Nehemiah 13:13

KJV

And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them [was] Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah: for they were counted faithful, and their office [was] to distribute unto their brethren.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I made treasurers {H686} over the treasuries {H214}, Shelemiah {H8018} the priest {H3548}, and Zadok {H6659} the scribe {H5608}, and of the Levites {H3881}, Pedaiah {H6305}: and next to them {H3027} was Hanan {H2605} the son {H1121} of Zaccur {H2139}, the son {H1121} of Mattaniah {H4983}: for they were counted {H2803} faithful {H539}, and their office was to distribute {H2505} unto their brethren {H251}.

Complete Jewish Bible

To supervise the storerooms I appointed Shelemyah the cohen, Tzadok the Torah-teacher and, from the L'vi'im, P'dayah; assisting them was Hanan the son of Zakur, the son of Mattanyah; for these were considered reliable. Their duty was to make the distribution to their kinsmen.

Berean Standard Bible

I appointed as treasurers over the storerooms Shelemiah the priest, Zadok the scribe, and Pedaiah of the Levites, with Hanan son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah, to assist them, because they were considered trustworthy. They were responsible for distributing the supplies to their fellow Levites.

American Standard Version

And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah; for they were counted faithful, and their business was to distribute unto their brethren.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 13:13 records a pivotal administrative reform undertaken by Nehemiah upon his return to Jerusalem, aimed at rectifying the widespread neglect and misuse of temple resources. This verse specifically details his appointment of trusted individuals—a priest, a scribe, and Levites—as treasurers over the temple storehouses. Their primary qualification was their proven faithfulness, and their crucial mission was to ensure the proper and equitable distribution of tithes and offerings to the priests and Levites, thereby restoring financial integrity and supporting those dedicated to the service of God's house.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 13:13 is situated within the final chapter of the book of Nehemiah, which recounts Nehemiah's second governorship in Jerusalem (Nehemiah 13:6-7). Upon his return from the Persian court, Nehemiah discovered that many of the reforms he had previously instituted had been severely neglected. The immediate preceding verses detail the grave systemic failures: the expulsion of the Levites from temple service due to lack of support, forcing them to abandon their duties and return to their fields for sustenance ([Nehemiah 13:10](/nehemiah/13-10 "Nehemiah 13:10 - Levites Abandon Temple Duties")). This neglect was exacerbated by the brazen misuse of temple chambers by Tobiah the Ammonite, facilitated by Eliashib the high priest ([Nehemiah 13:4-5](/nehemiah/13-4 "Nehemiah 13:4-5 - Eliashib's Alliance with Tobiah")). Nehemiah's swift and decisive actions, including cleansing the temple chambers and gathering the Levites, culminated in this strategic appointment of treasurers to establish a robust and trustworthy system for managing sacred funds and provisions. This verse, therefore, represents a crucial step in Nehemiah's broader effort to restore order, accountability, and spiritual integrity to the post-exilic community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Nehemiah 13 unfold in Jerusalem during the Persian period, likely in the mid-5th century BCE. The Jewish community, having returned from Babylonian exile, was striving to re-establish its religious and national identity under Persian suzerainty. The temple, recently rebuilt, was central to their worship and community life. According to Mosaic Law, the priests and Levites were to be supported by the tithes and offerings of the people, allowing them to dedicate themselves fully to their sacred duties (e.g., [Numbers 18:21-24](/numbers/18-21 "Numbers 18:21-24 - Support for Levites")). However, chronic neglect of these provisions, often due to the people's lack of faithfulness or corrupt leadership, was a recurring problem in Israel's history. Nehemiah, as the Persian-appointed governor, possessed the authority to implement significant administrative and religious reforms. His actions in this chapter reflect a deep understanding of the cultural and religious necessity for a well-functioning temple system, supported by a scrupulous and transparent financial structure, to ensure the spiritual health and continuity of the community.
* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 13:13 powerfully encapsulates several enduring themes central to the book of Nehemiah and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Stewardship and Accountability**, highlighting the critical importance of honest and organized management of sacred resources. Nehemiah understood that God's provisions, whether tithes or offerings, were not to be handled lightly but with the utmost care and transparency. By appointing specific individuals to oversee the "treasuries" and "distribute unto their brethren," he established a clear chain of accountability, emphasizing that those entrusted with God's resources must be answerable for their management. This leads directly to the theme of **Integrity and Faithfulness**, as the primary qualification for these treasurers was that "they were counted faithful." The Hebrew term *ne'emanim* signifies trustworthiness, reliability, and steadfastness—a character trait paramount for handling sacred trusts, a principle echoed in the New Testament concerning Christian ministry ([1 Corinthians 4:2](/1_corinthians/4-2 "1 Corinthians 4:2 - Faithfulness in Stewardship")). The ultimate purpose of these appointments underscores the theme of **Support for Ministry**, ensuring that the priests and Levites received their rightful portions, enabling them to focus on their spiritual duties without distraction. This act is a vital component of Nehemiah's overarching commitment to the **Restoration of Order** and the spiritual health of Jerusalem, rectifying the moral and practical decay he found upon his return and upholding divine commands for the proper functioning of the temple and its personnel, as seen throughout [Nehemiah 13](/nehemiah/13 "Nehemiah 13 - Nehemiah's Final Reforms").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Treasurers (Hebrew, _gizbarim_):** This term refers to those in charge of the treasury or storehouses. In the Persian administrative system, a *gizbar* was a financial officer or treasurer. Nehemiah's use of this term here indicates a formal, organized, and accountable system for managing the temple's income and provisions, moving beyond ad-hoc or informal arrangements. It signifies a professional and structured approach to financial oversight.
