Nehemiah 10:9

KJV

And the Levites: both Jeshua the son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons of Henadad, Kadmiel;

KJV (with Strong's)

And the Levites {H3881}: both Jeshua {H3442} the son {H1121} of Azaniah {H245}, Binnui {H1131} of the sons {H1121} of Henadad {H2582}, Kadmiel {H6934};

Complete Jewish Bible

The L'vi'im were: Yeshua the son of Azanyah, Binui a descendant of Henadad, Kadmi'el,

Berean Standard Bible

The Levites: Jeshua son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons of Henadad, Kadmiel,

American Standard Version

And the Levites: namely, Jeshua the son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons of Henadad, Kadmiel;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 10:9 initiates the detailed list of Levites who formally affixed their names to the solemn covenant made between the returned exiles and God. This act was a public and binding declaration of their commitment to uphold the Mosaic Law, support the temple services, and faithfully execute their specific duties within the restored community in Jerusalem, signifying a profound corporate and individual dedication to spiritual renewal and obedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 10 follows the profound spiritual revival and confession of sins detailed in [Nehemiah 9](/nehemiah/9 "Nehemiah 9 - National Confession and Covenant Renewal"), culminating in the people's decision to make a binding covenant with God. The chapter begins with a preamble (Nehemiah 10:1) stating the purpose of the sealing, followed by a list of those who signed the document. This list is meticulously organized, starting with priests (Nehemiah 10:2-8), then moving to the Levites (Nehemiah 10:9-13), and finally the chiefs of the people (Nehemiah 10:14-27). Nehemiah 10:9 specifically marks the beginning of the Levitical signatories, emphasizing their crucial role in the spiritual and administrative life of the post-exilic community. The precise enumeration of names underscores the personal accountability and corporate solidarity behind this renewed commitment, setting the stage for the specific obligations outlined later in the chapter (Nehemiah 10:32-39).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Nehemiah 10 occur in Jerusalem after the return from Babylonian exile, during a period of intense rebuilding—both of the city walls under Nehemiah and of the spiritual life under Ezra and Nehemiah. The act of sealing a covenant was a formal, legally binding practice in the ancient Near East, signifying a solemn agreement. For the Israelites, such covenants were often renewals of their foundational relationship with Yahweh, particularly after periods of national failure or exile. The mention of specific individuals, including their lineage (e.g., "son of Azaniah," "sons of Henadad"), was culturally significant, reinforcing tribal identity, family honor, and the continuity of roles within the community, especially for those serving in sacred capacities. The Levites, in particular, had been dispersed and their roles diminished during the exile, making their public commitment here a powerful statement of re-establishing their divinely appointed functions in the temple and in teaching the Law, as detailed in [Numbers 3](/numbers/3 "Numbers 3 - The Duties of the Levites") and [Deuteronomy 33](/deuteronomy/33 "Deuteronomy 33 - Moses' Blessing of the Tribes").
* **Key Themes:** The most prominent theme in [Nehemiah 10](/nehemiah/10 "Nehemiah 10 - The Covenant Sealed") is **Commitment to the Covenant**. The act of signing and sealing by individuals, including these Levites, signifies a deliberate and personal embrace of God's Law and the responsibilities it entailed. This is not merely a collective agreement but a series of individual affirmations. Another key theme is the **Restoration of Order and Function**, particularly regarding the **Role of the Levites**. Their inclusion in this list highlights their vital position in the post-exilic community's spiritual life, responsible for temple service, music, gatekeeping, and teaching the Law (as seen in [Nehemiah 8:7-8](/nehemiah/8-7 "Nehemiah 8:7-8 - Levites Teaching the Law")). Finally, the emphasis on **Identity and Lineage** through the naming conventions underscores the importance of tribal and family continuity in maintaining the integrity of the community and its sacred offices. This meticulous record-keeping reflects a desire to re-establish the divinely ordained structures that had been disrupted by exile, ensuring that the right individuals were appointed to the right roles, thereby contributing to the overall spiritual health and purity of the nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jeshua (Hebrew, _Yēšûaʿ'_):** A common post-exilic name, a shortened form of "Yehoshua" (Joshua), meaning "Yahweh is salvation." The prominence of this name among the returnees, especially in leadership roles (e.g., Jeshua the high priest in [Ezra 3:2](/ezra/3-2 "Ezra 3:2 - Jeshua the High Priest")), reflects the hope and gratitude for God's deliverance from exile. For a Levite, bearing this name could serve as a constant reminder of God's saving work and the Levites' role in facilitating that salvation through faithful service.
