Nehemiah 10:28
"The rest of the people--the priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, temple servants, and all who had separated themselves from the people of the land to obey the Law of God--along with their wives and all their sons and daughters who are able to understand,
The rest of the people
This phrase refers to the general population of Israel who were not specifically named in the preceding verses. It highlights the inclusivity of the covenant renewal, emphasizing that it was not just the leaders but the entire community who were involved. This collective commitment reflects the communal nature of Israel's identity and covenant relationship with God, as seen in Deuteronomy 29:10-15.

the priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, temple servants
These groups represent the various roles within the religious and temple service. The priests and Levites were responsible for the sacrifices and teaching the Law (Leviticus 10:11). Gatekeepers and singers played crucial roles in the temple's daily operations and worship (1 Chronicles 9:17-33). The temple servants, or Nethinim, were likely descendants of the Gibeonites who served in the temple (Joshua 9:27). Their inclusion underscores the importance of every role in maintaining the worship and spiritual life of Israel.

and all who had separated themselves from the people of the land
This separation signifies a return to holiness and distinctiveness as God's chosen people, in line with the commands in Leviticus 20:26. It reflects a conscious decision to avoid the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations, as seen in Ezra 6:21. This separation is a recurring theme in Israel's history, emphasizing purity and dedication to God.

to obey the Law of God
Obedience to the Law was central to the covenant relationship between God and Israel. This commitment to the Law is a renewal of the covenant given at Sinai (Exodus 24:3-8) and reflects the teachings of Deuteronomy 6:1-9. It underscores the importance of the Law as a guide for living in a way that pleases God and maintains the community's distinctiveness.

along with their wives and all their sons and daughters who are able to understand
This inclusion of families highlights the importance of teaching and passing down the faith to the next generation, as instructed in Deuteronomy 6:7. It emphasizes the role of the family in spiritual education and the communal aspect of faith. The phrase "able to understand" suggests a level of maturity and comprehension necessary for participating in the covenant, similar to the age of accountability concept found in Jewish tradition.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The People
This refers to the general assembly of Israelites who were not specifically priests or Levites but were part of the covenant community.

2. Priests and Levites
These were the religious leaders responsible for temple worship and maintaining the spiritual life of Israel.

3. Gatekeepers and Singers
Individuals assigned specific roles in the temple, ensuring its security and facilitating worship through music.

4. Temple Servants
Also known as the Nethinim, these were individuals dedicated to assisting the Levites in temple duties.

5. Separation from the Peoples of the Land
This signifies a commitment to holiness and adherence to God's Law, distinguishing the Israelites from surrounding nations.
Teaching Points
Commitment to Holiness
The act of separating from the peoples of the land underscores a commitment to living a life set apart for God. Believers today are called to live distinctively, reflecting God's holiness in their daily lives.

Understanding and Obedience
The inclusion of those "who are able to understand" highlights the importance of teaching and understanding God's Word. It is crucial for believers to seek understanding and apply God's principles in their lives.

Community and Accountability
The collective commitment of the community to adhere to God's Law demonstrates the importance of accountability within the body of Christ. Believers should encourage and support one another in their spiritual journeys.

Role of Families in Spiritual Growth
The mention of wives, sons, and daughters indicates the role of families in spiritual education and growth. Families should prioritize teaching and living out biblical truths together.

Worship and Service
The roles of gatekeepers, singers, and temple servants remind us of the diverse ways we can serve and worship God. Every believer has a unique role in the body of Christ, contributing to the community's spiritual health.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does it mean to "separate" from the peoples of the land in today's context, and how can we apply this principle in our lives?

2. How can we ensure that we, along with our families, are growing in understanding and obedience to God's Word?

3. In what ways can we hold each other accountable within our church community to live according to God's standards?

4. How can we identify and fulfill our unique roles in serving God and His church, similar to the gatekeepers, singers, and temple servants?

5. How does the principle of separation in Nehemiah 10:28 relate to the New Testament teachings on holiness and being set apart for God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 6:21
This verse also speaks of the separation of the Israelites from the peoples of the land, emphasizing purity and dedication to God.

2 Corinthians 6:17
Paul echoes the call for believers to be separate from the world, highlighting the continuity of this principle in the New Testament.

Deuteronomy 31:12-13
The command for all, including children, to hear and learn the Law of God, reinforcing the importance of understanding and adherence.
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
A Genuine RevivalT. Campbell Finlayson.Nehemiah 10:28-30
Marriage and PurityCanon Scott-Holland.Nehemiah 10:28-30
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
Able, Daughters, Doorkeepers, Door-keepers, Gatekeepers, Intelligent, Lands, Law, Levites, Music-makers, Neighboring, Nethinim, Nethinims, Peoples, Porters, Priests, Rest, Sake, Separate, Separated, Servants, Singers, Sons, Temple, Themselves, Understand, Understanding, Wisdom, Wives
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nehemiah 10:28

     8341   separation
     8355   understanding
     8452   neighbours, duty to

Nehemiah 10:28-29

     1346   covenants, nature of
     5324   gatekeepers
     5468   promises, human
     8145   renewal, people of God
     8223   dedication

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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