Nehemiah 10:5

KJV

Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah,

KJV (with Strong's)

Harim {H2766}, Meremoth {H4822}, Obadiah {H5662},

Complete Jewish Bible

Harim, M'remot, 'Ovadyah,

Berean Standard Bible

Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah,

American Standard Version

Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 10:5 meticulously records the names of three priests—Harim, Meremoth, and Obadiah—who affixed their seals to a solemn covenant renewed with God by the post-exilic community in Jerusalem. This seemingly simple enumeration underscores the profound personal commitment and corporate dedication required for the spiritual and societal restoration of Israel, highlighting the vital role of the priesthood in upholding divine law and re-establishing proper worship after the return from Babylonian captivity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of [Nehemiah chapter 10](/nehemiah/10 "Nehemiah 10 - The Covenant Sealed"), which details the formal sealing of a covenant by the returned exiles. It follows a period of profound spiritual revival sparked by the public reading of the Law in [Nehemiah 8](/nehemiah/8 "Nehemiah 8 - The Reading of the Law") and a national confession of sin and praise in [Nehemiah 9](/nehemiah/9 "Nehemiah 9 - A Prayer of Confession and Praise"). The people, having been re-educated in God's commandments and having repented of their past failures, now publicly commit themselves to obey the Mosaic Law. The list of names in [Nehemiah 10:1-27](/nehemiah/10-1 "Nehemiah 10:1-27 - Signers of the Covenant") serves as a historical record of those who, as leaders and representatives, pledged their allegiance to God's covenant, thereby solidifying the spiritual foundations of the newly re-established community in Judah. Nehemiah 10:5 specifically names three priests, emphasizing the critical role of the priestly class in this sacred undertaking.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for Nehemiah 10 is post-exilic Jerusalem, approximately 444 BC. After decades of Babylonian captivity, various groups of Jews had returned to their homeland, facing the daunting task of rebuilding their city, temple, and national identity. Under Nehemiah's leadership, the walls of Jerusalem had been completed, providing physical security. However, spiritual restoration was equally, if not more, vital. The act of sealing a covenant was a deeply significant legal and religious practice in the ancient Near East, akin to signing a treaty or a contract. It involved a public declaration, often with curses invoked upon those who broke it, and was binding on the signatories and their descendants. For a community emerging from exile, this covenant renewal was not merely a formality but a foundational act of re-establishing their relationship with Yahweh as His chosen people, promising adherence to the Law, particularly concerning temple support, tithing, and Sabbath observance, as detailed in [Nehemiah 10:32-39](/nehemiah/10-32 "Nehemiah 10:32-39 - Specific Covenant Commitments").
* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 10:5, though a simple list, powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Nehemiah and the broader post-exilic narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Covenant Loyalty and Renewal**, showcasing the people's collective and individual commitment to re-enter a faithful relationship with God after generations of disobedience and exile. Secondly, it underscores **Individual Accountability within Corporate Commitment**, demonstrating that while the covenant was a communal act, it was built upon the personal dedication of specific individuals, whose names were deemed important enough to be recorded for posterity. Thirdly, the inclusion of these names speaks to the **Restoration of Order and Divine Institutions**, particularly the re-establishment of the priesthood and the proper functioning of the temple service, which was essential for the spiritual health and identity of the community. Finally, the very act of recording these names emphasizes the **Historical Record and Enduring Legacy** of faithfulness, serving as an encouragement for future generations to uphold God's commands, much like the commitment to observe the Sabbath and support the temple found in [Nehemiah 10:31-39](/nehemiah/10-31 "Nehemiah 10:31-39 - Covenant Specifics").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Harim (Hebrew, _ḥārim'_):** This name means "dedicated" or "devoted." Its inclusion here is particularly fitting for a priest, symbolizing a life set apart for God's service. The family of Harim is noted elsewhere in post-exilic records as a priestly line, reinforcing the idea of a lineage dedicated to the sacred duties of the temple, as seen in [Ezra 2:39](/ezra/2-39 "Ezra 2:39 - Priests of Harim").
* **Meremoth (Hebrew, _mərēmōṯ'_):** Meaning "heights" or "elevations," this name might metaphorically suggest a position of prominence or spiritual aspiration. Meremoth is also identified in other lists of those who returned from exile and participated in the rebuilding efforts, such as in [Ezra 8:33](/ezra/8-33 "Ezra 8:33 - Meremoth and the Temple Treasures"), indicating a consistent involvement in the restoration of Israel.
* **Obadiah (Hebrew, _‘ōvaḏyāh'_):** A very common biblical name, Obadiah means "servant of Yahweh" or "worshipper of Yahweh." This name perfectly encapsulates the essence of the covenant renewal: a people rededicating themselves to serving and worshipping the one true God. The name itself is a statement of identity and purpose, echoing the broader commitment of the community to live as God's servants, as exemplified by the prophet [Obadiah](/obadiah/1 "The Book of Obadiah").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Harim,"**: The listing of Harim signifies the personal commitment of an individual priest, representing his family line, to the renewed covenant. His name, meaning "dedicated," underscores the spiritual disposition required for those leading the people in worship and adherence to God's law. His inclusion is a testament to the importance of individual, named participation in the corporate act of covenant renewal.
* **"Meremoth,"**: Meremoth's presence in this list further emphasizes the broad representation of the priestly families in this solemn agreement. His name, possibly implying "elevation," could subtly point to the aspirational nature of the covenant—to elevate the community's spiritual standing and practices. Like Harim, his inclusion highlights the specific individuals who bore the responsibility of leading the people back into faithful obedience.
* **"Obadiah,"**: The name Obadiah, meaning "servant of Yahweh," is profoundly significant in this context. It serves as a powerful summary of the entire purpose of the covenant: for the people, led by their priests, to live as true servants and worshippers of God. His inclusion ensures that the record is comprehensive, acknowledging all key priestly figures who publicly affirmed their devotion and commitment to the restoration of God's order among His people.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 10:5, while seemingly a simple enumeration, employs several subtle but effective literary devices. The most apparent is **Enumeration** or **Listing**, which serves to meticulously record and authenticate the individuals involved in the covenant. This precise listing reinforces the historical veracity and solemnity of the event, emphasizing that the commitment was not abstract but involved specific, named persons. Beyond mere record-keeping, the act of listing these names functions as a form of **Attestation**, providing a witness to the covenant's signatories and lending weight to the agreement. Furthermore, the very presence of these names, particularly when their meanings are considered, imbues the text with **Symbolism**. Names like "Harim" (dedicated) and "Obadiah" (servant of Yahweh) are not merely labels but become symbolic representations of the desired character and spiritual posture of the entire community entering into the covenant. The listing also serves as a **Historical Record**, ensuring that the faithfulness of these individuals, even if not prominent in other narratives, is preserved and remembered within the sacred text, providing a lasting testament to their role in the restoration of Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 10:5, by listing the names of priests who sealed the covenant, provides a powerful theological statement about the nature of God's relationship with His people and the human response required. It underscores that divine covenants, while initiated by God's grace, demand a tangible, personal commitment from humanity. The act of signing or sealing signifies not just intellectual assent but a public, binding pledge of loyalty and obedience. This commitment, particularly from the priestly class, highlights the importance of spiritual leadership in guiding a community back to righteousness and order. The meticulous record-keeping reflects God's attention to individual faithfulness and the significance He places on those who respond to His call for holiness and service. It demonstrates that true spiritual revival culminates in concrete actions and renewed dedication to God's commands, foundational for the flourishing of His people.

