FocusIdentity, Scripture, and confession
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The community is counted, the law is read and explained, and public confession leads to covenant commitments.
interpretation Nehemiah 10:13
KJVHodijah, Bani, Beninu.
Read it in context
Signers of the Covenant
Start reading at Nehemiah 10:1 (Nehemiah 10:1 to Nehemiah 10:27).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The community is counted, the law is read and explained, and public confession leads to covenant commitments.
- 10:1 Now those that sealed were, Nehemiah, the Tirshatha, the son of Hachaliah, and Zidkijah,
- 10:2 Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah,
- 10:3 Pashur, Amariah, Malchijah,
- 10:4 Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluch,
- 10:5 Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah,
- 10:6 Daniel, Ginnethon, Baruch,
- 10:7 Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin,
- 10:8 Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah: these were the priests.
- 10:9 And the Levites: both Jeshua the son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons of Henadad, Kadmiel;
- 10:10 And their brethren, Shebaniah, Hodijah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan,
- 10:11 Micha, Rehob, Hashabiah,
- 10:12 Zaccur, Sherebiah, Shebaniah,
- 10:13 Hodijah, Bani, Beninu.
- 10:14 The chief of the people; Parosh, Pahathmoab, Elam, Zatthu, Bani,
- 10:15 Bunni, Azgad, Bebai,
- 10:16 Adonijah, Bigvai, Adin,
- 10:17 Ater, Hizkijah, Azzur,
- 10:18 Hodijah, Hashum, Bezai,
- 10:19 Hariph, Anathoth, Nebai,
- 10:20 Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir,
- 10:21 Meshezabeel, Zadok, Jaddua,
- 10:22 Pelatiah, Hanan, Anaiah,
- 10:23 Hoshea, Hananiah, Hashub,
- 10:24 Hallohesh, Pileha, Shobek,
- 10:25 Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah,
- 10:26 And Ahijah, Hanan, Anan,
- 10:27 Malluch, Harim, Baanah.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Nehemiah son of Hachaliah is the named memoir writer. His account was preserved within the larger Ezra–Nehemiah historical collection, which includes additional material. Biblical references: Nehemiah 1:1; Nehemiah 2:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Nehemiah 8:1–10:39): Ezra, Nehemiah, the Levites, and the gathered men, women, and understanding children hear the law, confess, and renew the covenant. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The restored Jewish community centered on Jerusalem and later readers concerned with its rebuilding, covenant obligations, and worship. Biblical references: Nehemiah 2:17; Nehemiah 8:1; Nehemiah 10:29. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Signers of the Covenant. Read Nehemiah 10:1 through Nehemiah 10:27 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The community is counted, the law is read and explained, and public confession leads to covenant commitments. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The narrative dates Nehemiah's commission by Artaxerxes' reign and later describes his return to the king and subsequent visit to Jerusalem. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? It opens in Shushan and moves to Jerusalem and the surrounding communities, focusing on the wall and the life of the restored people. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Signers of the Covenant (Nehemiah 10:1 to Nehemiah 10:27). Start reading at Nehemiah 10:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The New Testament also joins hearing God's word with doing it and building up a community. This is a canonical comparison, not a claim that Nehemiah's wall directly symbolizes a particular Christian institution. See Nehemiah 8:8, Luke 11:28, Ephesians 4:16. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Combine prayer with responsible action, truthful leadership, and care for people harmed by injustice. Building a project does not remove the continuing need for reform and faithfulness. interpretation
Cited: Nehemiah 10:1, Nehemiah 10:27, Nehemiah 8:8, Luke 11:28, Ephesians 4:16
Who wrote it, and how we know
Nehemiah, compiled by Ezra (traditional)
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book opens as the words of Nehemiah and continues in the first person.
Nehemiah 1:1Nehemiah 2:1
Early traditionTradition joins this book with Ezra as one work.
What is debatedSome sections read as later compilation.
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Nehemiah 10
Nehemiah combines first-person accounts, lists, and public covenant events concerning Jerusalem after exile. Distinguish Nehemiah's reported actions from commands addressed to every later community. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Nehemiah 1:1 Nehemiah 2:1 Nehemiah 8:1
The Vows of the Covenant
Nehemiah 10:28–39FocusIdentity, Scripture, and confession
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The community is counted, the law is read and explained, and public confession leads to covenant commitments.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Nehemiah
Nehemiah combines first-person accounts, lists, and public covenant events concerning Jerusalem after exile. Distinguish Nehemiah's reported actions from commands addressed to every later community.
Nehemiah 1:1 Nehemiah 2:1 Nehemiah 8:1
The burden and commission
Nehemiah 1:1–2:20FocusPrayer and permission to rebuild
Connection to the wholeNews about Jerusalem leads to prayer and a royal commission, followed by examination of the city's condition.
interpretation The wall rebuilt
Nehemiah 3:1–6:19FocusShared work and persistent opposition
Connection to the wholeThe work progresses amid threats and internal injustice until the wall is completed.
interpretation FocusIdentity, Scripture, and confession
Connection to the wholeThe community is counted, the law is read and explained, and public confession leads to covenant commitments.
interpretation The restored community and continued reform
Nehemiah 11:1–13:31FocusSettlement, dedication, and correction
Connection to the wholeLists, dedication, and later reforms show that rebuilding the wall did not remove the need for continuing faithfulness.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.