Nehemiah 10 32

Nehemiah 10:32 kjv

Also we made ordinances for us, to charge ourselves yearly with the third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God;

Nehemiah 10:32 nkjv

Also we made ordinances for ourselves, to exact from ourselves yearly one-third of a shekel for the service of the house of our God:

Nehemiah 10:32 niv

"We assume the responsibility for carrying out the commands to give a third of a shekel each year for the service of the house of our God:

Nehemiah 10:32 esv

"We also take on ourselves the obligation to give yearly a third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God:

Nehemiah 10:32 nlt

"In addition, we promise to obey the command to pay the annual Temple tax of one-eighth of an ounce of silver for the care of the Temple of our God.

Nehemiah 10 verses

Nehemiah 10 32 Meaning

Nehemiah 10:32 records the solemn commitment made by the Israelite community, bound by covenant, to annually contribute one-third of a shekel for the essential services and maintenance of the rebuilt Temple, the house of God. This voluntary yet binding pledge aimed to ensure the ongoing functionality of sacred worship after their return from Babylonian exile, demonstrating their practical dedication to God and His dwelling place among them.

Nehemiah 10 32 Context

Nehemiah 10 marks the culmination of the covenant renewal described in chapters 8 and 9. After a powerful public reading and explanation of the Law (Neh 8) and a subsequent national confession of sins and repentance (Neh 9), the people, led by their leaders, voluntarily committed themselves to a solemn and binding covenant with God (Neh 9:38 – 10:1). This chapter details the specific commitments made under oath (Neh 10:29), binding them to walk in God's Law and fulfill its requirements. These pledges covered various aspects of temple worship, financial support for its operations, and maintaining distinction from foreign influences, all designed to ensure the spiritual and physical restoration of Jerusalem and the community's adherence to divine mandates. Verse 32 specifically outlines a crucial, regular financial contribution necessary for the ongoing support and service of the rebuilt Temple. Historically, this period is post-exilic, under Persian rule, highlighting the community's determination to rebuild not just the city walls but also their national identity and religious life, firmly centered on the Second Temple.

Nehemiah 10 32 Word analysis

• We also pledge ourselves (וַנַּעֲמִיד עָלֵינוּ)
  • Transliteration: wa'ana'amid 'aleinu
  • Meaning: Literally, "and we caused to stand upon ourselves," or "we established upon ourselves," "we took upon ourselves."
  • Significance: The verb na'amid (Hifil stem of amad, "to stand") denotes making something firm, establishing it. The phrase 'aleinu ("upon us") indicates a self-imposed, binding obligation. This was not a tax imposed by external authority, but a deliberate, corporate act of will by the people, showing a profound commitment to God's law and the sustainability of His house.
• to obligate ourselves yearly (לָתֵת עָלֵינוּ שְׁנָה בְּשָׁנָה)
  • Transliteration: latet 'aleinu shanah b'shanah
  • Meaning: "to give upon ourselves year by year" or "annually."
  • Significance: The phrase reinforces the voluntary yet binding nature of the commitment. The repetition "year by year" emphasizes the ongoing, consistent nature of this financial responsibility. It signifies foresight and dedication to ensuring the continuous operation and maintenance of the temple services, rather than just a one-time offering.
• to give one third of a shekel (שְׁלִישִׁית הַשֶּׁקֶל)
  • Transliteration: shlishit ha-shekel
  • Meaning: "a third of the shekel." A shekel was a common unit of weight and currency in ancient Israel, typically around 11-14 grams of silver.
  • Significance: This is a notable detail when compared to the Mosaic law. Exodus 30:13 prescribes a "half-shekel" (machatzit ha-shekel) as a ransom tax for every male over twenty, specifically for the service of the Tabernacle. The "one-third shekel" in Nehemiah is distinct. Scholars propose several reasons for this variation:
    1. Economic hardship: The community returning from exile was likely impoverished, making a full half-shekel a burden. This amount may have been a more manageable sum for regular contributions.
    2. Different purpose: This might not be the same census tax as in Exodus. It could be a specific, voluntary annual contribution dedicated solely to ongoing temple maintenance, materials (like wood for the altar, explicitly mentioned in Neh 10:34), or continuous services not covered by the original half-shekel (which may have been levied as a one-time "atonement money" or a less frequent tax).
    3. Practical adaptation: It represents a practical adaptation to their post-exilic circumstances, ensuring that funds were consistently available for essential temple functions. It highlights a focus on sustained practicality over rigid numerical adherence when circumstances change, while still upholding the principle of supporting God's house.
• for the service (לַעֲבֹדַת)
  • Transliteration: la'avodat
  • Meaning: "for the work of," "for the service of," "for the worship of."
  • Significance: This clearly states the purpose of the financial contribution. 'Avodah implies both the physical maintenance and functioning of the temple structure (e.g., repairs, cleaning, purchasing materials) and the performance of sacred rituals and worship by the priests and Levites. The money was essential for facilitating proper worship.
• of the house of our God (בֵּית אֱלֹהֵינוּ)
  • Transliteration: beit Eloheinu
  • Meaning: "house of our God." Refers specifically to the Second Temple in Jerusalem, which had been rebuilt.
  • Significance: This phrase underscores the centrality of the Temple as the designated place of God's presence, worship, and national identity for Israel. It directly connects the financial commitment to their devotion to God and the sacred space where He met with His people.

