Nehemiah 10:36
And we will bring the firstborn of our sons and our livestock, as it is written in the Law, and will bring the firstborn of our herds and flocks to the house of our God, to the priests who minister in the house of our God.
And we will bring the firstborn of our sons and our livestock
This phrase reflects the commitment of the Israelites to adhere to the Mosaic Law, which required the dedication of the firstborn to God. The firstborn sons were to be redeemed, as outlined in Exodus 13:2 and Numbers 18:15-16, symbolizing the sanctity and special status of the firstborn in Israelite culture. The firstborn of livestock were to be sacrificed or redeemed, as seen in Exodus 13:12-13. This practice underscored the principle of giving God the first and best of what one has, acknowledging His sovereignty and provision.

as it is written in the Law
This phrase emphasizes the Israelites' return to the covenantal laws given to Moses, particularly those found in the Pentateuch. It highlights their desire to align their lives with the divine instructions recorded in the Torah. This commitment to the Law was a significant aspect of the post-exilic community's identity, as they sought to restore their relationship with God after the Babylonian exile. The phrase also underscores the authority of Scripture as the guiding standard for faith and practice.

and will bring the firstborn of our herds and flocks to the house of our God
The act of bringing the firstborn of herds and flocks to the temple signifies the dedication of material wealth and resources to God. This practice was a tangible expression of faith and gratitude, acknowledging God's provision and blessing. The "house of our God" refers to the temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship and sacrifice for the Israelites. This act of bringing offerings to the temple was integral to maintaining the sacrificial system and the communal worship life of Israel.

to the priests who minister in the house of our God
The priests played a crucial role in the religious life of Israel, serving as mediators between God and the people. They were responsible for performing sacrifices, maintaining the temple, and teaching the Law. By bringing offerings to the priests, the Israelites supported the Levitical priesthood, ensuring the continuation of temple worship and the proper administration of religious duties. This phrase highlights the importance of the priestly ministry in facilitating the people's relationship with God and maintaining the covenant community.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nehemiah
A Jewish leader who played a crucial role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and the spiritual renewal of the people. He was instrumental in leading the people to recommit to God's laws.

2. The Israelites
The people of God who are renewing their covenant with Him, committing to follow His laws, including the offering of firstborns.

3. The Priests
The religious leaders responsible for ministering in the house of God and receiving the offerings brought by the people.

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

5. The Law
The Torah, specifically the Mosaic Law, which includes commandments about offerings and dedications to God.
Teaching Points
Commitment to God's Law
The Israelites' pledge to bring their firstborns reflects a deep commitment to obeying God's commandments. This teaches us the importance of aligning our lives with God's Word.

The Principle of Firstfruits
Offering the firstborn signifies giving God the first and best of what we have. In our lives, this can translate to prioritizing God in our time, resources, and talents.

Spiritual Renewal
Just as the Israelites renewed their covenant, we are called to regularly renew our commitment to God, ensuring our lives reflect His will.

Role of Spiritual Leaders
The priests' role in receiving offerings underscores the importance of spiritual leadership in guiding and maintaining the community's faithfulness to God.

Community Worship and Responsibility
The collective action of bringing offerings to the temple highlights the communal aspect of worship and the shared responsibility in upholding God's commands.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the practice of offering the firstborn in Nehemiah 10:36 reflect the Israelites' relationship with God, and how can we apply this principle in our lives today?

2. In what ways does the concept of "firstfruits" challenge us to prioritize God in our daily lives?

3. How can we, as a community of believers, support and encourage each other in renewing our commitment to God's Word?

4. What role do spiritual leaders play in helping us maintain our faithfulness to God's commands, and how can we support them in this task?

5. How does the practice of bringing offerings to the house of God in Nehemiah 10:36 connect with the New Testament teachings on giving and generosity?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 13:2
This verse establishes the principle of consecrating the firstborn to God, which is reiterated in Nehemiah 10:36.

Numbers 18:15-17
Provides details on the redemption of the firstborn, highlighting the importance of this practice in Israelite worship.

Deuteronomy 15:19
Discusses the dedication of the firstborn of herds and flocks, emphasizing the continuity of this commandment.
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
Bring, Cattle, Firstborn, First-born, Firstlings, Flocks, Herds, Lambs, Law, Livestock, Minister, Ministering, Priests, Recorded, Servants, Sons, Written
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nehemiah 10:36

     5688   firstborn

Nehemiah 10:34-38

     7382   house of God

Nehemiah 10:35-36

     8402   claims

Nehemiah 10:35-37

     4430   crops
     5865   gestures

Nehemiah 10:35-39

     4442   firstfruits
     8488   tithing

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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