Nehemiah 10:33
for the showbread, for the regular grain offerings and burnt offerings, for the Sabbath offerings, for the New Moons and appointed feasts, for the holy offerings, for the sin offerings to make atonement for Israel, and for all the duties of the house of our God.
for the showbread
The term "showbread" refers to the "bread of the Presence," which was placed on a table in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. In Hebrew, it is known as "lechem haPanim," meaning "bread of the face," symbolizing God's continual presence and provision. This bread was a perpetual offering, replaced every Sabbath, and it underscores the importance of God's sustenance and fellowship with His people. The showbread is a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, emphasizing His provision and the need for continual worship.

for the regular grain offerings and burnt offerings
These offerings were part of the daily sacrificial system established in the Mosaic Law. The "grain offerings" (Hebrew: "minchah") were offerings of flour, oil, and frankincense, symbolizing dedication and thanksgiving to God. The "burnt offerings" (Hebrew: "olah") were entirely consumed by fire, representing atonement and complete surrender to God. These offerings highlight the Israelites' commitment to maintaining a relationship with God through regular acts of worship and sacrifice, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

for the Sabbaths
The Sabbath was a weekly day of rest and worship, instituted by God as a sign of the covenant with Israel (Exodus 31:13). It served as a reminder of God's creation and His deliverance of Israel from Egypt. Observing the Sabbath was a way for the Israelites to acknowledge God's sovereignty and to rest in His provision. It also foreshadows the spiritual rest found in Christ, who is the Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:8).

New Moons
The New Moon festivals marked the beginning of each month in the Hebrew calendar. These were times of special sacrifices and offerings, as outlined in Numbers 28:11-15. The New Moon celebrations were a way for the Israelites to consecrate time to God, recognizing His control over the cycles of nature and their lives. It reflects the importance of regular, rhythmic worship and dedication to God.

and appointed feasts
The "appointed feasts" (Hebrew: "moedim") refer to the annual festivals established by God, such as Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles. These feasts were times of communal worship, remembrance, and celebration of God's past acts of salvation and provision. They served to unite the community in worship and to teach future generations about God's faithfulness. Each feast also points to aspects of Christ's redemptive work.

for the holy offerings
"Holy offerings" were those set apart for God, emphasizing the sacredness and purity required in worship. These offerings were a means of maintaining holiness and purity among the people, reminding them of God's holiness and their need to be set apart for Him. This concept of holiness is central to the Christian life, as believers are called to be holy as God is holy (1 Peter 1:16).

for the sin offerings to make atonement for Israel
Sin offerings (Hebrew: "chatat") were sacrifices made to atone for unintentional sins, highlighting the seriousness of sin and the need for purification. Atonement (Hebrew: "kippur") means "to cover," signifying the covering of sin through sacrifice. These offerings point to the ultimate atonement made by Christ, whose sacrifice on the cross covers the sins of all who believe in Him, providing reconciliation with God.

and for all the duties of the house of our God
This phrase encompasses the various responsibilities and services required to maintain the Temple and its worship. The "house of our God" refers to the Temple, the central place of worship and God's dwelling among His people. The duties included maintaining the physical structure, preparing offerings, and conducting worship services. This highlights the importance of dedicated service and stewardship in the worship of God, a principle that extends to the Church today as the body of Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nehemiah
A Jewish leader who played a crucial role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and the spiritual renewal of the people.

2. Israelites
The covenant people of God, who are recommitting to the observance of the Law and temple worship.

3. Jerusalem
The central place of worship for the Israelites, where the temple is located.

4. The Temple
The house of God in Jerusalem, where sacrifices and offerings are made.

5. Covenant Renewal
The event where the Israelites reaffirm their commitment to God's laws and temple duties.
Teaching Points
Commitment to Worship
The Israelites' dedication to temple duties highlights the importance of regular worship and commitment to God in our lives.

Understanding Atonement
The sin offerings for atonement remind us of the seriousness of sin and the need for reconciliation with God, ultimately fulfilled in Christ.

Observance of Holy Days
The mention of Sabbaths, New Moons, and feasts underscores the value of setting aside time for spiritual reflection and community worship.

Stewardship of Resources
The provision for offerings indicates the responsibility of believers to support the work of the church and its ministries.

Community Responsibility
The collective commitment of the Israelites serves as a model for communal accountability and support in our faith communities.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the commitment of the Israelites to temple duties in Nehemiah 10:33 inspire us to prioritize worship in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we apply the principles of atonement and reconciliation found in Nehemiah 10:33 to our understanding of Christ's sacrifice?

3. How can observing spiritual disciplines, such as those mentioned in Nehemiah 10:33, enhance our relationship with God and our community?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure that we are supporting the work of our local church, similar to the Israelites' provision for temple offerings?

