Nehemiah 10 28

Nehemiah 10:28 kjv

And the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the porters, the singers, the Nethinims, and all they that had separated themselves from the people of the lands unto the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, every one having knowledge, and having understanding;

Nehemiah 10:28 nkjv

Now the rest of the people?the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, the Nethinim, and all those who had separated themselves from the peoples of the lands to the Law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, everyone who had knowledge and understanding?

Nehemiah 10:28 niv

"The rest of the people?priests, Levites, gatekeepers, musicians, temple servants and all who separated themselves from the neighboring peoples for the sake of the Law of God, together with their wives and all their sons and daughters who are able to understand?

Nehemiah 10:28 esv

"The rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, the temple servants, and all who have separated themselves from the peoples of the lands to the Law of God, their wives, their sons, their daughters, all who have knowledge and understanding,

Nehemiah 10:28 nlt

Then the rest of the people ? the priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, Temple servants, and all who had separated themselves from the pagan people of the land in order to obey the Law of God, together with their wives, sons, daughters, and all who were old enough to understand ?

Nehemiah 10 verses

Nehemiah 10 28 Meaning

This verse provides a comprehensive list of those who participated in and affirmed the solemn covenant documented in Nehemiah chapter 10. It enumerates a broad cross-section of the post-exilic community in Judah and Jerusalem, extending beyond the initially listed officials to include the ordinary people, specifically highlighting individuals who had consciously chosen to separate themselves from the idolatrous practices of the surrounding cultures and dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to the Law of God. The explicit mention of "their wives, their sons, their daughters" signifies that this covenant commitment encompassed entire households, while the phrase "all who had knowledge and understanding" emphasizes that this was a deliberate and informed act of faith, undertaken with full awareness of its implications and a deep understanding of God's requirements.

Nehemiah 10 28 Context

Nehemiah 10:28 is a pivotal verse within the context of a momentous covenant renewal in post-exilic Jerusalem. This event follows the public reading of the Law by Ezra (Neh 8) and a subsequent national prayer of repentance, where the Levites recounted God's faithfulness and Israel's consistent rebellion (Neh 9). Having deeply acknowledged their past failures, particularly concerning idolatry and assimilation with surrounding nations, the community felt compelled to re-establish their commitment to God's covenant. Chapter 10 describes the sealing of this binding oath, signed by leaders from various tribes and groups. Verse 28 explicitly expands the participation to the entire faithful community, not just the signatories, ensuring that the covenant's commitment was pervasive. This comprehensive enlistment of participants underscored the community's determination to maintain its distinct holy identity amidst the challenges of a multi-cultural environment and to live in strict accordance with the Mosaic Law, rectifying the very transgressions that led to their seventy-year exile.