* **Counted faithful (Hebrew, _ne'emanim_):** Derived from the root *ʾaman*, meaning "to be firm, trustworthy, reliable, steadfast." This is the most significant qualification for the appointed individuals. It is not merely a statement of their past actions but an assessment of their inherent character—their integrity, dependability, and loyalty to God and His purposes. This quality was deemed essential for handling sacred resources and positions of trust within the community.
* **Distribute (Hebrew, _l'challek_):** This verb means "to divide, apportion, distribute, allot." It emphasizes the specific, practical task of the treasurers: to ensure that the collected tithes and offerings were not merely stored but were equitably and systematically given out to those for whom they were intended—the priests and Levites. This highlights the practical and just purpose of their appointment, directly addressing the previous failure of provisions reaching their rightful recipients.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah:"** This clause highlights Nehemiah's direct, authoritative action ("I made"), signifying his executive power as governor to implement necessary reforms. The appointment of specific individuals—Shelemiah (a priest), Zadok (a scribe), and Pedaiah (a Levite)—demonstrates a strategic choice to involve representatives from key segments of the temple and community leadership. This diverse representation ensured broad trust and expertise in managing the "treasuries," which were the designated storehouses for tithes, offerings, and other temple provisions.
* **"and next to them [was] Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah:"** This specifies an additional individual, Hanan, who was associated with the primary treasurers. The phrase "next to them" (Hebrew: *al yedeyhem*, "by their hand" or "under their authority") suggests he may have served as an assistant, a subordinate, or perhaps another trusted individual in a supporting role, further emphasizing the establishment of a team and a structured hierarchy for financial oversight.
* **"for they were counted faithful,"** This is the crucial qualification and the bedrock upon which Nehemiah's trust was built. Their appointment was not based on mere administrative skill or social standing, but on their proven character of trustworthiness and integrity. This moral prerequisite was paramount for handling sacred funds and ensuring the proper support of the temple ministry, reflecting a deep understanding of the spiritual implications of financial stewardship.
* **"and their office [was] to distribute unto their brethren."** This final clause clearly states the explicit purpose and responsibility of the newly appointed treasurers. Their "office" or function was not simply to collect and store, but actively "to distribute" the provisions to the priests and Levites, referred to as "their brethren." This ensured that those dedicated to temple service received their rightful portions, allowing them to fulfill their duties without economic hardship, directly addressing the systemic failure of neglect mentioned earlier in the chapter.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message. The explicit naming of the individuals (Shelemiah, Zadok, Pedaiah, Hanan) serves as **Specific Naming**, lending authenticity and historical grounding to Nehemiah's administrative actions, making the reform concrete and verifiable. The repeated emphasis on the "treasuries" and the act of "distribute" highlights the central concern of **Resource Management** and **Provision**, acting as a form of **Repetition** of the core problem and its solution. Most significantly, the phrase "for they were counted faithful" functions as a **Statement of Moral Qualification** or **Ethical Prerequisite**, underscoring that character, specifically **Faithfulness**, is the non-negotiable foundation for leadership, particularly in roles involving trust and the handling of sacred resources. This direct declaration elevates the importance of integrity above mere competence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 13:13 offers profound theological insights into God's character and His expectations for His people, particularly concerning stewardship and leadership. God is a God of order, justice, and provision. He desires that His house be maintained and that those who serve Him be adequately supported. The neglect Nehemiah found was not merely an administrative oversight but a spiritual failure, reflecting a lack of faithfulness to God's commands regarding tithes and offerings. Nehemiah's response, driven by his zeal for God's honor, demonstrates that integrity and accountability in handling sacred resources are not optional but essential for the health of the community and the effectiveness of ministry. The principle that those entrusted with God's resources must be "counted faithful" transcends time and culture, serving as a timeless standard for all who would serve in positions of trust within God's kingdom. It underscores that true leadership is rooted in character and a deep commitment to God's purposes, ensuring that resources are managed for their intended divine end: the flourishing of God's work and the well-being of His servants.

