Nehemiah 10:32
We also place ourselves under the obligation to contribute a third of a shekel yearly for the service of the house of our God:
We also assume responsibility
This phrase indicates a collective commitment and accountability among the people. In the Hebrew context, the word for "assume responsibility" can be linked to the idea of taking on a burden or obligation willingly. This reflects a communal dedication to uphold the covenant and the laws of God, emphasizing the importance of unity and shared purpose in the spiritual life of the community.

for the commands
The term "commands" refers to the divine instructions given by God, which the Israelites are pledging to follow. In the Hebrew tradition, these commands are not merely rules but are seen as a path to righteousness and a way to maintain a covenant relationship with God. This highlights the reverence and seriousness with which the people approach their obligations to God's law.

to give a third of a shekel each year
The "third of a shekel" is a specific monetary contribution required for the maintenance of the temple. Historically, the shekel was a standard unit of currency in ancient Israel. This particular amount signifies a structured and organized approach to supporting the temple services, reflecting the importance of regular and systematic giving in the life of faith. It underscores the principle of stewardship and the responsibility of the community to support religious institutions.

for the service of the house of our God
The "house of our God" refers to the temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship and sacrifice for the Israelites. The "service" includes all activities related to the worship and maintenance of the temple, such as offerings, sacrifices, and the upkeep of the temple facilities. This phrase emphasizes the centrality of worship in the life of the Israelites and their commitment to ensuring that the temple remains a vibrant place of encounter with God. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of the temple as a symbol of God's presence among His people.

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 Jewish people after the Babylonian exile.

2. The Israelites
The community of Jewish people who returned from exile and were recommitting themselves to the covenant with God, including financial support for temple services.

3. The House of Our God
Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, which was central to Jewish worship and community life.

4. The Covenant Renewal
The event where the Israelites, under Nehemiah's leadership, renewed their commitment to follow God's laws, including financial obligations for temple services.

5. The Third of a Shekel
A specific financial obligation that the Israelites agreed to contribute annually for the maintenance and service of the temple.
Teaching Points
Commitment to God's Work
Just as the Israelites took responsibility for the temple's needs, Christians today are called to support their local church and its ministries through regular giving.

Community Responsibility
The collective commitment of the Israelites serves as a model for how the church community should work together to meet the needs of the congregation and its mission.

Faithful Stewardship
The principle of giving a portion of one's resources to God's work is a timeless practice that reflects trust in God's provision and prioritization of spiritual over material wealth.

Covenant Renewal
Regularly renewing our commitment to God, including financial commitments, helps keep our focus on His purposes and aligns our lives with His will.

Joyful Giving
Understanding the purpose and impact of our contributions can transform giving from a duty to a joyful act of worship.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the commitment of the Israelites in Nehemiah 10:32 challenge our current approach to supporting our local church financially?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our giving is a reflection of our commitment to God and not just a routine obligation?

3. How does the principle of community responsibility in Nehemiah 10:32 apply to modern church life and ministry?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to renew our commitment to God, similar to the covenant renewal in Nehemiah's time?

5. How can we cultivate a heart of joyful giving, and what scriptures can we meditate on to encourage this attitude?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 30:11-16
This passage describes the original command for a census tax, which was a half-shekel offering for the maintenance of the tabernacle. Nehemiah 10:32 reflects a similar principle of communal responsibility for worship.

2 Chronicles 24:4-14
This passage recounts King Joash's efforts to repair the temple, highlighting the importance of financial contributions for the upkeep of God's house.

Malachi 3:8-10
This passage addresses the issue of tithes and offerings, emphasizing the importance of giving to support the work of God and the blessings that follow faithful stewardship.
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, Carrying, Charge, Commands, Contribute, Lay, Obligation, Ordinances, Ourselves, Placed, Responsibility, Rules, Service, Shekel, Taxing, Third, Upkeep, Yearly
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nehemiah 10:32

     5260   coinage
     7382   house of God

Nehemiah 10:31-32

     8243   ethics, social

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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