Nehemiah 10:16

Commentary on Nehemiah 10:16 (KJV)

Nehemiah 10:16: "Adonijah, Bigvai, Adin,"

Context

Nehemiah 10:16 is a concise verse, listing three names: Adonijah, Bigvai, and Adin. These individuals are part of a much longer roll call found in Nehemiah 10:1-27, which records the names of the leaders and representatives of the people who affixed their seals to a solemn covenant. This covenant was a pivotal moment in the history of post-exilic Israel, following their return from Babylonian captivity under the leadership of Nehemiah and Ezra. The preceding chapters describe the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and a powerful spiritual revival, including a public reading of the Law and a corporate confession of sins (Nehemiah 9:38 details the sealing of this covenant). The list in chapter 10, therefore, represents the official, ratified commitment of the community to rededicate themselves to God's laws and ordinances.

Key Themes and Messages

• Covenant Renewal and Commitment: The primary theme is the renewal of the covenant between God and His people. The act of sealing signified a public and binding commitment to live according to God's commandments, distinct from the surrounding pagan cultures.
• Corporate and Individual Accountability: While the covenant was a collective act of the nation, the meticulous recording of individual names underscores the importance of personal commitment within the community. Each person, from the most prominent leader to the lesser-known individuals like those mentioned in this verse, had a personal stake in the agreement. This collective assent is a powerful demonstration of unity in faith.
• Faithfulness to God's Law: The specific terms of the covenant, detailed later in Nehemiah 10, involved promises to obey the Law of Moses, to avoid intermarriage with foreign peoples, to observe the Sabbath, and to support the temple service through tithes and offerings. The inclusion of these names highlights their pledge to uphold these divine mandates.

Linguistic Insights

The names themselves carry typical Hebrew meanings, often reflecting aspects of God or family. For instance, Adonijah (אֲדֹנִיָּה) means "my Lord is Yahweh" or "the Lord is my master." Bigvai (בִּגְוַי) is likely of Persian origin, meaning "my body" or "my garment," and is also mentioned among those who returned with Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:2). Adin (עָדִין) means "delicate" or "luxurious." The significance here is not in the individual meanings of the names, but in the Hebrew practice of meticulously recording lineage and participation in significant historical and religious events, emphasizing the importance of every participant in the sight of God.

Practical Application

While Nehemiah 10:16 might seem like a mere list of names, it carries profound lessons for believers today:

• The Value of Personal Commitment: Just as each name was recorded, our individual commitment to God and His will matters. Our faith is not just a private matter but also has a public dimension, often expressed through our participation in the faith community.
• The Power of Corporate Action: The covenant in Nehemiah exemplifies the strength and impact of a community united in purpose and commitment to God. This encourages believers to be active participants in their local church or faith community, working together for common spiritual goals.
• Living Out Our Faith: The people's pledge was not just verbal but was meant to translate into practical obedience to God's commands. Similarly, our faith should lead to a life of obedience and dedication, reflecting our commitment to God's word and His kingdom. The act of signing the covenant was a serious undertaking, reminding us that our spiritual declarations should be followed by diligent practice, much like the oath taken by the people to walk in God's Law.

Ultimately, this verse, though brief, serves as a testament to the comprehensive and individual nature of the spiritual commitment undertaken by the returning exiles, a commitment that remains a timeless example for all who seek to follow God.