Nehemiah 10 28 Word analysis

• "And the rest of the people": This phrase highlights the extensive participation beyond the designated leaders and officials mentioned earlier in the chapter (vv. 1-27). It signals that the commitment to the covenant was widespread, encompassing the general populace of Judah, indicating a truly communal and popular assent to the covenant's terms.
• "the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, the Nethinim": These groups represent the spiritual and functional backbone of Israel's worship system, meticulously detailed for temple and ritual service. Their prominent mention underscores their direct and intentional participation in reaffirming the covenant, setting an example for the community.
  • "Priests" (כֹּהֲנִים, kohanim): Direct descendants of Aaron, responsible for officiating sacrifices, interceding, and teaching the Torah.
  • "Levites" (לְוִיִּם, lewi'im): From the tribe of Levi, assigned various duties in the temple and for religious instruction.
  • "Gatekeepers" (שֹׁעֲרִים, sho'arim): A specific role of Levites, guarding the temple precincts, ensuring purity and order.
  • "Singers" (מְשֹׁרְרִים, meshorerim): Levites specifically designated for musical worship. Their commitment meant their service would be truly dedicated to God.
  • "Nethinim" (נְתִינִים, netinim): A class of temple servants, likely non-Israelites (perhaps descendants of the Gibeonites mentioned in Josh 9) who performed menial but essential tasks for the temple. Their inclusion underscores the covenant's broad reach, embracing even those outside direct Israelite lineage who committed to Yahweh.
• "and all those who had separated themselves":
  • Original Hebrew: בָּדְלוּ (badlu), derived from the root בדל (badal), meaning "to divide," "to set apart," or "to separate."
  • Significance: This verb indicates a conscious, voluntary, and decisive act of making oneself distinct. It implies not merely a physical removal but a spiritual and moral delineation from practices and beliefs contrary to God's commands. This term emphasizes an intentional act of consecration to God, signifying a radical break from the prevailing paganism and syncretism of the surrounding "peoples of the lands."
• "from the peoples of the lands":
  • Original Hebrew: עַמֵּי הָאֲרָצוֹת (ammei ha'aratzot), literally "peoples of the lands" or "foreign peoples."
  • Significance: This refers to the non-Israelite inhabitants of the region (e.g., Ammonites, Samaritans, various local ethnic groups), whose cultures were characterized by idolatry, immoral practices, and opposition to the rebuilding efforts. The "separation" was crucial to preserve Israel's religious and cultural purity, directly addressing the recurring problem of intermarriage and syncretism that led to their past exiles (e.g., Ezra 9-10). It highlights a core aspect of Israel's covenant identity: to be a distinct, holy nation.
• "to the Law of God":
  • Original Hebrew: תּוֹרַת הָאֱלֹהִים (Torat ha'Elohim), meaning "the instruction/teaching of God."
  • Significance: The separation was not merely from evil but for a divine purpose. This phrase provides the positive motivation and direction for their commitment. It shows their re-allegiance to God's revealed Word as the governing principle of their lives, affirming the centrality of the Torah for national and individual obedience and establishing their true identity as God's covenant people.
• "their wives, their sons, their daughters": This clause powerfully demonstrates the all-encompassing nature of the covenant beyond individuals to the very fabric of family life. It underlines that covenant responsibility extended to the entire household, signifying that family heads guided their dependents into this commitment. This communal emphasis reflects the family unit's foundational role in Old Testament society and its participation in covenant obligations (e.g., Deut 29:11).
• "all who had knowledge and understanding": This signifies that the covenant affirmation was not a blind or coerced act but a conscious, informed, and deliberate choice. It implies that participants, especially adults, comprehended the gravity of their oath, the commands of the Law, and the historical reasons for their need to repent. This spiritual discernment, likely nurtured by Ezra's teaching (Neh 8), points to genuine heart commitment and accountability. It differentiates mere physical presence from truly invested participation.

Nehemiah 10 28 Bonus section

The concept of "separation" (בדל, badal) in Nehemiah 10:28 echoes throughout Scripture. It is first seen in Genesis with God separating light from darkness (Gen 1:4). Throughout the Pentateuch, God commanded Israel to be "separated" and holy to Him, distinct from the nations around them (e.g., Lev 20:26). Here, the people actively embrace this call, showing their repentance for past failures to remain separate. This choice to "separate themselves to the Law of God" embodies a profound commitment to national purity and adherence to divine truth. It implies a positive dedication to the Torah as their standard for worship, morality, and social interaction, rejecting all syncretistic tendencies. This commitment from a truly broad demographic—including all responsible members and even the Nethinim, traditionally outsiders—demonstrates a unified determination to live as God's holy people, reflecting genuine revival and corporate obedience, foundational for building a nation committed to the covenant.

Nehemiah 10 28 Commentary

Nehemiah 10:28 describes the broad participation in the covenant renewal by the post-exilic community, detailing that all groups within Judah, from temple officials to ordinary families, intentionally committed to God's Law. The phrase "separated themselves" underscores a deliberate, active choice to become distinct from foreign, idolatrous influences and align solely "to the Law of God." This positive adherence to God's instruction marked a turning point, addressing the historical sin of assimilation. The inclusion of "wives, sons, and daughters" emphasizes the corporate nature of faith and responsibility within the family unit, showing a comprehensive commitment from every responsible member of society. Furthermore, the qualification "all who had knowledge and understanding" affirms that this covenant was embraced through informed consent, reflecting a spiritually revived populace making a mature and conscious decision to live under God's authority. This foundational commitment aimed to prevent future backsliding by rooting their identity firmly in divine revelation.