Bible Commentaries
Nehemiah 10

Verses 1-39

Following their humiliation, the people entered into a new covenant with God. This covenant was sealed representatively by the priests (3-8), Levites (9-13), rulers (14-27). To its terms all the people agreed (28).

These terms were then set forth in general phrases, and in particular application. Generally the people promised "to walk in God's law . . . to observe and do a11 the commandments." Particularly the covenant referred to matters in which undoubtedly the people had been in danger of failure, namely, intermarriage with the heathen, neglect of the Sabbath, of Temple maintenance and arrangement, and offering of first fruits and tithes. In the light of the Law, as it was expounded on the day of convocation, and in the power of the approach to God on the day of humiliation, the people entered into covenant on the day of dedication.