Religious Instruction**, recognizing that a vibrant spiritual life requires dedicated individuals who can devote themselves fully to teaching, leading worship, and mediating between God and His people. This commitment was vital for the ongoing restoration of Israel's spiritual identity and purpose.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Firstfruits (Hebrew, _rē’šît_):** This term literally means "the beginning," "the first," or "the best part." In agricultural contexts, it refers to the earliest and choicest produce of the harvest, consecrated to God. The offering of firstfruits was a tangible act of worship, demonstrating faith that God, who provided the initial yield, would also bless the remainder of the harvest. It acknowledged God's sovereignty over all creation and His role as the ultimate provider.
* **Tithes (Hebrew, _maʿăśēr_):** Meaning "a tenth part," the tithe was a mandatory offering of ten percent of one's agricultural produce or livestock. Unlike firstfruits, which were typically the initial portion, tithes represented a fixed percentage of the total yield. The primary purpose of the tithe, as stipulated in the Mosaic Law, was to provide financial support for the Levites, who, in turn, supported the priests, enabling them to carry out their duties without needing to engage in secular labor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And [that] we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God;":** This clause specifies the types of agricultural produce designated as "firstfruits" and "offerings" (likely referring to other voluntary or prescribed offerings beyond firstfruits). "Dough" refers to the first batch of bread made from the new grain harvest. "Fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil" covers the primary agricultural products of ancient Israel. The destination for these items is explicitly stated as "unto the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God." The "chambers" were storage rooms within the temple complex where these provisions were kept for the sustenance of the priests and for use in temple rituals. This commitment ensured the physical well-being of the priestly class and the material resources necessary for daily temple operations.
* **"and the tithes of our ground unto the Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes in all the cities of our tillage.":** This second part of the verse distinguishes the destination for the "tithes of our ground." These were specifically allocated "unto the Levites." The purpose is clearly stated: "that the same Levites might have the tithes in all the cities of our tillage." This highlights the Levites' role as the primary beneficiaries of the tithe system, ensuring their livelihood across all regions where the Israelites cultivated land. It also underscores the decentralized nature of the Levites' service, as they were distributed throughout the land, serving as teachers and administrators of the Law, not just at the central temple. This provision guaranteed their financial stability, allowing them to fulfill their divinely appointed roles without distraction.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 10:37 employs several literary devices to convey its significant message. The most prominent is **Covenant Language**, as the verse is a direct stipulation within a formally agreed-upon covenant. This language emphasizes the binding nature of the promise and the solemnity of the people's commitment to God. There is also a clear use of **Categorization** and **Specification**, meticulously listing the types of produce (dough, fruit, wine, oil) and distinguishing between the beneficiaries (priests vs. Levites) and their respective provisions (firstfruits/offerings vs. tithes). This precision reflects the legalistic and practical nature of the Mosaic Law, which the people were pledging to uphold. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of the theme of giving and supporting the temple throughout Nehemiah 10 reinforces the centrality of this commitment to their renewed identity as God's people. The verse functions as a **Stipulation**, a concrete requirement within the broader covenant, moving from abstract spiritual renewal to tangible, actionable obedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 10:37 is a profound theological statement on stewardship, obedience, and the communal responsibility for sustaining God's work. It reflects the Old Testament principle that all blessings flow from God, and therefore, a portion of those blessings is to be returned to Him in worship and for the support of His appointed ministers. The act of giving firstfruits and tithes was not merely a financial transaction but an act of faith, acknowledging God's sovereignty over their livelihood and trusting in His continued provision. This commitment was essential for the spiritual health of the community, ensuring that the temple, as the center of their worship and national identity, could function effectively and that the priests and Levites could devote themselves fully to their sacred duties without material hindrance. Their faithfulness in this practical area was a direct reflection of their renewed covenant relationship with God.

* [Proverbs 3:9](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9 - Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops")
* [Numbers 18:21](/numbers/18-21 "Numbers 18:21 - Levites to receive tithes for their service")
* [Malachi 3:10](/malachi/3-10 "Malachi 3:10 - Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 10:37 offers timeless principles for believers today, even though the specific practices of temple offerings have been fulfilled in Christ. The verse calls us to a holistic understanding of worship that extends beyond ritual to include practical stewardship of our resources. It challenges us to prioritize God in our finances, giving Him the "firstfruits" of our income, time, and talents, not merely what is left over. This act of giving is an expression of gratitude, trust, and obedience, acknowledging that all we possess ultimately comes from His generous hand. Furthermore, it underscores our collective responsibility to support those who minister the Word of God and lead in spiritual instruction within the church, enabling them to devote themselves fully to their calling, just as the Levites and priests were supported. Our faithful giving ensures the ongoing proclamation of the Gospel, the nurturing of believers, and the expansion of God's kingdom, reflecting the same communal commitment seen in post-exilic Israel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I currently prioritize God with the "firstfruits" of my resources (time, talent, treasure)?**
* **How does my giving reflect my trust in God's provision rather than my reliance on my own efforts?**
* **What is my responsibility in supporting those who minister the Gospel and lead in spiritual instruction in my community?**
* **How does faithful stewardship contribute to the overall health and mission of the church today?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of bringing "firstfruits" specifically, as opposed to just a general offering?**

