Nehemiah 10 39

Nehemiah 10:39 kjv

For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil, unto the chambers, where are the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the porters, and the singers: and we will not forsake the house of our God.

Nehemiah 10:39 nkjv

For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the grain, of the new wine and the oil, to the storerooms where the articles of the sanctuary are, where the priests who minister and the gatekeepers and the singers are; and we will not neglect the house of our God.

Nehemiah 10:39 niv

The people of Israel, including the Levites, are to bring their contributions of grain, new wine and olive oil to the storerooms, where the articles for the sanctuary and for the ministering priests, the gatekeepers and the musicians are also kept. "We will not neglect the house of our God."

Nehemiah 10:39 esv

For the people of Israel and the sons of Levi shall bring the contribution of grain, wine, and oil to the chambers, where the vessels of the sanctuary are, as well as the priests who minister, and the gatekeepers and the singers. We will not neglect the house of our God."

Nehemiah 10:39 nlt

The people and the Levites must bring these offerings of grain, new wine, and olive oil to the storerooms and place them in the sacred containers near the ministering priests, the gatekeepers, and the singers. "We promise together not to neglect the Temple of our God."

Nehemiah 10 verses

Nehemiah 10 39 Meaning

Nehemiah 10:39 concludes the Israelite leaders' sworn covenant to sustain the operations of the Lord's House. It explicitly states their commitment: both the people of Israel and the Levites will faithfully bring the ordained contributions of grain, new wine, and fresh oil to the designated temple storerooms. These offerings are essential for the upkeep of the sacred vessels, but more crucially, they are the provision for the priests, gatekeepers, and singers who minister there. The verse culminates in a powerful declaration that underscores their renewed devotion, affirming they will not neglect the house of their God. This commitment was a response to past failures and a vital step in their spiritual restoration.

Nehemiah 10 39 Context

Nehemiah chapter 10 records the binding agreement or covenant sworn by the Jewish community in Jerusalem to obey God's law. Following the reading of the Law in chapter 8 and the great confession in chapter 9, the people, led by their princes, Levites, and priests, formalize their commitment. Verses 32-39 specifically detail the practical aspects of this renewed covenant related to the maintenance of the Temple and the support of its ministers. This includes provisions for a yearly temple tax (v. 32), the perpetual supply of wood for burnt offerings (v. 34), bringing firstfruits of the land and all fruit trees (v. 35), the firstborn of sons and livestock (v. 36), and crucially, the bringing of the best of their produce and tithes to the Levites and priests. Nehemiah 10:39 acts as the summation and culminating vow of these financial and material commitments, emphasizing the sacred responsibility to ensure the continuous and proper functioning of God's house by providing for those who serve within it. Historically, the period after the exile was marked by struggles to re-establish proper worship and overcome past neglects, such as withholding tithes and offerings (seen also in Malachi). This verse highlights the community's intent to avoid such failures and maintain a vibrant spiritual life through obedience to divine commands for sustaining the temple and its personnel.

Nehemiah 10 39 Word analysis

• For the sons of Israel and the sons of Levi:
  • Signifies the full covenant community. "Sons of Israel" represents the lay people, the contributors from the tribes, while "sons of Levi" represents the Levitical class, who also had an obligation to bring their tithe of the tithes to the priests. This shows collective responsibility.
• shall bring the contribution:
  • "bring": Emphasizes an active, intentional, and mandatory act of carrying or delivering. It's not passive.
  • "contribution" (תְּרוּמָה terumah): This specific Hebrew term refers to a "heave offering" or a "raised offering." It often implies a portion that is set apart and lifted up from a larger whole as holy to the Lord, specifically for the priests or for sacred use. It denotes something voluntarily given yet biblically mandated, separate from general tithes but closely associated with them as required sacred donations. It's distinguished from ma'aser (tithe) but often overlaps in category of religious giving.
• of the grain, wine, and oil:
  • "grain" (דָּגָן dagan), "wine" (תִּירוֹשׁ tirosh), "oil" (יִצְהָר yitzhar): These three represent the primary agricultural produce of the land of Israel – staples of its economy and diet. Tirosh specifically refers to new or fresh wine (grape juice before fermentation) and yitzhar to fresh olive oil, emphasizing firstfruits and the best of the current harvest. They are consistently grouped in the Pentateuch as items subject to tithes and offerings (Deut 12:17, 14:23, 18:4; Num 18:12).
• to the storerooms:
  • "storerooms" (לִשְׁכָּה lishkah): These were designated chambers or treasury rooms within the Temple complex, specifically designed for collecting and storing the tithes and offerings for the maintenance of the Temple and the sustenance of the priestly and Levitical families (e.g., Neh 13:12; 2 Chr 31:11-12). This points to an organized and centralized system for Temple support.
• where the vessels of the sanctuary are, along with the priests who minister, the gatekeepers, and the singers:
  • "vessels of the sanctuary": These holy instruments and utensils used in Temple service required regular care, maintenance, and potentially replacement, highlighting the material upkeep of the sacred space itself, which was vital for worship. Their presence also signified the holiness of the storeroom areas.
  • "priests who minister" (הַכֹּהֲנִים הַמְשָׁרְתִים hakohanim ham’shartim): Those consecrated to serve God directly in offering sacrifices and teaching the Law. Their daily sustenance was dependent on these contributions.
  • "the gatekeepers" (הַשֹּׁעֲרִים hashoarim): Levites responsible for guarding the Temple entrances, maintaining order, and handling some administrative duties related to offerings.
  • "the singers" (הַמְשֹׁרְרִים hamshorerim): Levites dedicated to leading musical worship and praise in the Temple.
  • This listing precisely identifies the groups of Temple personnel whose livelihood and ability to perform their duties depended entirely on the faithful giving of the people. This highlights the practical and direct impact of their commitment.
• We will not neglect the house of our God:
  • "not neglect" (לֹא נַעֲזֹב lo na'azov): This powerful negative declaration means "we will not forsake," "we will not abandon," or "we will not leave." It's an emphatic pledge of consistent care, attention, and commitment, explicitly rejecting the historical tendency of Israel to allow the Temple and its service to fall into disrepair or be unfunded. This verb (עזב azav) is often used to describe abandoning God, His law, or His house.
  • "the house of our God": Refers to the Temple in Jerusalem. This phrase is more than just a building; it embodies God's presence among His people, the center of their worship, spiritual identity, and national life. To neglect "the house of our God" is to neglect God Himself and His appointed means of fellowship and atonement.

