Nehemiah 10:20

Commentary on Nehemiah 10:20 (KJV)

Nehemiah 10:20: "Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir,"

Context

Nehemiah 10 records a pivotal moment in the history of the returned Jewish exiles: the solemn renewal of their covenant with God. Following the successful rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, the people, led by Nehemiah and Ezra, dedicated themselves anew to God's Law. Verses 1-27 list the names of the leaders, priests, Levites, and chiefs of the people who affixed their seals to this binding agreement. This act of collective commitment is rooted in the preceding chapter, where the people confessed their sins and made a firm resolution to follow God's commandments, as detailed in Nehemiah 9:38, which states, "And because of all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, Levites, and priests, seal unto it." The names listed in Nehemiah 10, including Magpiash, Meshullam, and Hezir, are part of this formal document, signifying their personal and communal endorsement of the renewed covenant.

Key Themes and Messages

While seemingly a mere list of names, Nehemiah 10:20, within its broader context, underscores several vital themes:

• Personal Accountability: Each name represents an individual leader taking personal responsibility for the nation's commitment to God. This wasn't a vague communal promise but a signed agreement by specific persons.
• Community Unity: The act of signing together signified a collective resolve to obey God's commandments. It demonstrated the unity and solidarity of the post-exilic community in their devotion to God and His Law, crucial for their national and spiritual restoration.
• Covenant Fidelity: The list highlights the people's renewed dedication to the Law of Moses, which was the cornerstone of their identity and relationship with God. This was a public reaffirmation of their commitment to the covenant established at Mount Sinai, as found in Exodus 24:7.
• Historical Record: The meticulous recording of names emphasizes the importance of documentation and official record-keeping in ancient Israel, testifying to the veracity and seriousness of their spiritual undertakings.

Linguistic Insights

The names "Magpiash," "Meshullam," and "Hezir" are Hebrew names. While their individual etymologies (e.g., Meshullam often meaning "paid back" or "recompensed"; Hezir meaning "pig" or "return") are not the primary theological focus in this verse, their inclusion in such a detailed list emphasizes the meticulous record-keeping inherent in ancient Near Eastern legal and religious documents. The act of "sealing" (mentioned in Nehemiah 9:38) typically involved an impression from a signet ring, serving as a binding legal signature and a public declaration of agreement, much like a modern contract. This was a formal and undeniable pledge.

Practical Application

For us today, Nehemiah 10:20 and the surrounding verses serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of personal and communal commitment to God. Just as these individuals publicly affirmed their dedication to the covenant, believers are called to live out their faith with intentionality and integrity. This verse encourages us to consider our own "signatures" of faith—how we outwardly demonstrate our commitment to God's word and His covenant promises. It speaks to the value of community accountability and the strength found in collective devotion, echoing sentiments found in Hebrews 10:25 regarding the importance of not forsaking the assembly of believers, but rather encouraging one another in faith and good works.