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Nehemiah 10:28

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And the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the porters, the singers, the Nethinims, and all they that had separated themselves from the people of the lands unto the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, every one having knowledge, and having understanding;

And the rest {H7605} of the people {H5971}, the priests {H3548}, the Levites {H3881}, the porters {H7778}, the singers {H7891}, the Nethinims {H5411}, and all they that had separated {H914} themselves from the people {H5971} of the lands {H776} unto the law {H8451} of God {H430}, their wives {H802}, their sons {H1121}, and their daughters {H1323}, every one having knowledge {H3045}, and having understanding {H995};

The rest of the people, the cohanim, the L'vi'im, the gatekeepers, the singers, the temple servants and all who had separated themselves from the peoples of the lands to the Torah of God, along with their wives, sons and daughters, everyone capable of knowing and understanding,

“The rest of the people—the priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, temple servants, and all who had separated themselves from the people of the land to obey the Law of God—along with their wives and all their sons and daughters who are able to understand,

And the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the porters, the singers, the Nethinim, and all they that had separated themselves from the peoples of the lands unto the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, every one that had knowledge, and understanding;

Commentary

Context

Nehemiah 10 marks a pivotal moment in the post-exilic history of Judah. Following the public reading of the Law by Ezra (Nehemiah 8:8) and a profound period of national confession and repentance (Nehemiah 9:1), the people of Israel entered into a solemn covenant renewal. This chapter details the commitment made by the community to walk in God's Law and obey His commandments.

Verse 28 specifically identifies the broad spectrum of the community who willingly entered into this covenant. While the leaders, priests, and Levites signed the formal document (Nehemiah 10:1-27), this verse emphasizes that the commitment extended to virtually every segment of the population, ensuring a collective and comprehensive adherence to God's statutes.

Key Themes

  • Inclusivity of Commitment: The verse highlights that the covenant was not merely for the religious or civic leaders, but for "the rest of the people" – encompassing all walks of life, including priests, Levites, temple servants (porters, singers, Nethinims), and even their families. This underscores the idea of a whole community dedicating itself to God.
  • Separation for Holiness: A crucial group mentioned are "all they that had separated themselves from the people of the lands unto the law of God." This phrase speaks to the deliberate choice to maintain a distinct identity, free from the pagan influences and practices of surrounding nations, aligning with God's call for His people to be holy and set apart (Exodus 34:16).
  • Informed and Intentional Obedience: The phrase "every one having knowledge, and having understanding" is vital. It indicates that this was not a blind or coerced agreement, but a conscious, informed decision made by individuals who comprehended the Law of God and the implications of their commitment. True spiritual commitment requires understanding.
  • Family Involvement: The inclusion of "their wives, their sons, and their daughters" emphasizes that this was a multi-generational commitment, reflecting the importance of family unity and shared spiritual values in ancient Israel, and serving as a model for faith passed down through generations.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Nethinims": The Hebrew term for Nethinims is Nethinim (נְתִינִים), meaning "given ones" or "dedicated ones." These were temple servants, likely descendants of foreigners (such as the Gibeonites mentioned in Joshua 9:27) who were assigned to assist the Levites in the sanctuary. Their inclusion here signifies the broad participation in the covenant, extending even to those of non-Israelite origin who had devoted themselves to the service of God.
  • "separated themselves": The Hebrew verb used here is badal (בָּדַל), which means "to divide," "to distinguish," or "to set apart." It emphasizes a deliberate and active decision to detach from the customs and idolatry of the surrounding Gentile nations in order to adhere strictly to the Torah. This concept of separation is central to the covenant relationship between God and Israel, signifying their unique status as God's chosen people.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 10:28 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Personal and Corporate Commitment: Just as the post-exilic community made a collective and individual commitment to God's Law, believers are called to personally and corporately commit to Christ and His teachings. This involves actively participating in the life of the church and upholding biblical principles.
  • Informed Faith: The emphasis on "knowledge, and understanding" reminds us that faith is not blind. We are encouraged to diligently study God's Word (2 Timothy 2:15) so that our obedience stems from a deep comprehension of His will and character.
  • Distinctiveness from the World: The act of "separating themselves from the people of the lands" challenges believers to live distinctly from worldly values and practices. Our commitment to God should lead us to pursue holiness and righteousness, reflecting Christ's character in all areas of life.
  • Family in Faith: The inclusion of wives, sons, and daughters highlights the importance of raising children in the fear and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4) and fostering an environment where faith is a shared family value and commitment.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Nehemiah 9:2 (5 votes)

    And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers.

  • 2 Corinthians 6:14 (3 votes)

    Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

  • 2 Corinthians 6:17 (3 votes)

    Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,

  • Ecclesiastes 5:2 (2 votes)

    Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter [any] thing before God: for God [is] in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.

  • Romans 1:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called [to be] an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

  • Nehemiah 7:72 (2 votes)

    And [that] which the rest of the people gave [was] twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand pound of silver, and threescore and seven priests' garments.

  • Nehemiah 7:73 (2 votes)

    So the priests, and the Levites, and the porters, and the singers, and [some] of the people, and the Nethinims, and all Israel, dwelt in their cities; and when the seventh month came, the children of Israel [were] in their cities.