Nehemiah 10:32

The Vows of the Covenant · Nehemiah 10:28–39
Read Nehemiah 10

Translations

Modern
We also place ourselves under the obligation to contribute a third of a shekel yearly for the service of the house of our God:
Traditional
Also we made ordinances for us, to charge ourselves yearly with the third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God;
Literal
And we made for ourselves the obligation to put on ourselves a third of a shekel in a year for the service of the house of our God:
Latin
Et statuemus super nos præcepta, ut demus tertiam partem sicli per annum ad opus domus Dei nostri,

Original

Hebrew
English
We also place ourselves under the obligation to contribute a third of a shekel yearly for the service of the house of our God:

Notes

The community had broadly committed to following the law of Moses. However, they focused on specific issues. These issues involved keeping the community pure and ensuring proper worship at the temple.

The people, embracing the prayer, renewed their dedication to God and his word. They signed their names to show their commitment (Nehemiah 9:38–10:27) and took an oath to follow the covenant (10:28–39).

This section, possibly from Ezra’s personal memoirs, explains how Ezra’s teaching of God’s law renewed the people's commitment to serve God and follow his instructions. Spiritual revival occurred alongside the civic work of Ezra and Nehemiah.

Measurements

  • a shekel: About 0.13 oz (3.8 g)

Glossary

Book of Nehemiah Bread of the Presence Nehemiah (Person) Singer

Topics

Covenant: Jews with Each Other, to Serve God Decision: Israelites Forsaking God: Resolve Against Liberality: Jews After the Captivity Money was Given: As offerings Money: Pieces of Mentioned: Third of a Shekel Shekel: Fractions of, Used in Currency Shekel: Sanctuary Revenues Paid In Shewbread (Showbread): Provided by a Yearly Per Capita Tax Shewbread: Materials For, Provided by the People Tax: Poll