* **Binnui (Hebrew, _Binnûy'_):** Likely derived from the root "bana," meaning "to build" or "built." This name carries a significant connotation in the context of the post-exilic community, which was actively engaged in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls and the temple, as well as rebuilding the spiritual life of the nation. For a Levite named Binnui, it might subtly underscore his participation in the spiritual and physical reconstruction of the community.
* **Kadmiel (Hebrew, _Qadmîʾēl'_):** Meaning "before God" or "God is ancient/pre-eminent." This name is particularly fitting for a Levite, whose primary role was to stand "before God" in service, mediating between God and the people through worship, sacrifice, and teaching. It emphasizes the Levite's direct access and responsibility in the divine presence, underscoring the sacredness of their calling.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the Levites:"**: This introductory phrase signals a transition in the list of signatories from the priests to the Levites, highlighting their distinct but equally vital role in the covenant renewal. It emphasizes that the commitment was not limited to the priestly class but extended to the entire Levitical order, who were essential for the proper functioning of the temple and the spiritual education of the people.
* **"both Jeshua the son of Azaniah,"**: Jeshua is listed first, indicating his likely prominence or leadership among the Levites present. The inclusion of his father's name, Azaniah, establishes his lineage and identity, affirming his legitimate claim to Levitical service and ensuring that the commitment was tied to established families within the community. This detail provides accountability and historical record.
* **"Binnui of the sons of Henadad,"**: Binnui is another significant Levite, identified by his connection to the "sons of Henadad." This phrasing suggests that Henadad was a prominent Levitical family or clan, and Binnui represented this lineage in the covenant sealing. The mention of "sons" implies a family unit or division, indicating that the commitment extended beyond individuals to their broader family groups within the Levitical structure.
* **"Kadmiel;"**: Kadmiel is the final Levite explicitly named in this verse. His inclusion further demonstrates the breadth of Levitical participation. While his lineage isn't specified here, he is likely a well-known figure, or perhaps a representative of another significant Levitical branch, completing this initial trio of prominent Levite signatories. The semi-colon indicates that this is just the beginning of the list of Levites that continues in the subsequent verses.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Nehemiah 10:9, and indeed throughout much of [Nehemiah 10](/nehemiah/10 "Nehemiah 10 - The Covenant Sealed"), is **Enumeration** or **Listing**. This meticulous cataloging of names serves to emphasize the comprehensive and personal nature of the covenant commitment. By explicitly naming individuals, the text highlights **Accountability** and **Participation**, demonstrating that the covenant was not a vague, communal agreement but a solemn pledge made by specific, identifiable leaders. The use of **Genealogical Listing** ("son of Azaniah," "sons of Henadad") further reinforces the importance of lineage and tribal identity, particularly for those fulfilling sacred roles. This detail underscores the continuity of God's covenant with specific families and the re-establishment of the divinely ordained order after the exile. The repetition of names and the structured presentation of lists (priests, then Levites, then chiefs) also creates a sense of **Formalism** and **Solemnity**, lending weight and authority to the covenant being sealed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 10:9, by listing the Levites who sealed the covenant, underscores the theological principle of **corporate responsibility and individual accountability** before God. The covenant itself is a reaffirmation of Israel's unique relationship with Yahweh, rooted in the Mosaic Law, and this act demonstrates a conscious decision to live in accordance with God's revealed will. The Levites, as spiritual leaders and servants, were central to maintaining this relationship through their temple duties, their teaching of the Law, and their role in facilitating worship. Their public commitment signifies a renewed dedication to holiness, obedience, and the proper functioning of the worship system, essential for the spiritual health of the restored community. This act of covenant renewal points to God's faithfulness in restoring His people and their reciprocal commitment to live as His consecrated nation.