* [Deuteronomy 29:10-15](/deuteronomy/29-10 "Covenant Renewal at Moab")
* [Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6 "The Superior New Covenant")
* [Revelation 20:12](/revelation/20-12 "The Book of Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 10:5, though a simple list of names, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that our faith is not merely a private conviction but often calls for public declaration and tangible commitment. Just as these priests sealed their covenant with God, believers today are called to affirm their faith through baptism, church membership, and active participation in the body of Christ, publicly aligning themselves with God's purposes. This verse also powerfully illustrates that every individual's commitment matters to God. Harim, Meremoth, and Obadiah were not necessarily the most famous figures, yet their names are etched into sacred history because of their faithfulness. This encourages us to recognize that our personal walk with God, our daily choices, and our quiet acts of obedience contribute significantly to the spiritual health and witness of the wider church. Our individual dedication, no matter how seemingly small, forms the bedrock of collective spiritual strength and leaves a legacy of faith that can inspire future generations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways am I called to make a public declaration or commitment of my faith in Christ today?**
* **How does my individual faithfulness contribute to the overall health and witness of my church or Christian community?**
* **What does it mean for me to be a "servant of Yahweh" (Obadiah) in my daily life and calling?**
* **What kind of spiritual legacy am I building through my commitment to God's covenant?**

