Nehemiah 10 - 1 Now on the sealed document were the names of: Nehemiah the governor, the son of Hacaliah, and Zedekiah, 2 Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah, 3 Pashhur, Amariah, Malchijah, 4 Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluch, 5 Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah, 6 Daniel, Ginnethon, Baruch, 7 Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin, 8 Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah. These were the priests. 9 And the Levites: Jeshua the son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons of Henadad, Kadmiel; 10 also their brothers Shebaniah, Hodiah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan, 11 Mica, Rehob, Hashabiah, 12 Zaccur, Sherebiah, Shebaniah, 13 Hodiah, Bani, Beninu. 14 The leaders of the people: Parosh, Pahath-moab, Elam, Zattu, Bani, 15 Bunni, Azgad, Bebai, 16 Adonijah, Bigvai, Adin, 17 Ater, Hezekiah, Azzur, 18 Hodiah, Hashum, Bezai, 19 Hariph, Anathoth, Nebai, 20 Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir, 21 Meshezabel, Zadok, Jaddua, 22 Pelatiah, Hanan, Anaiah, 23 Hoshea, Hananiah, Hasshub, 24 Hallohesh, Pilha, Shobek, 25 Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah, 26 Ahiah, Hanan, Anan, 27 Malluch, Harim, Baanah.
28 Now the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, the temple servants and all those who had separated themselves from the peoples of the lands to the law of God, their wives, their sons and their daughters, all those who had knowledge and understanding, 29 are joining with their kinsmen, their nobles, and are taking on themselves a curse and an oath to walk in God’s law, which was given through Moses, God’s servant, and to keep and to observe all the commandments of God our Lord, and His ordinances and His statutes; 30 and that we will not give our daughters to the peoples of the land or take their daughters for our sons. 31 As for the peoples of the land who bring wares or any grain on the sabbath day to sell, we will not buy from them on the sabbath or a holy day; and we will forego the crops the seventh year and the exaction of every debt. 32 We also placed ourselves under obligation to contribute yearly one third of a shekel for the service of the house of our God: 33 for the showbread, for the continual grain offering, for the continual burnt offering, the sabbaths, the new moon, for the appointed times, for the holy things and for the sin offerings to make atonement for Israel, and all the work of the house of our God. 34 Likewise we cast lots for the supply of wood among the priests, the Levites and the people so that they might bring it to the house of our God, according to our fathers’ households, at fixed times annually, to burn on the altar of the Lord our God, as it is written in the law; 35 and that they might bring the first fruits of our ground and the first fruits of all the fruit of every tree to the house of the Lord annually, 36 and bring to the house of our God the firstborn of our sons and of our cattle, and the firstborn of our herds and our flocks as it is written in the law, for the priests who are ministering in the house of our God. 37 We will also bring the first of our dough, our contributions, the fruit of every tree, the new wine and the oil to the priests at the chambers of the house of our God, and the tithe of our ground to the Levites, for the Levites are they who receive the tithes in all the rural towns. 38 The priest, the son of Aaron, shall be with the Levites when the Levites receive tithes, and the Levites shall bring up the tenth of the tithes to the house of our God, to the chambers of the storehouse. 39 For the sons of Israel and the sons of Levi shall bring the contribution of the grain, the new wine and the oil to the chambers; there are the utensils of the sanctuary, the priests who are ministering, the gatekeepers and the singers. Thus we will not neglect the house of our God.
What does today’s passage say?
In today's passage, Nehemiah rallies the leaders, priests, Levites, and all the people to renew their commitment to God's laws (vv. 1-27). The officials, the priests, the Levites and those who served in the temple put their names on a written covenant pledging themselves to follow and uphold God's commands and regulations in all aspects of life (vv. 28-29). The people also take an oath agreeing not to intermarry with foreigners, keep the Sabbath, forgive debts in sabbatical years, and provide wood for the altar and first fruits for offerings, even dedicating their firstborn sons and livestock to God (vv. 30-33). Lots were cast to bring one out of ten to live in Jerusalem as a tithe of the people to replenish the holy city (v. 34). The rest vowed to bring offerings of first fruits and firstborn sons and livestock to the Lord's house (vv. 35-36). They promised to provide a tithe of grain, wine, and oil for the priests and Levites so they could continue their temple duties without needing to work fields (vv. 37-39). This showed the priority of supporting those ministering to spiritual needs.
How can I apply Nehemiah 10 to my life?
