Nehemiah 10:37
Moreover, we will bring to the priests at the storerooms of the house of our God the firstfruits of our dough, of our grain offerings, of the fruit of all our trees, and of our new wine and oil. A tenth of our produce belongs to the Levites, so that they shall receive tithes in all the towns where we labor.
Moreover, we will bring to the priests at the storerooms of the house of our God
This phrase emphasizes the commitment to support the temple and its services. The storerooms were part of the temple complex in Jerusalem, used to store offerings and tithes. This reflects the centrality of the temple in Jewish worship and community life. The priests, descendants of Aaron, were responsible for the temple's rituals and needed provisions to perform their duties. This practice aligns with the instructions in Deuteronomy 18:1-5, where the Levites and priests are to be supported by the offerings of the people.

the firstfruits of our dough, of our grain offerings, of the fruit of all our trees, and of our new wine and oil
The offering of firstfruits was a way to acknowledge God's provision and sovereignty. By giving the first and best of their produce, the Israelites demonstrated trust in God's continued provision. This practice is rooted in the Mosaic Law, as seen in Exodus 23:19 and Leviticus 23:10. The firstfruits symbolize the dedication of the whole harvest to God, and this principle is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are called to offer themselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).

A tenth of our produce belongs to the Levites
The tithe, or tenth, was a specific portion set aside for the Levites, who did not have an inheritance of land like the other tribes (Numbers 18:21-24). This system ensured that those who served in the temple and facilitated worship were provided for. The tithe is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, emphasizing the importance of supporting religious leaders and institutions.

so that they shall receive tithes in all the towns where we labor
This phrase indicates the widespread and organized nature of the tithe system. The Levites were distributed throughout the towns of Israel, not just in Jerusalem, to minister to the people and teach the Law (2 Chronicles 17:8-9). This distribution ensured that the spiritual needs of the community were met across the nation. The practice of tithing is a tangible expression of faith and obedience, and it underscores the communal responsibility to support those who serve God.

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.

2. Priests
- Religious leaders responsible for temple duties and receiving offerings.

3. Levites
- Members of the tribe of Levi, assigned to assist the priests and manage the temple's resources.

4. Storerooms of the House of God
- Designated areas in the temple for storing offerings and tithes.

5. Tithes
- A tenth of one's produce or earnings, given as an offering to support the religious leaders and temple services.
Teaching Points
The Principle of Firstfruits
The act of bringing the firstfruits symbolizes prioritizing God in our lives. It is a reminder to give God the first and best of what we have, acknowledging His provision and sovereignty.

The Role of Tithing
Tithing is a biblical principle that supports the work of ministry and the needs of those who serve in religious capacities. It reflects a heart of gratitude and trust in God's provision.

Community Responsibility
The collective commitment to bring offerings and tithes highlights the importance of community support in sustaining religious institutions and leaders.

Spiritual Renewal and Obedience
The renewal of the covenant in Nehemiah's time included a recommitment to God's commands, illustrating the link between spiritual renewal and obedience to God's Word.

Faith and Provision
Trusting God with our resources is an act of faith. As we give, we trust that God will meet our needs and bless us abundantly.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the practice of bringing firstfruits and tithes reflect our priorities and trust in God today?

2. In what ways can we support our local church and its leaders, similar to the Levites' role in Nehemiah's time?

3. How does the concept of tithing challenge or affirm your current approach to giving?

4. What are some practical ways to ensure that God receives the "firstfruits" of our time, talents, and resources?

5. How can the principles found in Nehemiah 10:37 inspire a renewed commitment to community and spiritual growth in your life?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 27:30-32
Discusses the concept of tithing and its importance in the Mosaic Law, emphasizing the dedication of a tenth to God.

Malachi 3:10
Encourages bringing the full tithe into the storehouse, promising blessings for obedience.

2 Chronicles 31:5-6
Describes the people of Israel bringing their firstfruits and tithes to support the temple and its workers.

Proverbs 3:9-10
Advises honoring the Lord with one's wealth and firstfruits, promising abundance in return.
Giving as a Means of Character CultureNehemiah 10:37
TithesSmith's Bible Dictionary. Nehemiah 10:37
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
Beginning, Bring, Chambers, Cities, Coarse, Collect, Contributions, Crops, Dough, Firstfruits, First-fruits, Fruit, Fruits, Grain, Ground, Heave-offerings, Levites, Lifted, Manner, Meal, Offerings, Oil, Ploughed, Priests, Produce, Receive, Rooms, Rough, Rural, Sort, Storerooms, Tenth, Tillage, Tithe, Tithes, Towns, Tree, Trees, Wave, Wine
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nehemiah 10:37

     4462   grinding
     4488   oil
     5073   Aaron, priest

Nehemiah 10:34-38

     7382   house of God

Nehemiah 10:35-37

     4430   crops
     5865   gestures

Nehemiah 10:35-39

     4442   firstfruits
     8488   tithing

Nehemiah 10:37-38

     1657   numbers, fractions
     7266   tribes of Israel

Nehemiah 10:37-39

     4456   grain
     4544   wine
     5558   storing

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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