Nehemiah 10:28 Kommentar

We have in this chapter a particular account of the covenant which in the close of the foregoing chapter was resolved upon; they struck while the iron was not, and immediately put that good resolve in execution, when they were in a good frame, lest, if it should be delayed, it might be dropped. Here we have, I. The names of those that set their hands and seals to it (v. 1-27). II. An account of those who signified their consent and concurrence (Neh 10:28, Neh 10:29). III. The covenant itself, and the articles of it in general, that they would "keep God's commandments" (Neh 10:29); in particular, that they would not marry with the heathen (Neh 10:30), nor profane the sabbath, nor be rigorous with their debtors (Neh 10:31), and that they would carefully pay their church-dues, for the maintenance of the temple service, which they promise faithfully to adhere to (Neh 10:32-39).

INTRODUCTION TO NEHEMIAH 10 In this chapter we have the names of the persons that signed and sealed the covenant mentioned in the last chapter, Neh 10:1, and the things they agreed unto and promised to perform; in general to observe the law of God, in particular not to marry with the people of the land, to keep the sabbaths weekly and yearly, to pay annually the third part of the shekel for the service of the temple, to bring into it the wood offerings, first fruits, firstborn, and tithes, Neh 10:28.

And the rest of the people,.... That did not sign and seal: the priests, the Levites, the porters, the singers, the Nethinims; the porters and singers were Levites; but those so called were such as waited upon the priests, as the Nethinims were persons that waited on them: and all they that had separated themselves from the people of the lands unto the law of God; proselytes, who had renounced Heathenism, and embraced the true religion, had received the law of God, and professed to walk according to it: their wives, their sons, and their daughters, everyone having knowledge, and having understanding; of the nature of the covenant, and the things contained in it, of what was required of them, and of what they promised, of the nature of an oath they entered into, and of the sin of perjury.

The names of those who sealed the covenant, vv. 1-27. All solemnly promise not to have affinity with the people of the land, Neh 10:28-30; to observe the Sabbaths, Neh 10:31; to provide for the sanctuary according to the law, Neh 10:32-36; and to pay the regular tithes for the support of the priests, Levites, and other officers of the temple, Neh 10:37-39.

And the rest of the people - All had, in one or other of the classes which sealed, their representatives; and by their sealing they considered themselves bound.

THE NAMES OF THOSE WHO SEALED THE COVENANT. (Neh. 10:1-27) Nehemiah, the Tirshatha--His name was placed first in the roll on account of his high official rank, as deputy of the Persian monarch. All classes were included in the subscription; but the people were represented by their elders (Neh 10:14), as it would have been impossible for every one in the country to have been admitted to the sealing. Those who were not present at the sealing ratified the covenant by giving their assent, either in words or by lifting up their hands, and bound themselves, by a solemn oath, to walk in God's law, imprecating a curse upon themselves in the event of their violating it.