### FAQ
**Why are these specific names listed in the Bible?**

Answer: These names are listed in Nehemiah 10:5 because they represent specific individuals, in this case, priests, who formally affixed their seals to a solemn covenant with God. This act was a public and binding declaration of their commitment to uphold the Mosaic Law and re-establish proper worship and societal order in post-exilic Jerusalem. The inclusion of their names serves several purposes: it provides a historical record of the event, emphasizes the individual accountability required for corporate spiritual renewal, and highlights the crucial role of the priesthood in leading the people back to God. It underscores that the covenant was not an abstract concept but a concrete commitment made by specific, named individuals who represented their families and the broader community, as part of the larger list of those who sealed the covenant in [Nehemiah 10:1-27](/nehemiah/10-1 "Nehemiah 10:1-27 - Signers of the Covenant").

**Do the meanings of these names have any significance to the context?**

Answer: Yes, the meanings of the names listed in Nehemiah 10:5 are quite significant and resonate deeply with the context of covenant renewal. "Harim" means "dedicated" or "devoted," a fitting description for a priest whose life is set apart for God's service. "Meremoth" means "heights" or "elevations," which could metaphorically suggest a desire for spiritual upliftment or a prominent role in the community's restoration. Most notably, "Obadiah" means "servant of Yahweh" or "worshipper of Yahweh." This name perfectly encapsulates the very essence of the covenant made in Nehemiah 10: The people, led by their priests, were rededicating themselves to living as true servants and worshippers of the one true God. The names themselves, therefore, serve as miniature theological statements, reinforcing the overarching theme of commitment, service, and devotion to God that pervades the entire chapter and the book of Nehemiah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Nehemiah 10:5 records the names of those who committed to the Old Covenant, it subtly points forward to the ultimate covenant fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. The priests listed here were mediators of the Old Covenant, tasked with leading the people in obedience to a law that ultimately could not perfectly save. Their commitment, though commendable, was still to a covenant of works, foreshadowing the need for a superior, new covenant. Jesus, as our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), is the mediator of this [new and better covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "The New Covenant"), established not by human seals and promises, but by His own shed blood on the cross, as prophesied in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "The New Covenant Prophecy"). In Christ, the law is written not on tablets of stone, but on the hearts of believers, enabling true obedience through the indwelling Holy Spirit, as promised in [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "A New Heart and Spirit"). Our commitment is no longer to a legal code for national restoration, but to a personal relationship with the living God through faith in His Son. Just as these names were recorded in Nehemiah, the names of all who trust in Christ are eternally recorded in the [Lamb's Book of Life](/revelation/21-27 "The Lamb's Book of Life"), signifying an unbreakable, Christ-secured covenant of grace and everlasting life.

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 3:11

Malchijah the son of Harim, and Hashub the son of Pahathmoab, repaired the other piece, and the tower of the furnaces.

Nehemiah 3:4

And next unto them repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz. And next unto them repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabeel. And next unto them repaired Zadok the son of Baana.

Nehemiah 3:21

After him repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah the son of Koz another piece, from the door of the house of Eliashib even to the end of the house of Eliashib.

Nehemiah 12:3

Shechaniah, Rehum, Meremoth,