* [1 Corinthians 4:2](/1_corinthians/4-2 "Faithfulness in Stewardship")
* [Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Faithfulness in Little Things")
* [Malachi 3:10](/malachi/3-10 "Bringing the Whole Tithe")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 13:13 provides enduring lessons for individuals, churches, and organizations today. It challenges us to consider the profound importance of integrity and accountability in all forms of stewardship, particularly concerning resources dedicated to God's work. Nehemiah's insistence on "faithfulness" as the primary qualification for treasurers serves as a powerful reminder that character is paramount in leadership, especially when trust and financial oversight are involved. This applies not only to formal church leadership but to every believer's personal stewardship of their time, talents, and treasures. Are we "counted faithful" in the small things, knowing that faithfulness in little things often precedes faithfulness in much greater responsibilities? Furthermore, the verse highlights the divine expectation for supporting those who dedicate their lives to ministry. Just as the Levites needed their portions to focus on temple service, so too do those in vocational ministry today require faithful support from the community to effectively carry out their calling without undue financial burden. This calls us to examine our own generosity and our commitment to ensuring that the work of the Gospel is not hindered by practical needs.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Nehemiah's emphasis on "faithfulness" challenge our criteria for leadership selection and personal conduct today?**
* **In what areas of my life—my finances, my time, my gifts—am I called to exercise greater stewardship and accountability?**
* **How can I actively support those who dedicate their lives to ministry, ensuring they are not hindered by practical concerns, and what is my role in upholding financial integrity within my faith community?**

### FAQ
**Why were these specific individuals chosen, and what do their roles signify?**

Answer: Nehemiah strategically chose Shelemiah the priest, Zadok the scribe, and Pedaiah of the Levites, along with Hanan. This selection was deliberate, bringing together representatives from the priestly, scholarly, and Levitical orders. Shelemiah, as a priest, would have been intimately familiar with the temple's operations and the needs of his fellow priests. Zadok, a scribe, likely possessed the administrative and record-keeping skills essential for managing complex financial accounts. Pedaiah, a Levite, represented the very group whose neglect spurred this reform, ensuring their perspective and needs were met. Hanan, possibly an assistant or additional trusted official, further solidified the team. The primary reason for their selection, explicitly stated, was that "they were counted faithful," signifying that their proven integrity and trustworthiness were paramount qualifications for handling sacred resources and ensuring proper distribution to "their brethren," the temple workers, as outlined in [Nehemiah 13:10](/nehemiah/13-10 "Nehemiah 13:10 - Levites Abandon Temple Duties").

**What was the significance of "distributing unto their brethren"?**

Answer: The phrase "to distribute unto their brethren" underscores the specific and crucial purpose of the treasurers' office. It was not enough to merely collect tithes and offerings; the core problem Nehemiah addressed was the failure of these provisions to reach their intended recipients—the priests and Levites who served in the temple. This neglect had forced many Levites to abandon their sacred duties and return to their fields for sustenance ([Nehemiah 13:10](/nehemiah/13-10 "Nehemiah 13:10 - Levites Abandon Temple Duties")). By ensuring proper distribution, Nehemiah sought to restore the divinely ordained system of support for those in ministry, allowing them to dedicate themselves fully to their spiritual responsibilities without the distraction of providing for their own livelihoods. This act was vital for the spiritual health and functional integrity of the temple and the entire community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 13:13, with its emphasis on faithfulness, stewardship, and the support of God's servants, finds its ultimate fulfillment and highest expression in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the quintessential faithful Steward of God's household, more faithful than Moses himself ([Hebrews 3:5-6](/hebrews/3-5 "Hebrews 3:5-6 - Moses and Christ as Stewards")), perfectly managing the Father's will and resources for the salvation of humanity. He consistently taught about the importance of faithfulness in handling earthly possessions, stating that "He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much" ([Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithfulness in Little Things")), embodying this principle in His own life and ministry. Furthermore, just as Nehemiah appointed treasurers to ensure the support of the Levites, Christ Himself provided for His disciples, sending them out with instructions to rely on God's provision and the hospitality of others, enabling them to focus on proclaiming the Gospel ([Matthew 10:9-10](/matthew/10-9 "Matthew 10:9-10 - Instructions to the Disciples")). The Church, as the body of Christ, is called to emulate this faithful stewardship, ensuring that resources are managed with integrity to support the spread of the Kingdom and the equipping of believers for ministry ([Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for the Church's Ministry")). Ultimately, the "faithfulness" Nehemiah sought in his treasurers is perfectly embodied in Christ, who is called "the faithful and true witness" ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness")), the one upon whom all trust can be securely placed for the eternal distribution of God's grace and blessings.

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

2 Kings 22:7

Howbeit there was no reckoning made with them of the money that was delivered into their hand, because they dealt faithfully.

Nehemiah 7:2

That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he [was] a faithful man, and feared God above many.

1 Corinthians 4:2

Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

Luke 16:10

He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

Luke 16:12

And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?

2 Kings 12:15

Moreover they reckoned not with the men, into whose hand they delivered the money to be bestowed on workmen: for they dealt faithfully.

Acts 6:1

¶ And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.