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Nehemiah 13:13

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And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them [was] Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah: for they were counted faithful, and their office [was] to distribute unto their brethren.

And I made treasurers {H686} over the treasuries {H214}, Shelemiah {H8018} the priest {H3548}, and Zadok {H6659} the scribe {H5608}, and of the Levites {H3881}, Pedaiah {H6305}: and next to them {H3027} was Hanan {H2605} the son {H1121} of Zaccur {H2139}, the son {H1121} of Mattaniah {H4983}: for they were counted {H2803} faithful {H539}, and their office was to distribute {H2505} unto their brethren {H251}.

To supervise the storerooms I appointed Shelemyah the cohen, Tzadok the Torah-teacher and, from the L'vi'im, P'dayah; assisting them was Hanan the son of Zakur, the son of Mattanyah; for these were considered reliable. Their duty was to make the distribution to their kinsmen.

I appointed as treasurers over the storerooms Shelemiah the priest, Zadok the scribe, and Pedaiah of the Levites, with Hanan son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah, to assist them, because they were considered trustworthy. They were responsible for distributing the supplies to their fellow Levites.

And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah; for they were counted faithful, and their business was to distribute unto their brethren.

Commentary

Nehemiah 13:13 details a crucial aspect of Nehemiah's administrative reforms after his return to Jerusalem, specifically focusing on the proper management and distribution of the temple's resources. This verse highlights his commitment to restoring order, accountability, and integrity within the post-exilic community.

Context

Following his return from Persia, Nehemiah discovered that many of the reforms he had previously implemented had been neglected. The temple storehouses, which were meant to hold tithes and offerings for the support of the priests and Levites, were being misused or neglected. Specifically, the Levites' portions were not being given to them, leading to their abandonment of temple duties to work their fields for sustenance. In response, Nehemiah took decisive action to rectify this systemic failure, ensuring that the necessary provisions for temple service were properly collected and distributed. This appointment of trusted treasurers was a direct measure to re-establish financial integrity and support for those serving God.

Key Themes

  • Stewardship and Accountability: Nehemiah recognized the critical need for honest and organized management of sacred funds. By appointing specific individuals, he established a clear chain of accountability for the temple's resources, emphasizing the importance of proper oversight.
  • Integrity and Faithfulness: The primary qualification for these treasurers was that "they were counted faithful." The Hebrew word for faithful, ne'emanim, signifies trustworthiness, reliability, and firmness. This underscores that character and integrity were paramount for handling God's provisions. This principle of faithfulness in stewardship is echoed throughout Scripture (see 1 Corinthians 4:2).
  • Support for Ministry: The ultimate purpose of these treasurers was "to distribute unto their brethren," ensuring that the priests and Levites received their rightful portions from the tithes and offerings. This restored financial stability for those dedicated to temple service, allowing them to focus on their spiritual duties without distraction.
  • Restoration of Order: This act is part of Nehemiah's broader effort to restore the spiritual and administrative health of Jerusalem, rectifying the moral and practical decay he found upon his return. It reflects a commitment to proper governance and the upholding of divine commands.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "counted faithful" (Hebrew: נֶאֱמָנִים, ne'emanim) is central to this verse. It emphasizes that these individuals were not chosen merely for their administrative skills, but for their proven character and reliability. This quality of faithfulness is consistently valued in biblical leadership, particularly in roles involving trust and the handling of resources dedicated to God.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 13:13 offers timeless lessons for individuals and organizations today:

  • Importance of Trustworthy Leadership: Whether in churches, charities, or any organization, those entrusted with financial management must possess unquestionable integrity and be "counted faithful." Trust is paramount when handling shared or sacred resources.
  • Accountability in Resources: There is a divine expectation for proper stewardship of all resources, especially those dedicated to God's work. Clear systems of accountability help prevent misuse and ensure funds reach their intended beneficiaries.
  • Supporting Those in Ministry: The principle of providing for those who serve God, ensuring they can dedicate themselves to their calling without undue financial burden, remains vital for the health and effectiveness of any spiritual community.
  • Faithfulness as a Core Virtue: This verse reminds us that faithfulness—a deep commitment to one's responsibilities and to God—is a highly valued trait that enables effective service and leadership, and is a prerequisite for handling significant trust.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • 2 Kings 22:7 (4 votes)

    Howbeit there was no reckoning made with them of the money that was delivered into their hand, because they dealt faithfully.

  • Nehemiah 7:2 (4 votes)

    That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he [was] a faithful man, and feared God above many.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:2 (3 votes)

    Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

  • Luke 16:10 (3 votes)

    He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

  • Luke 16:12 (3 votes)

    And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?

  • 2 Kings 12:15 (3 votes)

    Moreover they reckoned not with the men, into whose hand they delivered the money to be bestowed on workmen: for they dealt faithfully.

  • Acts 6:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.