Answer: Bringing "firstfruits" (Hebrew: *rē’šît*) was highly significant because it represented the initial and best portion of the harvest or increase. Theologically, it was an act of profound faith and worship. By dedicating the very first of their produce to God, the Israelites acknowledged His sovereignty as the ultimate provider of all blessings, even before the full harvest was gathered. It demonstrated trust that God would continue to bless the remainder. This practice also served as a preventative measure against idolatry, ensuring that the people attributed their prosperity to Yahweh, not to pagan deities or their own efforts. It was a tangible way of honoring God with their substance, as encouraged in [Proverbs 3:9](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9 - Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops").

**Why was it so important for the people to provide for the priests and Levites?**

Answer: Providing for the priests and Levites was crucial for the functioning of Israel's spiritual life and national identity. According to the Mosaic Law, the Levites, who were chosen for sacred service, did not receive a tribal land inheritance like the other tribes (see [Numbers 18:20-24](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20-24 - The Lord is the Levites' inheritance")). Their livelihood was entirely dependent on the tithes and offerings brought by the rest of the Israelite community. This system allowed them to dedicate themselves fully to their duties: serving in the temple, teaching the Law, and mediating between God and the people. Neglecting these provisions, as had often happened in Israel's history, led to the destitution of the Levites and priests, forcing them to abandon their sacred duties to find other means of support. This, in turn, resulted in the breakdown of proper worship and spiritual instruction. Nehemiah 10:37 was a renewed commitment to prevent such spiritual decay by ensuring the sustained support of those consecrated to God's service, a principle also echoed in the New Testament regarding supporting those who preach the Gospel (e.g., [1 Corinthians 9:14](/1_corinthians/9-14 "1 Corinthians 9:14 - The Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Old Testament practice of bringing firstfruits and tithes, as exemplified in Nehemiah 10:37, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant. Jesus Himself is the ultimate "firstfruits"—the [firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep"), signifying His resurrection as the guarantee and pattern for the resurrection of all believers. His perfect, once-for-all sacrifice on the cross serves as the ultimate "offering" that truly takes away sin, rendering the continuous animal sacrifices and offerings of the Old Covenant temple system obsolete (as extensively explained in [Hebrews 9-10](/hebrews/9 "Hebrews 9 - The Blood of Christ")). Furthermore, Christ is our great High Priest, who forever intercedes for us in the heavenly sanctuary, fulfilling and surpassing the role of the Levitical priesthood (see [Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus, the Great High Priest")). Under the New Covenant, the emphasis shifts from prescribed agricultural offerings to a joyful, Spirit-empowered generosity that flows from a heart transformed by grace. Believers are now called to present their entire lives as a "living sacrifice" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")), and to financially support the spread of the Gospel and the needs of the church, recognizing that all we have belongs to God and is to be used for His glory ([2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God loves a cheerful giver")). Thus, Nehemiah 10:37 foreshadows the perfect provision and priesthood found in Christ, while also establishing enduring principles of faithful stewardship and communal support for God's redemptive work in the world.

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 23:17

Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves of two tenth deals: they shall be of fine flour; they shall be baken with leaven; [they are] the firstfruits unto the LORD.

Numbers 18:21

And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, [even] the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.

Deuteronomy 26:2

That thou shalt take of the first of all the fruit of the earth, which thou shalt bring of thy land that the LORD thy God giveth thee, and shalt put [it] in a basket, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose to place his name there.

Nehemiah 13:5

And he had prepared for him a great chamber, where aforetime they laid the meat offerings, the frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes of the corn, the new wine, and the oil, which was commanded [to be given] to the Levites, and the singers, and the porters; and the offerings of the priests.

Deuteronomy 18:4

The firstfruit [also] of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the first of the fleece of thy sheep, shalt thou give him.

Nehemiah 13:9

Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat offering and the frankincense.

Numbers 18:12

All the best of the oil, and all the best of the wine, and of the wheat, the firstfruits of them which they shall offer unto the LORD, them have I given thee.