This passage captures a defining moment in Nehemiah's leadership journey. With walls rebuilt, he turns his focus toward revitalizing spiritual commitment amongst God's people. Nehemiah rallies officials, priests, and family leaders to make a solemn pledge - a binding covenant to uphold long-neglected commands of God. His priority shifts from brick-and-mortar projects to heart-level renewal. Nehemiah understood that external reforms may strengthen, but internal transformation is required to sustain. This public renewal ceremony has much to teach modern leaders. As we examine the specific commitments made and the leaders called to seal the pact, principles emerge that retain relevance today. For organizational change rooted in righteous values to take hold, it demands more than words. When leaders align beliefs and behavior, it provides a compelling call to follow suit. Here are some basic takeaways from this passage that we would do well to integrate into our leadership:
1. Commit to Upholding God's Covenant with Integrity (vv. 1-27): As we examine the list of 84 officials who signed the covenant, an important leadership principle emerges: the need to exemplify our commitment to God's ways. Simply instructing others in the Lord's statutes falls short. We must demonstrate what wholehearted alignment with His standard looks like in action. For Christian leaders - whether of a ministry, business, church, or family - our integrity hangs on living out the beliefs we profess. When our deeds fail to match our words, we compromise our influence. However, as we make choices day by day to follow biblical principles instead of cultural norms, our example can inspire others to devotion. This requires unrelenting self-evaluation under the searchlight of Scripture coupled with transparency regarding any areas the Spirit convicts us to work on. It demands putting shared kingdom values before personal comfort. Yet the effort will refine us as godly leaders worth following. And our resolve to uphold God's commands with all we are, not merely what others see, attracts heaven's blessing. For devotion rooted inward transforms outward actions. As we grow in integrity, we must nurture accountability relationships that encourage us to walk the talk, not just talk the talk. As leaders, we should also make ourselves accountable to mature believers who can lovingly point out blind spots in our character as well as celebrate progress made. Their wisdom and objectivity help us identify gaps between professed and practiced faith. In humility we can then take steps with the Spirit's help to realign (Joshua 24:14-28; Psalm 101:1-4; Proverbs 16:17).
Food for thought: Why does spiritual integrity require both private and public adherence to the faith? What role can accountability to mature believers play in helping leaders walk the talk?
2. Dedicate Yourself to Obeying God's Commands in Daily Life (vv. 28-31): The people made a commitment to follow and uphold God's laws and regulations in their day-to-day living. This demonstrates how leaders should guide others toward practical application of their faith. Beyond merely believing the right doctrines, believers must dedicate themselves to intentionally putting God's way into practice in everyday choices and activities. Whether in relationships, financial dealings, time management, or entertainment pursuits, submitting our decisions and priorities to biblical values shapes our character to be more Christlike. It builds godly instincts and reflexes. As leaders who desire to see spiritual growth in those we influence, we must model what wholehearted obedience looks like in routine lifestyle habits, not just church attendance. Nurturing personal time in Scripture, speaking with grace and uplifting speech, conducting business with honesty, avoiding questionable media content, and giving generously should become second nature. While spiritual maturity is a lifelong process, moment by moment dedication fosters it. When leaders demonstrate undivided allegiance to God's commands rather than cultural trends, it gives others inspiration and courage to do the same. Our example has power to shape the worldview and actions of those who follow our lead. So, we must be vigilant to align every aspect of our life with Kingdom principles through the Spirit's enablement (Deuteronomy 5:32-33, Deuteronomy 11:1, Romans 6:16-18, 1 Corinthians 10:31).
Food for thought: Why is dedication essential for obedience over the long term? What specific area of your lifestyle feels challenging to realign with biblical values?
3. Support God's Work through Generous Giving and Service (vv. 32-39): In these verses, the people pledged financial and practical support to maintain worship in the temple. For Christian leaders seeking to advance the gospel, this illustrates vital principles for resourcing ministry activities. Our time, talents, and treasures exist not merely for personal benefit but for building God's kingdom. As stewards of these gifts, utilizing a portion to promote the spread of the gospel aligns with core biblical values. Leaders devoted to seeing lives transformed through knowing Christ know that money helps make outreach possible. Whether feeding the hungry, funding missions, providing disaster relief, or hosting evangelistic events, generosity makes tangible impact possible. So, modeling liberality with our finances, our time, and our talents inspires others to freely give as well. When we work hard not just to gain wealth for comforts but to spread heavenly riches, our example shifts priorities. Giving of the resources God has blessed us with beyond essential needs to resourcing eternal work motivates seekers to trust God as provider while experiencing the joy of participation. Our own generosity should point those we lead and those we serve to the ultimate servant giver whose selfless offering grants salvation (Proverbs 3:9-10, Proverbs 11:25, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, 1 Timothy 6:17-19).
Food for thought: Why does generosity require both financial giving and personal involvement in service? What specific ways are you hoping to expand your support of gospel ministry this coming year?
As we have seen, Nehemiah provides an outstanding example of leadership focused on spiritual renewal. His priority to lead the people into a revived commitment to obey God's laws shows how vital that inward devotion remains over outward reforms. Through Nehemiah's covenant pact, God's Word became front and center of daily life again rather than isolated to the Sabbath. For us as leaders, the call emerges to emulate this laser-focus on nurturing intimacy with Scripture and submission to its ways in all we do. When our beliefs drive our behavior consistently, it carries convincing power for seekers observing our lives under the Holy Spirit's spotlight. Our hunger for the Lord marks us as set apart and fuels our perseverance to run the race with endurance no matter obstacles faced.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray that You would give me integrity between my professed faith and how I live each day. Help me put Your commands first in every decision and relationship instead of just paying them lip service. I want to faithful follower of Yours with a wholehearted devotion in action, not merely words. I pray that You would show me any areas of my life not fully submitted to following Your ways and give me the courage to correct them. I pray that You would make me generous in giving my time, abilities, and finances to support Your gospel ministry. Help me to work hard not just for myself but for the spread of Christ's kingdom. I pray that You would help me to be a leader who helps those in my area of influence see and know what it looks like to live all-in for You in obedience.
I pray these things in the most precious name of Jesus, Amen.
Nehemiah 10:29 – “…are joining with their kinsmen, their nobles, and are taking on themselves a curse and an oath to walk in God’s law, which was given through Moses, God’s servant, and to keep and to observe all the commandments of GOD our Lord, and His ordinances and His statutes;”
With His Blessings,
Pastor Corby
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