Nehemiah 10 4

Nehemiah 10:4 kjv

Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluch,

Nehemiah 10:4 nkjv

Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluch,

Nehemiah 10:4 niv

Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluk,

Nehemiah 10:4 esv

Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluch,

Nehemiah 10:4 nlt

Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluch,

Nehemiah 10 verses

Nehemiah 10 4 Meaning

Nehemiah 10:4 presents three names – Hattush, Shebaniah, and Malluch – as individuals who formally affixed their signatures or seals to the solemn covenant with God. This act was part of a larger community-wide recommitment to the Mosaic Law after the return from Babylonian exile. These names represent a segment of the leaders and influential men who affirmed their personal and communal dedication to God's ordinances, thereby underscoring the broad and collective resolve of the restored Jewish community to walk in obedience before the Lord. Their inclusion signifies the comprehensive nature of the agreement, encompassing individuals from various sectors of the returning populace.

Nehemiah 10 4 Context

Nehemiah chapter 10 records the sealing of the solemn covenant that the repatriated Jewish community made with God. This event immediately follows the public reading of the Law (Torah) by Ezra in chapter 8, which led to national confession, repentance, and renewal of joy in chapter 9. The individuals listed in Nehemiah 10, beginning with Nehemiah himself and moving through priests, Levites, and heads of the people, were participants in this collective commitment. The inclusion of specific names, as seen in verse 4, highlights the broad support for this renewed dedication across the various echelons of society. The context is one of a community striving to re-establish its national and spiritual identity on the foundational principles of the Torah after decades of exile. Their signed pledge outlines specific areas of obedience: no intermarriage with foreign peoples, faithful Sabbath observance, and dedicated support for the temple and its services.

Nehemiah 10 4 Word analysis

• Hattush (חַטּוּשׁ - Khaṭṭûš): A proper name, likely indicating a leader or significant individual within the community. While some possible Hebrew roots suggest "to snatch" or "to tear off," its precise theological significance is secondary to its function here. Its inclusion primarily serves to register another specific person among those affirming the covenant, symbolizing individual participation in the communal pledge.

• Shebaniah (שְׁבַנְיָה - Šeḇanyâ): A proper name meaning "Yah has turned," "Yah has caused to grow," or "Yah has brought back." The name itself carries a significant message of God's direct involvement in their restoration. For a community recently returned from exile, a name signifying divine turning or restoration would resonate deeply, suggesting God’s grace in their renewed relationship. This individual's public commitment reinforces the communal recognition of God's favor.

• Malluch (מַלּוּךְ - Mallûḵ): Another proper name, meaning "reigning" or "counselor," and potentially connected to a root implying kingship. As a proper name, it signifies another leader or representative. Its meaning could implicitly speak to God's rightful reign over His people or the establishment of divine order within the community as they re-aligned themselves with His laws.

• "Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluch": This grouping of proper names underscores the fact that the covenant was sealed not merely by a handful of prominent figures, but by a significant number of individuals who represented various families, lineages, or groups within the returning community. The meticulous listing of names transforms a general communal agreement into a verifiable and accountable act. Each name represents a concrete personal affirmation of the commitment to God’s covenant, demonstrating broad consensus and corporate responsibility. This collective action fortified their communal identity and resolved to follow God's commands.

Nehemiah 10 4 Bonus section

The practice of formally listing individuals who participated in significant religious or communal acts is a recurring biblical motif. It serves multiple purposes: historical documentation for future generations, validating the breadth of participation, ensuring accountability, and recognizing the specific individuals whose lives embody the community's commitment. In Nehemiah's time, these lists were vital for reconstructing societal order and establishing legitimacy. Furthermore, the meticulous documentation in this chapter of those who "sealed" the covenant, right down to these particular names, highlights the voluntary and deliberate nature of their commitment to the Lord. It signifies a profound shift from a scattered, exiled people to an organized, consecrated community eager to embody its covenantal identity.

Nehemiah 10 4 Commentary

Nehemiah 10:4, seemingly just a list of names, is deeply significant within the context of Israel's post-exilic renewal. These names – Hattush, Shebaniah, and Malluch – represent individuals who, by placing their seal on the covenant, solidified the collective vow to God. Their individual act of signing was a public declaration of agreement to abide by God's Law, impacting areas like Sabbath observance, proper worship, and economic practices. This wasn't merely a political agreement, but a sacred promise reflecting a heartfelt desire for spiritual restoration and purity within the newly rebuilt Jerusalem community. The inclusion of these names verifies the authenticity and wide acceptance of the covenant, confirming that the commitment permeated various levels of the Jewish populace, not just the very top leadership. It demonstrates ownership and accountability for the covenant promises at a personal level.