Nehemiah 10:31

And [if] the people of the land bring ware or any victuals on the sabbath day to sell, [that] we would not buy it of them on the sabbath, or on the holy day: and [that] we would leave the seventh year, and the exaction of every debt.

And if the people {H5971} of the land {H776} bring {H935} ware {H4728} or any victuals {H7668} on the sabbath {H7676} day {H3117} to sell {H4376}, that we would not buy {H3947} it of them on the sabbath {H7676}, or on the holy {H6944} day {H3117}: and that we would leave {H5203} the seventh {H7637} year {H8141}, and the exaction {H4853} of every debt {H3027}.

"If the peoples of the lands bring merchandise or food to sell on Shabbat, we will not buy from them on Shabbat or on a holy day. "We will forego [planting and harvesting our fields] during the seventh year and collecting debts then.

When the people of the land bring merchandise or any kind of grain to sell on the Sabbath day, we will not buy from them on a Sabbath or holy day. Every seventh year we will let the fields lie fallow, and will cancel every debt.

and if the peoples of the land bring wares or any grain on the sabbath day to sell, that we would not buy of them on the sabbath, or on a holy day; and that we would forego the seventh year, and the exaction of every debt.

Commentary

Nehemiah 10:31 is part of a solemn covenant made by the Israelites who had returned from Babylonian exile to Jerusalem. After rebuilding the city wall under Nehemiah's leadership and hearing the Law read by Ezra, the people, including their leaders, priests, and Levites, committed themselves by oath to walk in God's Law and to observe specific commandments. This verse details their pledge concerning economic practices and Sabbath observance.

Context

Following the completion of the wall of Jerusalem, a period of spiritual renewal occurred, culminating in a grand assembly where the Law was read and the people confessed their sins (Nehemiah 9). The covenant documented in Nehemiah 10 outlines practical ways the community would live out their renewed commitment to God. Key among these commitments was the proper observance of the Sabbath and the Sabbatical year, which had often been neglected in their history, contributing to the very reasons for their exile.

Key Themes

  • Sabbath Sanctity: The primary commitment here is to honor the Sabbath day and other holy days by refraining from commercial transactions. This meant they would not buy produce or goods from the "people of the land" (non-Israelites or those not committed to the Law) on these sacred days. This was a crucial aspect of their identity as God's people, setting them apart and ensuring a day of rest and devotion, as commanded in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11). Nehemiah later had to enforce this commitment rigorously (Nehemiah 13:15-22).
  • Sabbatical Year (Shemitah): The promise to "leave the seventh year" refers to observing the Sabbatical year, also known as the Shemitah. According to Mosaic Law, every seventh year the land was to lie fallow, and its produce was not to be harvested (Leviticus 25:4). This practice required immense faith in God's provision, trusting that He would bless the sixth year's harvest sufficiently for two years.
  • Debt Release: Coupled with the Sabbatical year was the "exaction of every debt," meaning the cancellation or release of debts owed by fellow Israelites. This was a vital component of social justice within the community, preventing perpetual poverty and ensuring a fresh start for the disadvantaged (Deuteronomy 15:1-2).
  • Covenant Fidelity: This verse epitomizes the people's renewed commitment to obey God's laws in practical, daily life, demonstrating their desire to live as a holy nation distinct from surrounding cultures.

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "Sabbath" comes from the Hebrew word Shabbat (ืฉืึทื‘ึผึธืช), meaning "cessation" or "rest." It signifies a deliberate stopping from labor.
  • "Seventh year" refers to the Shemitah (ืฉืึฐืžึดื˜ึผึธื”), which literally means "release," "remission," or "dropping." This term encapsulates both the agricultural release of the land and the economic release of debts.
  • The phrase "exaction of every debt" (ื ึถืฉืึถื ื›ึผึธืœึพื™ึธื“) refers to the legal right to demand payment of a debt. The commitment here is to *not* exact it, but to release it, in accordance with the Law.

Practical Application

For believers today, Nehemiah 10:31 offers powerful principles:

  • Prioritizing God's Kingdom: The commitment to halt commerce on the Sabbath reminds us to prioritize spiritual rest, worship, and family over material gain. It encourages a healthy rhythm of work and rest, trusting God for our provision rather than relying solely on our own efforts.
  • Trust and Generosity: The Sabbatical year and debt release laws underscore the importance of trusting God's providence and practicing generosity. While the specific economic laws may not apply directly, the underlying principles of compassion, social justice, and releasing burdens on others are timeless.
  • Keeping Commitments: The Israelites' solemn oath serves as a reminder of the seriousness of our own commitments to God. When we dedicate our lives to Him, it involves practical obedience and a willingness to live counter-culturally, prioritizing His commands over worldly pressures.
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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 23:3 (7 votes)

    Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day [is] the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work [therein]: it [is] the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings.

  • Nehemiah 13:15 (6 votes)

    ยถ In those days saw I in Judah [some] treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all [manner of] burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified [against them] in the day wherein they sold victuals.

  • Nehemiah 13:22 (6 votes)

    And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and [that] they should come [and] keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, [concerning] this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.

  • Exodus 23:10 (6 votes)

    ยถ And six years thou shalt sow thy land, and shalt gather in the fruits thereof:

  • Exodus 23:11 (6 votes)

    But the seventh [year] thou shalt let it rest and lie still; that the poor of thy people may eat: and what they leave the beasts of the field shall eat. In like manner thou shalt deal with thy vineyard, [and] with thy oliveyard.

  • Exodus 20:10 (4 votes)

    But the seventh day [is] the sabbath of the LORD thy God: [in it] thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that [is] within thy gates:

  • Jeremiah 17:21 (3 votes)

    Thus saith the LORD; Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the sabbath day, nor bring [it] in by the gates of Jerusalem;