5. How does the communal aspect of the Israelites' covenant renewal challenge us to foster accountability and support within our own faith communities?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 25-30
These chapters detail the instructions for the tabernacle and its services, which are foundational to understanding the temple duties mentioned in Nehemiah 10:33.

Leviticus 23
This chapter outlines the appointed feasts and Sabbaths, providing context for the observances listed in Nehemiah 10:33.

Hebrews 10
This New Testament passage discusses the ultimate atonement made by Christ, connecting to the sin offerings mentioned in Nehemiah 10:33.
Entering into CovenantW. Clarkson Nehemiah 10:1-37
A National CovenantThe ThinkerNehemiah 10:1-39
Covenant ComfortThe ThinkerNehemiah 10:1-39
Covenanting with GodW. Ritchie.Nehemiah 10:1-39
Solemn Engagement to Maintain the House of GodR.A. Redford Nehemiah 10:1-39
Voluntary TaxationHomiletical CommentaryNehemiah 10:32-39
People
Aaron, Abijah, Adin, Adonijah, Ahiah, Ahijah, Amariah, Anaiah, Anan, Anathoth, Ater, Azaniah, Azariah, Azgad, Azzur, Baanah, Bani, Baruch, Bebai, Beninu, Bezai, Bigvai, Bilgai, Binnui, Bunni, Daniel, Elam, Ginnethon, Hachaliah, Hallohesh, Hanan, Hananiah, Harim, Hariph, Hashabiah, Hashabnah, Hashub, Hashum, Hasshub, Hattush, Henadad, Hezekiah, Hezir, Hizkijah, Hodiah, Hodijah, Hoshea, Jaddua, Jeremiah, Jeshua, Kadmiel, Kelita, Levi, Levites, Maaseiah, Maaziah, Magpiash, Malchijah, Malluch, Meremoth, Meshezabeel, Meshullam, Micha, Mijamin, Nebai, Nehemiah, Obadiah, Pahathmoab, Parosh, Pashur, Pelaiah, Pelatiah, Pileha, Rehob, Rehum, Seraiah, Shebaniah, Shemaiah, Sherebiah, Shobek, Zaccur, Zadok, Zatthu, Zattu, Zedekiah, Zidkijah
Places
Gate of Ephraim
Topics
Appointed, Arrangement, Atonement, Bread, Burned, Burnt, Burnt-offering, Cereal, Continual, Duties, Feasts, Festivals, Fixed, Grain, Holy, Meal, Meal-offering, Meat, Meat-offering, Moon, Moons, Oblation, Offering, Offerings, Present, Regular, Rows, Sabbaths, Seasons, Shewbread, Showbread, Show-bread, Sin, Sin-offerings, Table
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nehemiah 10:33

     5573   table

Nehemiah 10:32-33

     4418   bread
     7398   New Moon festival

Library
The "Fraternity" of Pharisees
To realise the state of religious society at the time of our Lord, the fact that the Pharisees were a regular "order," and that there were many such "fraternities," in great measure the outcome of the original Pharisees, must always be kept in view. For the New Testament simply transports us among contemporary scenes and actors, taking the then existent state of things, so to speak, for granted. But the fact referred to explains many seemingly strange circumstances, and casts fresh light upon all.
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

The Formation of the Old Testament Canon
[Sidenote: Israel's literature at the beginning of the fourth century before Christ] Could we have studied the scriptures of the Israelitish race about 400 B.C., we should have classified them under four great divisions: (1) The prophetic writings, represented by the combined early Judean, Ephraimite, and late prophetic or Deuteronomic narratives, and their continuation in Samuel and Kings, together with the earlier and exilic prophecies; (2) the legal, represented by the majority of the Old Testament
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories
[Sidenote: Influences in the exile that produced written ceremonial laws] The Babylonian exile gave a great opportunity and incentive to the further development of written law. While the temple stood, the ceremonial rites and customs received constant illustration, and were transmitted directly from father to son in the priestly families. Hence, there was little need of writing them down. But when most of the priests were carried captive to Babylonia, as in 597 B.C., and ten years later the temple
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

The Second Commandment
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am o jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of then that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.' Exod 20: 4-6. I. Thou shalt not
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Ezra-Nehemiah
Some of the most complicated problems in Hebrew history as well as in the literary criticism of the Old Testament gather about the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Apart from these books, all that we know of the origin and early history of Judaism is inferential. They are our only historical sources for that period; and if in them we have, as we seem to have, authentic memoirs, fragmentary though they be, written by the two men who, more than any other, gave permanent shape and direction to Judaism, then
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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