Nehemiah 10-12
Chapter Summary
The revival stimulated by reading God’s Word (Neh. 8-9) leads to decisive action. The Jews make a binding, signed commitment, in writing, to observe God’s Law (9:36-10:28). The document identifies specific issues in which the community has previously been lax (10:29-39). Now Nehemiah repopulates Jerusalem. He moves one of every 10 families to the city and calls for additional volunteers. This action means that a cross section of the population will reside in the holy city (11:1-24), while the others occupy outlying settlements (vv. 25-36). Nehemiah also registers and organizes the priests and Levites (12:1-26). With this done, a great dedication of the city walls is announced. The celebration is marked by choirs and musicians who lead the population in giving thanks (vv. 27-43). A permanent staff for the temple is appointed and tithes are collected, so that continual services will be held there as the Law commands (vv. 44-47).
Key Verse
10:29: Commitment must be complete—and shared by the entire community of faith.
Personal Application
To grow we need to correct our failings.
Key Concepts
Covenant (1). Covenant (2). Law (1). Law (2). Priests. Levites. Temple. Music.

Insight
“The binding agreement” (9:38). The word brit indicates a contract or covenant. Many generations of God’s O.T. people made a formal and personal renewal of their race’s commitment to the Lord (cf. Deut. 29; Josh. 24).

Sins to be corrected (10:30-39). The specific issues covered in the “binding agreement” signed by the community leaders and clergy are:
The commitment	The Mosaic command	
No intermarriage with pagans 
(v. 30)	Ex. 34:16; Deut. 7:3-4	
Keep the Sabbath holy 
(v. 31a)	Ex. 20:8-11; 31:14-17	
Observe the Sabbatical year 
(v. 31)	Ex. 23:11; Lev. 25:2-7; 
Deut. 15:1-3	
Contribute the temple head tax 
(vv. 32-33)	Ex. 30:11-16	
Provide required temple offerings 
(vv. 34-35)	Ex. 23:19; Lev. 6:12-13; 
Deut. 26:1-3	
Offer the firstborn (v. 36)	Num. 18:15-17; Deut. 12:6	
Pay all tithes (vv. 37-39)	Lev. 27:30; Num. 18:21-24	
The focus of most of these commitments is on worship, as reflected in the last phrase of the document: “We will not neglect the house of our God” (v. 39).
The Levites tithe (10:36). Most giving in the O.T. was intended for the support of those who led the people in worship. Giving was to be a joyous privilege, for the people gave the produce of their land—which God had first given them.
Thus, giving was an expression of joy and thanksgiving. How appropriate then that the Levites, who were supported by the gifts of the people, should give a tithe of their gifts toward the support of the priests. Those who minister must not be robbed of the joy of giving too.
“Lots” (11:1). The casting of lots, small stones or pieces of wood, was viewed by the Jews as a pious way of determining God’s will.
Thus Nehemiah left the choice of those who should move to Jerusalem up to God. The practice was used in choosing portions of land to be occupied by the original conquerors of Canaan in Joshua’s time.
“Ancestral property” (11:20). The phrase refers to family lands granted at the time of conquest.
Dedication of the walls (12:27-43). The event was a joyous but formal praise service. Similar dedication services were held by Solomon (1 Kings 8) and Ezra (Ezra 6:16). The tone of the service is reflected in the word indicating the second choir, which marched around the walls to meet the first (Neh. 12:38). That “second choir” is literally, “second thanks.”
It’s good to joyfully acknowledge God as the source of our successes, and to dedicate every accomplishment to Him.