* [Nehemiah 9:38](/nehemiah/9-38 "Nehemiah 9:38 - The People Make a Firm Covenant") - The preceding verse sets the stage for the covenant, stating the people's intention to make a firm agreement.
* [Deuteronomy 29:10-15](/deuteronomy/29-10 "Deuteronomy 29:10-15 - All Israel Stands Before the Lord") - Moses gathers all Israel to enter into a covenant, emphasizing that everyone, from leaders to the humblest, stands before the Lord.
* [2 Chronicles 29:4-5](/2_chronicles/29-4 "2 Chronicles 29:4-5 - Hezekiah Calls the Levites to Consecrate Themselves") - King Hezekiah calls the Levites to consecrate themselves and the temple, highlighting their indispensable role in spiritual renewal and purification.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous listing of names in Nehemiah 10:9, particularly of the Levites, serves as a powerful reminder that spiritual commitment is both personal and public. These individuals, by affixing their names, were not merely observers but active participants in a solemn covenant with God, pledging their lives to uphold His commands and serve His purposes within the community. For us today, this challenges us to consider the depth of our own commitment to the "new covenant" established through Jesus Christ. Are we merely passive recipients of grace, or are we actively and publicly living out our faith, demonstrating our allegiance to God's will? Our "names" may not be written on a physical scroll, but our lives are a living testimony. This verse encourages us to embrace our spiritual responsibilities within the body of Christ, whether in leadership, service, or daily obedience, recognizing that our individual faithfulness contributes to the corporate health and witness of the church. It calls us to a deliberate, intentional, and public affirmation of our devotion to God, just as these Levites did.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Levites' public commitment to the covenant in Nehemiah 10:9 challenge my own level of personal and public commitment to God's will today?**
* **In what specific ways am I, like the Levites, called to serve and support the spiritual life of my community or church?**
* **What does it mean for my "name" to be "written" in the book of life, and how should that reality shape my daily choices and priorities?**

### FAQ
**Why is it important that specific names of Levites are listed in this verse?**

Answer: The listing of specific names, such as Jeshua, Binnui, and Kadmiel, is crucial for several reasons. First, it underscores the **personal accountability** of each individual involved in the covenant. This was not a vague, collective agreement but a solemn pledge made by identifiable leaders and representatives. Second, it highlights the **corporate participation** of the entire community, ensuring that all key groups—priests, Levites, and the people—were represented and committed. Third, the inclusion of lineage ("son of Azaniah," "sons of Henadad") emphasizes the **continuity and re-establishment of legitimate leadership** and service roles within the post-exilic community, reinforcing tribal identity and the proper order of temple service. Finally, it serves as a **historical record** of those who played a pivotal role in the spiritual renewal of Israel, demonstrating the seriousness and binding nature of the covenant sealed in [Nehemiah 10](/nehemiah/10 "Nehemiah 10 - The Covenant Sealed").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 10:9, with its emphasis on the Levites' covenant commitment, foreshadows the ultimate and perfect covenant established through Jesus Christ. The Levites of old served as mediators and facilitators of worship under the Old Covenant, their service pointing to the need for a perfect High Priest and a final sacrifice. In Christ, we see the fulfillment of all Levitical service, for He is our great [High Priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek](/hebrews/7-17 "Hebrews 7:17 - Christ, a Priest Forever"), who offered Himself as the [one perfect sacrifice for sins, once for all](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All"). The commitment of these Levites to uphold the Law and maintain temple service finds its ultimate expression in the new covenant, where believers are no longer bound by the Law's demands but are empowered by the Spirit to live in obedience to Christ. Moreover, through Christ, all believers are made part of a [royal priesthood and a holy nation](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood"), called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and service. Thus, the Levites' dedication to their ancient duties serves as a shadow of the believer's profound and personal commitment to Christ, who is the [mediator of a new and better covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant"), written not on stone tablets but on our hearts by the Holy Spirit ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")).

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 8:7

Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people [stood] in their place.

Nehemiah 12:8

Moreover the Levites: Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, [and] Mattaniah, [which was] over the thanksgiving, he and his brethren.

Nehemiah 12:24

And the chief of the Levites: Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua the son of Kadmiel, with their brethren over against them, to praise [and] to give thanks, according to the commandment of David the man of God, ward over against ward.

Nehemiah 3:18

After him repaired their brethren, Bavai the son of Henadad, the ruler of the half part of Keilah.

Nehemiah 3:19

And next to him repaired Ezer the son of Jeshua, the ruler of Mizpah, another piece over against the going up to the armoury at the turning [of the wall].

Nehemiah 7:43

The Levites: the children of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, [and] of the children of Hodevah, seventy and four.

Nehemiah 9:4

¶ Then stood up upon the stairs, of the Levites, Jeshua, and Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, [and] Chenani, and cried with a loud voice unto the LORD their God.