• Words-Group Analysis:
  • "We also pledge ourselves... to obligate ourselves yearly": This emphasizes corporate accountability and systematic continuity. It reflects a solemn, self-imposed oath, a collective decision demonstrating serious intent. The repetition of "ourselves" underscores their active, deliberate engagement in making this a lasting commitment for the entire community. It highlights the deeply personal and communal ownership of the covenant's stipulations.
  • "one third of a shekel for the service of the house of our God": This phrase links the specific financial commitment to its divine purpose. The carefully chosen amount (a "third shekel"), reflecting either economic reality or a distinct fund, highlights a practical means to achieve the sacred end of supporting true worship. It means their financial resources were consecrated to ensure the physical and spiritual functions of the Temple, symbolizing their renewed covenant relationship with God as a priority in their national life.

Nehemiah 10 32 Bonus section

• Integral Part of the Covenant: This financial pledge is not isolated but part of a larger set of solemn promises listed in Nehemiah 10:29-39. These included commitments regarding observing the Sabbath, avoiding foreign marriages, bringing firstfruits, and dedicating tithes. The financial contribution for the Temple was essential because it facilitated the practical fulfillment of these other covenant requirements, such as offering sacrifices and providing for the priests and Levites who maintained the Temple services.
• Theology of Sustaining Ministry: The verse powerfully illustrates the principle of communal responsibility for supporting sacred institutions and those who minister within them. This ancient commitment laid groundwork for later practices within Judaism and finds echoes in New Testament teachings about the financial support for those who preach the Gospel and for the church's operations. It affirms that God's work on earth requires the material contributions of His people.
• Willingness and Self-Imposition: Although presented as an "obligation," the context reveals it was a self-imposed one, sworn "by a curse and by an oath" (Neh 10:29). This highlights the people's willingness and their desire for personal and communal accountability. It wasn't merely a tax but a covenantal vow.
• Historical Adaptations of Law: The adjustment of the temple offering amount (from a half-shekel to a third) showcases the practical wisdom and divine allowance for adaptations in carrying out God's commands according to the economic and social realities of the time. It underscores that God values faithful participation according to means and spirit, not merely rigid adherence to numbers that may no longer be feasible.

Nehemiah 10 32 Commentary

Nehemiah 10:32 encapsulates the pragmatic resolve of the returned exiles to uphold their covenant with God through consistent action. The people, having deeply renewed their commitment to the Law, voluntarily bound themselves to an annual payment of one-third of a shekel. This commitment, while differing in amount from the traditional half-shekel temple tax prescribed in Exodus, reveals their adaptability and earnest desire to financially sustain the Temple’s operation despite their limited resources. This "third shekel" was essential for covering the day-to-day needs, sacred rites, and maintenance of "the house of our God." It underscores that genuine spiritual revival requires tangible, long-term support for the means of grace and worship. It signifies a transition from ritualistic observance to heartfelt, practical stewardship, ensuring the sanctity and continuity of their collective devotion.