Word-Group Analysis

• "For the sons of Israel and the sons of Levi shall bring": This phrase emphasizes universal participation in the responsibility to sustain the Temple, ensuring both the lay people and the Levites (who themselves tithed to the priests) actively contribute. This united effort reinforces communal dedication.
• "the contribution of the grain, wine, and oil": These terms specify the primary agricultural tithes and offerings that constituted the main material support for the Temple economy. They represent the produce of the land, affirming God's blessing on their labors and their acknowledgment of His proprietorship over all.
• "to the storerooms, where the vessels of the sanctuary are, along with the priests who minister, the gatekeepers, and the singers": This describes the practical destination and beneficiaries of the contributions. The storerooms symbolize order and accountability, while the explicit mention of both sacred objects and the various ranks of Temple workers underscores the dual purpose of the offerings: supporting sacred operations and sustaining the personnel required to perform them. It illustrates the complete ecosystem of Temple functionality dependent on these resources.
• "We will not neglect the house of our God": This is the core oath and the climax of the verse. It transforms the practical provisions into a deeply spiritual commitment. It signifies a collective vow against apathy, spiritual decay, and financial abandonment that had previously plagued the community's relationship with the Temple. It represents a promise of ongoing vigilance and dedicated service to the divine.

Nehemiah 10 39 Bonus section

The concept of not neglecting "the house of our God" extends beyond financial and material provision. It encompasses the entirety of proper worship, care, and reverence for God's presence and commands. In the broader biblical narrative, neglect of the Temple and its services often mirrored spiritual decline in the nation. This pledge by the post-exilic community in Nehemiah is a direct counter to the complaints found in earlier prophets like Malachi, who rebuked the people for robbing God by withholding tithes and offerings. The people understood that a thriving Temple and its dedicated ministers were vital for their spiritual health and continued access to God's covenant blessings. This collective promise to provide the "contribution" (terumah), implies a spirit of giving that goes beyond mere legal requirement; it reflects a willing heart. While the Temple structure itself is no longer central for New Testament believers, the principle of actively supporting the community of faith, its leaders, and its mission remains. Christians are encouraged to contribute cheerfully (2 Cor 9:7) and generously, recognizing that the "house of God" today is His church (1 Tim 3:15), the body of Christ.

Nehemiah 10 39 Commentary

Nehemiah 10:39 is a pivotal declaration of a renewed commitment to faithful worship, directly addressing past failures to properly sustain the Temple and its staff. This verse underscores the understanding that true devotion to God necessitates practical, tangible support for His appointed means of worship. The offerings of grain, wine, and oil, stemming from God's blessings upon their labor, were not mere duties but acts of honoring God with their substance. By explicitly naming the priests, gatekeepers, and singers, the verse highlights the direct impact of their generosity on the livelihood of those dedicated to full-time ministry. The powerful concluding affirmation, "We will not neglect the house of our God," is both a confession of historical neglect and a solemn oath for the future. It recognizes that maintaining the physical house of God—the Temple—was synonymous with maintaining their spiritual integrity and their covenant relationship with God. For the post-exilic community, this commitment was foundational for rebuilding not just walls but a spiritual identity centered on God's presence and Word. Practically, this calls believers to be intentional and consistent in supporting the ministries of God's house today, recognizing that such generosity directly contributes to the ongoing work of the Gospel and the care of those serving in full-time ministry. It exemplifies a holistic worship that involves both spirit and resource.