Nehemiah 10:12
Zaccur, Sherebiah, Shebaniah,
Zaccur
The name "Zaccur" is derived from the Hebrew root "zakar," which means "to remember." In the context of Nehemiah, Zaccur is one of the leaders who sealed the covenant, representing a commitment to remember and uphold the laws and decrees of God. This act of remembrance is crucial in the Jewish tradition, as it signifies a conscious effort to recall God's past faithfulness and to live in accordance with His commandments. The inclusion of Zaccur in this list underscores the importance of memory in maintaining a covenant relationship with God.

Sherebiah
The name "Sherebiah" is believed to be derived from the Hebrew roots "shar" (meaning "prince" or "noble") and "Yah" (a shortened form of Yahweh, the name of God). Sherebiah was a Levite, and his role in the covenant signifies the involvement of the priestly class in the spiritual renewal of the people. The Levites were responsible for teaching the Law and leading worship, and Sherebiah's presence highlights the necessity of spiritual leadership in guiding the community back to faithfulness. His name, which can be interpreted as "Yahweh has sent a prince," reflects the divine appointment of leaders to shepherd God's people.

Shebaniah
The name "Shebaniah" comes from the Hebrew root "shabhan," which means "to grow" or "to prosper," combined with "Yah," referring to God. This name can be understood as "God has grown" or "God has prospered." Shebaniah's inclusion in the covenant signatories indicates a commitment to spiritual growth and prosperity under God's guidance. In the historical context of Nehemiah, the people of Israel were rebuilding their community and identity after the Babylonian exile. Shebaniah's name serves as a reminder of the potential for growth and renewal when the community aligns itself with God's will and purposes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Zaccur
A leader among the people who signed the covenant in Nehemiah 10, representing a commitment to follow God's law. His name means "mindful" or "remembered" in Hebrew, indicating a person who is mindful of God's commands.

2. Sherebiah
A Levite who played a significant role in the religious reforms and the teaching of the Law. His name means "Yahweh has sent heat" or "Yahweh has scorched," suggesting a fervent dedication to God's service.

3. Shebaniah
Another leader who signed the covenant, possibly a priest or Levite. His name means "Yahweh has grown" or "Yahweh has increased," reflecting growth in spiritual commitment.
Teaching Points
Commitment to God's Law
The signing of the covenant by leaders like Zaccur, Sherebiah, and Shebaniah underscores the importance of leadership in spiritual renewal and commitment to God's Word.

Role of Leaders in Spiritual Renewal
Leaders are called to set an example in obedience and dedication to God, influencing others to follow suit.

The Importance of Names and Identity
The meanings of the names Zaccur, Sherebiah, and Shebaniah remind us of the significance of our identity in God and how it reflects our spiritual journey and commitments.

Continuity of Covenant
The renewal of the covenant in Nehemiah 10 connects to the broader biblical account of God's faithfulness and the people's ongoing commitment to His commands.

Practical Obedience
The covenant renewal is not just a symbolic act but involves practical steps to align one's life with God's will, demonstrating faith through actions.
Bible Study Questions
1. How do the roles of Zaccur, Sherebiah, and Shebaniah in Nehemiah 10 reflect the responsibilities of spiritual leaders today?

2. In what ways can we, like the Israelites in Nehemiah 10, renew our commitment to God's Word in our daily lives?

3. How does the concept of covenant renewal in Nehemiah 10 relate to the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our commitments to God are reflected in our actions and decisions?

5. How do the meanings of the names Zaccur, Sherebiah, and Shebaniah inspire us to consider our own identity and purpose in God's plan?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 8:18
Sherebiah is mentioned as a man of insight and understanding, highlighting his role in teaching and interpreting the Law, which connects to his involvement in the covenant renewal in Nehemiah.

Nehemiah 9:38
The context of the covenant renewal, where the people of Israel, including the leaders, priests, and Levites, make a firm agreement to follow God's law, setting the stage for the commitments listed in Nehemiah 10.

Deuteronomy 29:12-15
The renewal of the covenant echoes the earlier covenant made with the Israelites, emphasizing continuity in the commitment to God's commands.
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
Shebaniah, Shebani'ah, Sherebiah, Sherebi'ah, Zaccur
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

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