Nehemiah 10:34
We have cast lots among the priests, Levites, and people for the donation of wood by our families at the appointed times each year. They are to bring it to the house of our God to burn on the altar of the LORD our God, as it is written in the Law.
We have cast lots among the priests, Levites, and people
Casting lots was a common biblical practice used to make decisions or determine God's will (Proverbs 16:33). In this context, it was a method to ensure fairness and divine guidance in assigning responsibilities. The involvement of priests, Levites, and people highlights the communal nature of the task, emphasizing unity and shared responsibility in worship practices. This practice can be seen in other parts of Scripture, such as the division of the land among the tribes of Israel (Joshua 18:10).

for the donation of wood by our families
The donation of wood was essential for maintaining the altar's fire, as prescribed in Levitical law (Leviticus 6:12-13). Each family’s contribution ensured a continuous supply, reflecting the communal effort in sustaining worship. This practice underscores the importance of each family’s role in supporting temple services, symbolizing the collective dedication to God’s commandments.

at the appointed times each year
The phrase indicates a structured and recurring obligation, suggesting a well-organized system for temple maintenance. This regularity ensured that the temple's needs were met consistently, reflecting the Israelites' commitment to their covenant with God. The concept of appointed times is also seen in the observance of feasts and Sabbaths (Leviticus 23), which were integral to Israelite worship.

They are to bring it to the house of our God
The "house of our God" refers to the temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship for the Israelites. Bringing offerings to the temple was a significant act of devotion and obedience. The temple served as the dwelling place of God's presence among His people, making it a focal point for religious life and community identity.

to burn on the altar of the LORD our God
The altar was a sacred place where sacrifices and offerings were made to God. Burning wood on the altar was necessary for the burnt offerings, which symbolized atonement and dedication to God (Leviticus 1:9). This act of burning offerings was a tangible expression of worship and reverence, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the sacrificial system (Hebrews 10:10).

as it is written in the Law
This phrase underscores the importance of adhering to the Mosaic Law, which governed religious and social life in Israel. The Law provided detailed instructions for worship and offerings, ensuring that the Israelites maintained a proper relationship with God. This adherence to the Law reflects a commitment to God's covenant and foreshadows the fulfillment of the Law through Christ (Matthew 5:17).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nehemiah
A Jewish leader who played a crucial role in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls and reforming the community after the Babylonian exile.

2. Priests and Levites
Religious leaders responsible for temple duties, including sacrifices and maintaining the spiritual life of Israel.

3. The People
The broader community of Israelites who participated in the covenant renewal and temple service.

4. The House of God
Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship and sacrifice for the Israelites.

5. Casting Lots
A method used to make decisions or distribute responsibilities, believed to reflect God's will.
Teaching Points
Commitment to Worship
The Israelites' dedication to providing wood for the altar demonstrates their commitment to maintaining worship practices. We should prioritize our resources and time to support our places of worship.

Community Responsibility
The shared responsibility among priests, Levites, and the people illustrates the importance of community involvement in spiritual practices. Each member of the church has a role in supporting and sustaining its mission.

Obedience to God's Law
The reference to the Law underscores the importance of aligning our actions with God's commandments. We should strive to understand and follow biblical teachings in our daily lives.

Divine Guidance in Decision-Making
The use of casting lots reflects trust in God's sovereignty over decisions. We should seek God's guidance in our choices, trusting that He directs our paths.

Regular Spiritual Practices
The appointed times for bringing wood highlight the need for regularity in our spiritual disciplines. Establishing consistent habits of prayer, study, and worship strengthens our faith.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the practice of casting lots in Nehemiah 10:34 reflect the Israelites' trust in God's guidance, and how can we apply this trust in our decision-making today?

2. In what ways can we, as a church community, share responsibilities to support our place of worship, similar to the Israelites' commitment to providing wood for the altar?

3. How does the requirement for a continual fire on the altar in Leviticus 6:12-13 relate to our need for ongoing spiritual practices?

4. What are some practical ways we can ensure our actions align with God's commandments, as demonstrated by the Israelites' obedience to the Law?

5. How can we establish and maintain regular spiritual disciplines in our lives, and what benefits might we experience from doing so?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 6:12-13
This passage outlines the requirement for a continual fire on the altar, which connects to the need for a regular supply of wood as mentioned in Nehemiah 10:34.

Exodus 30:7-8
Describes the daily offerings and the maintenance of the altar, emphasizing the importance of regular worship practices.

Proverbs 16:33
Discusses the casting of lots, highlighting the belief that decisions made this way are guided by God.
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
Voluntary TaxationHomiletical CommentaryNehemiah 10:32-39
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
Altar, Annually, Appointed, Bring, Burn, Burned, Cast, Caused, Contribution, Decision, Determine, Fall, Families, Fathers, Fixed, Households, Houses, Law, Levites, Likewise, Lots, Offering, Priests, Recorded, Regular, Selection, Supply, Wood, Wood-offering, Written
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nehemiah 10:34

     4552   wood
     4912   chance
     7392   lots, casting of

Nehemiah 10:34-38

     7382   house of God

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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