Nehemiah 10:7
Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin,
Meshullam
The name "Meshullam" is derived from the Hebrew root "shalam," which means "to be complete" or "to be at peace." This name reflects a sense of wholeness and harmony, which is significant in the context of the covenant renewal in Nehemiah. Meshullam, as a signatory of the covenant, represents those who are committed to restoring the spiritual and communal integrity of Israel. Historically, Meshullam is a common name in the post-exilic period, indicating the continuity of Jewish identity and faithfulness despite the challenges of exile and return.

Abijah
"Abijah" means "Yahweh is my Father" in Hebrew, combining "Ab" (father) and "Yah" (a shortened form of Yahweh). This name underscores a personal relationship with God, emphasizing the covenantal bond between the Israelites and their divine Father. In the context of Nehemiah, Abijah's inclusion in the list of covenant signatories highlights the importance of recognizing God's paternal care and authority as the community seeks to reestablish its religious and social order. The name also serves as a reminder of the priestly lineage and the role of spiritual leadership in guiding the people back to faithfulness.

Mijamin
The name "Mijamin" is derived from the Hebrew "Yamin," meaning "right hand" or "south." It signifies strength, favor, and authority, as the right hand is traditionally associated with power and blessing. Mijamin's presence in the covenant list symbolizes the strength and support that the community pledges to uphold God's laws and commandments. Historically, the name Mijamin appears among the priestly families, indicating a commitment to maintaining the religious practices and temple services essential for the community's spiritual vitality. This reflects the broader theme of Nehemiah, where the restoration of Jerusalem is not just physical but deeply spiritual, requiring the dedication and cooperation of all members of the community.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Meshullam
A common name in the Old Testament, Meshullam is one of the signatories of the covenant in Nehemiah 10. The name means "friend" or "ally" in Hebrew, indicating a person who is committed to the community and its covenant with God.

2. Abijah
Another signatory, Abijah means "Yahweh is my Father" in Hebrew. This name reflects a deep connection to God and a recognition of His authority and fatherhood over the people.

3. Mijamin
Also a signatory, Mijamin means "from the right hand" or "fortunate" in Hebrew. This name may symbolize strength and blessing, as the right hand is often associated with power and favor in biblical texts.
Teaching Points
Commitment to Community
The individuals listed in Nehemiah 10:7 were part of a larger community effort to renew their covenant with God. This teaches us the importance of being active participants in our faith communities, supporting and upholding shared commitments.

Significance of Names
The meanings of the names Meshullam, Abijah, and Mijamin remind us of the importance of identity in our spiritual journey. Our names and roles in the community can reflect our relationship with God and our commitment to His purposes.

Covenant Renewal
Just as the Israelites renewed their covenant, we are called to regularly renew our commitment to God. This can be through personal reflection, prayer, and participation in communal worship and sacraments.

Leadership and Responsibility
The signatories of the covenant were leaders who took responsibility for guiding the people in faithfulness to God. We are encouraged to take on leadership roles in our communities, leading by example in our commitment to God's word.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the act of signing a covenant signify in the context of Nehemiah 10, and how can we apply this concept of commitment in our own lives today?

2. How do the meanings of the names Meshullam, Abijah, and Mijamin inspire us to reflect on our own identities and roles within our faith communities?

3. In what ways can we participate in the renewal of our covenant with God, both individually and as part of a community?

4. How does the renewal of the covenant in Nehemiah 10 connect with the new covenant established through Jesus Christ, and what implications does this have for our faith?

5. What responsibilities do we have as leaders or members of our faith communities to uphold and promote the commitments we make to God and each other?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 10
The book of Ezra also lists individuals who were involved in the renewal of the covenant, showing a continuity of commitment among the leaders of Israel.

Exodus 24
The covenant renewal in Nehemiah echoes the covenant made at Sinai, where the people of Israel committed to follow God's laws.

Hebrews 8
The New Testament speaks of a new covenant through Christ, which fulfills and transcends the old covenant, emphasizing the importance of commitment to God's promises.
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
Abijah, Abi'jah, Meshullam, Meshul'lam, Mijamin, Mi'jamin
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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