Nehemiah 10 - Introduction

A Renewed Commitment to God

Nehemiah Ten

The Jews made a covenant with God that they would do better in their relationship with Him. We read, "And because of all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, Levites, and priests, seal unto it." (Nehemiah 9:38) The people had confessed their sins and prayed to God. They determined to do better and willingly put their names to the agreement. They felt a strong conviction for their sins. (Nehemiah 8) This led to a humble confession of sins. (Nehemiah 9) The result of the conviction they felt and the confession that they made was a covenant they made and signed before God. (Nehemiah 10)

The first 27 verses of Nehemiah 10 contain the names of many people who committed themselves to keep God's covenant. Nehemiah was the first to sign the agreement. The heads of 22 priestly families signed the agreement as well as 17 Levites. The covenant also contained the names of the heads of 44 other leading families. They committed themselves to keeping the Law of God. The rest of the people are not specifically named yet they also agreed to obey God's Law. They realized that a curse would come upon them if they failed to do the will of God. They specifically promised that they would not intermarry with pagans, and that they would keep the Sabbath day and the Sabbatical year. They also promised to give gifts to support the Temple. They promised, "We will not forsake the house of our God."