เนหะมีย์ 10:39 วิจารณ์

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.

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.

We will not forsake the house of our God - Here was a glorious resolution; and had they been faithful to it, they had been a great and good people to the present day. But what is implied in, We will not forsake the house of our God? I answer: - I. The Church of God is the house of God; there he has his constant dwelling-place. II. True believers are his family in this house; and this family consists of, 1. Fathers and mothers; 2. Young persons; 3. Little children; And 4. Servants. III. The ministers of the word of God are the officers and overseers of this house and family. IV. The worship of God is the grand employment of this family. V. The ordinances of God are the food of the members of this family; or the means of their spiritual support. VI. Those who do not forsake the house of their God are those, 1. Who continue in the faith; 2. Who grow in grace; 3. Who labor in the vineyard; 4. Who bring forth fruit; 5. Who conscientiously attend all the ordinances; and 6. Who take care that the offerings of the house of God shall be duly made, providing for those who labor in the word and doctrine. Reader, 1. Art thou of this house? 2. Art thou in this house? 3. To what part of the family dost thou belong? 4. Art thou still an infant in this house? 5. Dost thou attend the ordinances of this house? 6. Hast thou forsaken this house? These questions are of great importance; answer them as in the sight of God.

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.

and we will not forsake the house of our God--This solemn pledge was repeated at the close of the covenant as an expression of the intense zeal by which the people at this time were animated for the glory and the worship of God. Under the pungent feelings of sorrow and repentance for their national sins, of which apostasy from the service of the true God was the chief, and under the yet fresh and painful remembrance of their protracted captivity, they vowed, and (feeling the impulse of ardent devotion as well as of gratitude for their restoration) flattered themselves they would never forget their vow, to be the Lord's. Next: Nehemiah Chapter 11