Nehemiah 10:14

The chief of the people; Parosh, Pahathmoab, Elam, Zatthu, Bani,

The chief {H7218} of the people {H5971}; Parosh {H6551}, Pahathmoab {H6355}, Elam {H5867}, Zatthu {H2240}, Bani {H1137},

The leaders of the people: Par'osh, Pachat-Mo'av, 'Eilam, Zatu, Bani,

And the leaders of the people: Parosh, Pahath-moab, Elam, Zattu, Bani,

The chiefs of the people: Parosh, Pahath-moab, Elam, Zattu, Bani,

Commentary

Context of Nehemiah 10:14

Nehemiah 10:14 is part of a crucial chapter detailing the solemn covenant signed by the Israelite community after their return from Babylonian exile. Following the joyous celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles and a profound confession of national sin in Nehemiah chapter 9, the people, led by their spiritual and civic leaders, formally renewed their commitment to God and His Law. This verse specifically lists some of the "chief of the people"—heads of prominent families or clans—who affixed their seals to this binding agreement. Their signatures represented the collective resolve of their respective lineages to walk in obedience to God's commandments, as read and explained by Ezra the scribe (Nehemiah 8:8).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Covenant Renewal: The primary theme is the re-establishment of the covenant relationship between God and His people. This was not a new covenant, but a reaffirmation of the Mosaic Law, emphasizing their dedication after generations of disobedience and exile.
  • Corporate Responsibility and Leadership: The listing of specific names like Parosh, Pahathmoab, Elam, Zatthu, and Bani highlights the importance of leadership in spiritual matters. These individuals, as heads of families, took public responsibility for the commitment of their clans, signifying that the entire community was bound by this sacred pledge. This act underscored the principle of corporate responsibility before God.
  • Commitment to God's Law: The covenant outlined specific promises, including not intermarrying with foreign peoples, observing the Sabbath, and supporting the Temple service through tithes and offerings. These specific commitments are detailed in Nehemiah 10:29-39. The signing symbolized a concrete resolve to live according to these precepts.

Significance of the Listed Names

While the individual etymology of "Parosh," "Pahathmoab," "Elam," "Zatthu," and "Bani" is less significant than their collective role, these names represent major family lines or clans that had returned from exile. For instance, "Parosh" and "Pahathmoab" are mentioned in the initial lists of returnees in Ezra 2:3 and Nehemiah 7:8 as having thousands of descendants, indicating their considerable influence and standing within the community. Their public endorsement of the covenant lent it significant weight and legitimacy, ensuring that the commitment was understood and accepted throughout the post-exilic Jewish population.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 10:14, though a list of names, offers profound lessons for believers today:

  • The Importance of Commitment: Just as the Israelites made a public and written commitment to God, believers are called to a wholehearted dedication to Christ. This can manifest in baptism, church membership, or personal vows of obedience.
  • Leadership by Example: The leaders' willingness to sign first sets an example for the entire community. True spiritual leadership involves taking the lead in commitment and obedience, inspiring others to follow.
  • Corporate Faith: While personal faith is paramount, the communal act of sealing the covenant reminds us of the importance of corporate worship, accountability, and shared responsibility within the body of Christ. The church, as a collective, is called to uphold God's standards and support one another in faith.
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Cross-References

  • Nehemiah 7:8 (3 votes)

    The children of Parosh, two thousand an hundred seventy and two.

  • Nehemiah 7:15 (3 votes)

    The children of Binnui, six hundred forty and eight.

  • Nehemiah 7:11 (3 votes)

    The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand and eight hundred [and] eighteen.

  • Nehemiah 7:13 (3 votes)

    The children of Zattu, eight hundred forty and five.

  • Nehemiah 3:11 (2 votes)

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

  • Ezra 2:3 (2 votes)

    The children of Parosh, two thousand an hundred seventy and two.

  • Ezra 2:70 (2 votes)

    So the priests, and the Levites, and [some] of the people, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, dwelt in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.