Nehemiah 10:10

And their brethren, Shebaniah, Hodijah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan,

And their brethren {H251}, Shebaniah {H7645}, Hodijah {H1941}, Kelita {H7042}, Pelaiah {H6411}, Hanan {H2605},

and their kinsmen Sh'vanyah, Hodiyah, K'lita, P'layah, Hanan,

and their associates: Shebaniah, Hodiah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan,

and their brethren, Shebaniah, Hodiah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan,

Commentary

Context

Nehemiah 10 records a pivotal moment in post-exilic Judah: the formal renewal of the covenant with God. Following the public reading of the Law (as described in Nehemiah 8) and a period of national confession and worship (Nehemiah 9), the people, led by their officials, priests, and Levites, made a solemn pledge to obey God's commandments. This verse, Nehemiah 10:10, lists five individuals – Shebaniah, Hodijah, Kelita, Pelaiah, and Hanan – who were among the Levites who sealed this binding agreement. Their names signify their personal and corporate commitment to the renewed covenant, underscoring the widespread participation in this spiritual revival after the return from Babylonian exile.

Key Themes

  • Covenant Renewal and Commitment: The primary theme is the reaffirmation of Israel's relationship with God through a formal covenant. The act of sealing the document, with names like those in this verse, demonstrated a profound commitment to God's laws and statues.
  • Corporate Responsibility: The long list of names throughout Nehemiah 10 highlights that this commitment was not just from a few leaders but was a collective, national undertaking. Every individual listed played a role in the community's spiritual restoration.
  • Historical Record and Accountability: The meticulous listing of names serves as a historical record, emphasizing the importance of this event and holding those named accountable for their solemn pledge. This practice was common in ancient Near Eastern treaties and agreements.

Linguistic Insights

While this verse primarily lists names, the inclusion of such detailed rosters in biblical texts like Nehemiah is significant. In ancient Hebrew culture, names often carried meaning, reflecting hopes, circumstances, or divine attributes. Beyond individual meanings, the very act of listing names in a public document underscored the legal and binding nature of the covenant. These individuals, identified as "their brethren" (referring to their fellow Levites mentioned earlier in the chapter), were key figures in the spiritual and administrative life of the community, serving as witnesses and signatories to this vital agreement.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 10:10, though a simple list of names, invites us to reflect on the importance of individual commitment within a communal faith.

  • Personal Accountability: Just as these individuals put their names to a covenant, believers today are called to a personal commitment to God's will and His Word. Our faith is not merely intellectual assent but a demonstrated pledge to live according to His principles.
  • Community of Faith: The verse reminds us that spiritual renewal often involves a collective effort. Each member of the body of Christ has a part to play in upholding godly standards and encouraging one another in faith, as seen in the broader participation described later in Nehemiah 10.
  • Valuing Our Pledges: The seriousness with which these individuals sealed their covenant should inspire us to take our promises and commitments, especially those made before God, with utmost sincerity and faithfulness.

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Cross-References

  • Ezra 10:23 (2 votes)

    Also of the Levites; Jozabad, and Shimei, and Kelaiah, (the same [is] Kelita,) Pethahiah, Judah, and Eliezer.

  • Nehemiah 9:4 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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.

  • Nehemiah 9:5 (2 votes)

    Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, [and] Pethahiah, said, Stand up [and] bless the LORD your God for ever and ever: and blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise.

  • Nehemiah 8:7 (2 votes)

    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.