Nehemiah 10:11
Mica, Rehob, Hashabiah,
Mica
The name "Mica" is a shortened form of "Micaiah," which means "Who is like Yahweh?" in Hebrew. This name reflects a deep theological truth central to the Jewish faith: the uniqueness and incomparability of God. In the context of Nehemiah, the mention of Mica signifies the importance of individuals who bear witness to God's sovereignty and uniqueness. Historically, names were often given to reflect the character or hoped-for destiny of a person, and in this case, it serves as a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Rehob
"Rehob" is a name that means "broad" or "spacious" in Hebrew. This could symbolize the expansive grace and provision of God. In the historical context of Nehemiah, the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls was a time of renewal and restoration for the Israelites. The inclusion of Rehob in this list may suggest the broadening of their community and the inclusive nature of God's covenant. It also reflects the geographical and social expansion as the people returned from exile and reestablished their presence in the Promised Land.

Hashabiah
The name "Hashabiah" means "Yahweh has considered" or "Yahweh has thought upon" in Hebrew. This name underscores the belief in a personal God who is mindful of His people. In the context of Nehemiah, it highlights the providence and care of God during the period of reconstruction and reform. The historical setting of Nehemiah is one of divine intervention and guidance, as God "considered" the plight of His people and moved to restore them. This name serves as a testament to the faithfulness of God in remembering and acting on behalf of His covenant people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Mica
A signatory of the covenant in Nehemiah 10, Mica represents the commitment of the people to uphold the laws and decrees of God. His name means "Who is like God?" in Hebrew, reflecting a dedication to God's uniqueness and sovereignty.

2. Rehob
Another signatory, Rehob's inclusion signifies the collective responsibility of the community. The name Rehob can mean "broad" or "spacious," possibly indicating a broad commitment to the covenant.

3. Hashabiah
A Levite who also signed the covenant, Hashabiah's name means "Yahweh has considered." His role as a Levite underscores the importance of spiritual leadership in guiding the people back to faithfulness.
Teaching Points
Commitment to God's Covenant
The act of signing the covenant in Nehemiah 10 demonstrates a public and communal commitment to follow God's laws. As believers, we are called to make a personal and collective commitment to live according to God's Word.

The Role of Spiritual Leaders
The inclusion of Levites like Hashabiah highlights the importance of spiritual leadership. Leaders in the church today are called to guide and encourage the community in faithfulness to God's commands.

The Importance of Names and Identity
The names of the signatories, such as Mica and Hashabiah, reflect their identity and relationship with God. Our identity in Christ should be evident in our actions and commitments.

Repentance and Renewal
The covenant renewal in Nehemiah 10 follows a period of repentance. This teaches us the importance of turning back to God and renewing our commitment to Him after we have strayed.

Community Responsibility
The collective signing of the covenant signifies the shared responsibility of the community to uphold God's laws. As a church, we are called to support one another in our spiritual journeys.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the act of signing the covenant in Nehemiah 10 teach us about the importance of public commitment to God in our own lives?

2. How can spiritual leaders today emulate the role of the Levites in guiding their communities toward faithfulness?

3. In what ways does your name or identity in Christ influence your daily actions and decisions?

4. How can we, as a church community, support each other in maintaining our commitment to God's Word?

5. Reflect on a time when you needed to renew your commitment to God. What steps did you take, and how did it impact your spiritual journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 10
This chapter details the confession and repentance of the Israelites, which is a precursor to the covenant renewal in Nehemiah 10. It highlights the importance of returning to God's laws after a period of disobedience.

Deuteronomy 29
The renewal of the covenant in Nehemiah 10 echoes the covenant renewal in Deuteronomy, where the Israelites reaffirm their commitment to God's commandments before entering the Promised Land.

Psalm 119
This psalm emphasizes the love and dedication to God's law, which is the heart of the covenant renewal in Nehemiah 10.
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
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
Hashabiah, Hashabi'ah, Mica, Micha, Rehob
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nehemiah 10:1

     5327   governors

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

Links
Nehemiah 10:11 NIV
Nehemiah 10:11 NLT
Nehemiah 10:11 ESV
Nehemiah 10:11 NASB
Nehemiah 10:11 KJV

Nehemiah 10:11 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Nehemiah 10:10
Top of Page
Top of Page