Nehemiah 10:20
Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir,
Magpiash
Magpiash is one of the signatories of the covenant in Nehemiah 10, where the people of Israel recommit themselves to following God's law. The name Magpiash is not widely mentioned elsewhere in the Bible, suggesting he may have been a lesser-known figure or a representative of a family or clan. This reflects the communal nature of the covenant, emphasizing that all levels of society were involved in this renewal of faith. The inclusion of such names highlights the importance of every individual in the community's spiritual life.

Meshullam
Meshullam is a more frequently mentioned name in the Bible, appearing in various contexts, often associated with the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem. In Nehemiah, several individuals named Meshullam are noted for their contributions to the reconstruction of the city walls. This name means "friend" or "ally," which is fitting given the cooperative efforts required for the restoration work. Meshullam's presence in the covenant list underscores the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving communal goals, reflecting the broader biblical theme of working together for God's purposes.

Hezir
Hezir is another signatory of the covenant, and the name is also associated with one of the priestly divisions established by King David (1 Chronicles 24:15). This connection to the priestly line suggests a heritage of spiritual leadership and responsibility. The inclusion of Hezir in the covenant signifies the involvement of religious leaders in guiding the people back to faithfulness. It also highlights the continuity of God's promises and the enduring role of the priesthood in maintaining the spiritual health of the nation.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Magpiash
A signatory of the covenant in Nehemiah 10, representing a family or clan committed to following God's law.

2. Meshullam
Another signatory, possibly a leader or head of a family, who pledged to uphold the covenant.

3. Hezir
Also a signatory, likely a priestly or Levitical figure, indicating the involvement of religious leaders in the covenant renewal.
Teaching Points
Commitment to God's Covenant
The act of signing the covenant signifies a deep commitment to live according to God's laws. As believers, we are called to renew our commitment to God regularly.

Community Involvement
The inclusion of various leaders and families in the covenant renewal highlights the importance of community in spiritual growth and accountability.

Role of Leadership
The presence of leaders like Hezir underscores the responsibility of spiritual leaders to guide and uphold the community's commitment to God.

Historical Continuity
The covenant renewal in Nehemiah is part of a long tradition of recommitment to God, reminding us of the importance of historical faithfulness and continuity in our spiritual lives.

Personal Reflection
Just as the Israelites reflected on their past and recommitted to God, we should regularly examine our lives and renew our dedication to following Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the act of signing the covenant in Nehemiah 10 teach us about the importance of public commitment to God in our own lives?

2. How can we, as a community, support each other in maintaining our commitments to God's teachings?

3. In what ways can spiritual leaders today emulate the example of leaders like Hezir in guiding their communities?

4. How does the theme of covenant renewal in Nehemiah 10 relate to the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to renew your commitment to God. What steps did you take, and how did it impact your spiritual journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Nehemiah 9
The preceding chapter provides context for the covenant renewal, where the Israelites confess their sins and recommit to God's law.

Exodus 24
The covenant renewal in Nehemiah echoes the covenant made at Sinai, where the people of Israel agreed to follow God's commandments.

Deuteronomy 29
This chapter discusses the renewal of the covenant in Moab, highlighting the importance of recommitment to God's laws.

Ezra 10
Similar themes of repentance and covenant renewal are found here, showing the continuity of these themes in post-exilic Israel.
Entering into CovenantW. Clarkson Nehemiah 10:1-37
A National CovenantThe ThinkerNehemiah 10:1-39
Covenant ComfortThe ThinkerNehemiah 10:1-39
Covenanting with GodW. Ritchie.Nehemiah 10:1-39
Solemn Engagement to Maintain the House of GodR.A. Redford Nehemiah 10:1-39
People
Aaron, Abijah, Adin, Adonijah, Ahiah, Ahijah, Amariah, Anaiah, Anan, Anathoth, Ater, Azaniah, Azariah, Azgad, Azzur, Baanah, Bani, Baruch, Bebai, Beninu, Bezai, Bigvai, Bilgai, Binnui, Bunni, Daniel, Elam, Ginnethon, Hachaliah, Hallohesh, Hanan, Hananiah, Harim, Hariph, Hashabiah, Hashabnah, Hashub, Hashum, Hasshub, Hattush, Henadad, Hezekiah, Hezir, Hizkijah, Hodiah, Hodijah, Hoshea, Jaddua, Jeremiah, Jeshua, Kadmiel, Kelita, Levi, Levites, Maaseiah, Maaziah, Magpiash, Malchijah, Malluch, Meremoth, Meshezabeel, Meshullam, Micha, Mijamin, Nebai, Nehemiah, Obadiah, Pahathmoab, Parosh, Pashur, Pelaiah, Pelatiah, Pileha, Rehob, Rehum, Seraiah, Shebaniah, Shemaiah, Sherebiah, Shobek, Zaccur, Zadok, Zatthu, Zattu, Zedekiah, Zidkijah
Places
Gate of Ephraim
Topics
Hezir, Magpiash, Mag'piash, Meshullam, Meshul'lam
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nehemiah 10:1

     5327   governors

Library
The "Fraternity" of Pharisees
To realise the state of religious society at the time of our Lord, the fact that the Pharisees were a regular "order," and that there were many such "fraternities," in great measure the outcome of the original Pharisees, must always be kept in view. For the New Testament simply transports us among contemporary scenes and actors, taking the then existent state of things, so to speak, for granted. But the fact referred to explains many seemingly strange circumstances, and casts fresh light upon all.
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

The Formation of the Old Testament Canon
[Sidenote: Israel's literature at the beginning of the fourth century before Christ] Could we have studied the scriptures of the Israelitish race about 400 B.C., we should have classified them under four great divisions: (1) The prophetic writings, represented by the combined early Judean, Ephraimite, and late prophetic or Deuteronomic narratives, and their continuation in Samuel and Kings, together with the earlier and exilic prophecies; (2) the legal, represented by the majority of the Old Testament
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories
[Sidenote: Influences in the exile that produced written ceremonial laws] The Babylonian exile gave a great opportunity and incentive to the further development of written law. While the temple stood, the ceremonial rites and customs received constant illustration, and were transmitted directly from father to son in the priestly families. Hence, there was little need of writing them down. But when most of the priests were carried captive to Babylonia, as in 597 B.C., and ten years later the temple
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

The Second Commandment
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am o jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of then that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.' Exod 20: 4-6. I. Thou shalt not
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Ezra-Nehemiah
Some of the most complicated problems in Hebrew history as well as in the literary criticism of the Old Testament gather about the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Apart from these books, all that we know of the origin and early history of Judaism is inferential. They are our only historical sources for that period; and if in them we have, as we seem to have, authentic memoirs, fragmentary though they be, written by the two men who, more than any other, gave permanent shape and direction to Judaism, then
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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