Nehemiah 10:16
Adonijah, Bigvai, Adin,
Adonijah
The name "Adonijah" is of Hebrew origin, meaning "my Lord is Yahweh." This name reflects a deep-seated tradition in Israelite culture of naming children in a way that honors God, indicating the parents' devotion and the hope that the child will live a life in service to Yahweh. In the context of Nehemiah, Adonijah is listed among those who sealed the covenant, demonstrating a commitment to the restoration and spiritual renewal of Jerusalem. This act of sealing the covenant was a public declaration of faith and dedication to God's laws, emphasizing the importance of community and leadership in spiritual revival.

Bigvai
The name "Bigvai" is less common and its exact meaning is uncertain, though it is believed to be of Persian origin, possibly meaning "happy" or "fortunate." Bigvai is mentioned as one of the leaders who returned with Zerubbabel from the Babylonian exile, as recorded in Ezra 2:2. His inclusion in Nehemiah 10 signifies the continuity of leadership and the importance of maintaining a faithful remnant committed to God's covenant. This highlights the theme of restoration and the fulfillment of God's promises to bring His people back to their land, underscoring the faithfulness of God and the responsibility of His people to uphold His commandments.

Adin
The name "Adin" is of Hebrew origin, meaning "delicate" or "slender." Adin is also listed among the families that returned from exile, as seen in Ezra 2:15. The mention of Adin in Nehemiah 10 as a signatory of the covenant underscores the collective responsibility of the community to adhere to the laws of God. It reflects the unity and diversity of the people of Israel, as they come together from various backgrounds and lineages to recommit themselves to God's service. This unity in diversity is a powerful testament to the work of God in bringing His people together for a common purpose, reminding us of the strength found in community and shared faith.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Adonijah
A name meaning "My Lord is Yahweh." In the context of Nehemiah 10, Adonijah is one of the leaders who sealed the covenant, committing to follow God's law.

2. Bigvai
Likely a family head or leader, Bigvai is another signatory of the covenant. The name may mean "in my body" or "happy."

3. Adin
Another leader who signed the covenant. The name Adin means "delicate" or "slender."

4. The Covenant
This event involves the leaders of Israel renewing their commitment to God's law after the return from Babylonian exile. It signifies a collective dedication to live according to God's commandments.

5. Jerusalem
The setting for this covenant renewal, Jerusalem is the spiritual and political center for the Israelites, representing their identity and relationship with God.
Teaching Points
Commitment to God's Law
The act of sealing the covenant demonstrates a serious commitment to live according to God's commandments. Believers today are called to renew their commitment to God's Word regularly.

Leadership and Accountability
The leaders' involvement in the covenant highlights the importance of accountability and leadership in spiritual matters. Christian leaders should model obedience and guide others in faithfulness.

Community and Unity
The collective nature of the covenant shows the power of community in spiritual renewal. Christians are encouraged to support one another in their faith journeys.

Repentance and Renewal
The covenant renewal is an act of repentance and a fresh start. Believers are reminded of the importance of repentance and the opportunity for renewal in Christ.

Historical Continuity
Understanding the historical context of covenant renewals helps believers appreciate the continuity of God's faithfulness and the call to obedience throughout biblical history.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the act of sealing the covenant in Nehemiah 10 teach us about the importance of public commitment to God's Word?

2. How can we apply the principles of leadership and accountability seen in Nehemiah 10:16 to our own church communities today?

3. In what ways does the renewal of the covenant in Nehemiah 10 parallel the covenant renewals found in other parts of the Bible, such as Deuteronomy 29 and 2 Chronicles 34?

4. How can we, as individuals and as a community, practice repentance and renewal in our daily lives?

5. What role does community play in our spiritual growth, and how can we foster a sense of unity and support within our church or small group?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 10
This chapter also deals with the theme of covenant renewal and repentance, as Ezra leads the people in confessing their sins and separating from foreign influences.

Deuteronomy 29
The renewal of the covenant in Nehemiah echoes the covenant renewal in Deuteronomy, where Moses calls the Israelites to commit to God's law before entering the Promised Land.

2 Chronicles 34
King Josiah's reforms and covenant renewal parallel Nehemiah's efforts, emphasizing the importance of returning to God's commandments.
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
Adin, Adonijah, Adoni'jah, Bigvai, Bigva'i
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 10:16 NIV
Nehemiah 10:16 NLT
Nehemiah 10:16 ESV
Nehemiah 10:16 NASB
Nehemiah 10:16 KJV

Nehemiah 10:16 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Nehemiah 10:15
Top of Page
Top of Page