Nehemiah 11:23

For [it was] the king's commandment concerning them, that a certain portion should be for the singers, due for every day.

For it was the king's {H4428} commandment {H4687} concerning them, that a certain portion {H548} should be for the singers {H7891}, due {H1697} for every day {H3117}.

For they were subject to the king's orders; and there was a fixed schedule for the singers, assigning them their daily duties.

For there was a command from the king concerning the singers, an ordinance regulating their daily activities.

For there was a commandment from the king concerning them, and a settled provision for the singers, as every day required.

Commentary

Nehemiah 11:23 provides a specific detail concerning the organized life of Jerusalem after its walls were rebuilt under Nehemiah's leadership. It highlights the established provision for the temple singers, ensuring their sustained livelihood as they performed their sacred duties.

Context

This verse is set during the repopulation of Jerusalem following the Babylonian exile. After the completion of the city wall, a tenth of the people living in the surrounding towns and villages were chosen by lot to dwell in Jerusalem, while others volunteered (Nehemiah 11:1-2). This massive undertaking involved not only physical reconstruction but also the re-establishment of religious and civic order. Part of this order included ensuring that those dedicated to temple service, such as the priests, Levites, porters, and especially the singers, were properly supported so they could fully commit to their roles without needing to seek secular employment for survival. The "king's commandment" here refers to the decree from the Persian king (likely Artaxerxes I), who had previously supported the rebuilding efforts and the re-establishment of temple worship.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision for Ministry: The verse underscores the principle that those dedicated to God's work should be adequately supported. This support, even if channeled through a foreign king's decree, ultimately reflects God's faithfulness to provide for His servants and His sanctuary.
  • Importance of Worship: The specific mention of singers receiving a daily portion emphasizes the high value placed on organized, musical worship in the temple. Singing was not a peripheral activity but a vital component of Israel's spiritual life, requiring dedicated personnel.
  • Order and Administration: Nehemiah's administration was meticulous, ensuring that every aspect of the community, including the temple services, was well-ordered and sustainable. This provision wasn't ad-hoc but a "certain portion... due for every day," highlighting careful planning and commitment to regularity.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "portion" is choq (Χ—ΦΉΧ§), which can mean an "enactment," "statute," "decree," or a "prescribed allowance." This suggests that the provision for the singers was not a charitable handout but a legally established, regular entitlement, reinforcing its reliability and importance. The phrase "due for every day" further stresses the consistent and reliable nature of this provision, ensuring the singers could perform their duties without daily worry about sustenance.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 11:23 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It reminds us of the importance of supporting those who dedicate their lives to ministry and spiritual service, whether pastors, missionaries, worship leaders, or other church workers. Just as the ancient singers needed consistent provision to focus on their sacred tasks, so do modern ministers need the support of the community to fulfill their calling. This verse also highlights the value of worship within the community of faith. It encourages us to see worship not just as an activity but as a vital, supported, and celebrated aspect of our collective spiritual life. The principle of ensuring consistent support for those who serve God's house is echoed in the New Testament, such as in 1 Corinthians 9:14, where Paul states that those who preach the gospel should live by the gospel.

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Cross-References

  • Ezra 6:8

    Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, [even] of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.

  • Ezra 6:9

    And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which [are] at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail:

  • Ezra 7:20

    And whatsoever more shall be needful for the house of thy God, which thou shalt have occasion to bestow, bestow [it] out of the king's treasure house.

  • Ezra 7:24

    Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them.

  • Nehemiah 12:47

    And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel, and in the days of Nehemiah, gave the portions of the singers and the porters, every day his portion: and they sanctified [holy things] unto the Levites; and the Levites sanctified [them] unto the children of Aaron.

  • 1 Chronicles 9:33

    And these [are] the singers, chief of the fathers of the Levites, [who remaining] in the chambers [were] free: for they were employed in [that] work day and night.
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