Nehemiah 10:1

“THE NAMES OF THOSE WHO SEALED THE COVENANT. (Neh. 10:1-27) Nehemiah, the Tirshatha--His name was placed first in the roll on account of his high official rank, as deputy of the Persian monarch. All classes were included in the subscription; but the people were represented by their elders (Neh 10:14), as it would have been impossible for every one in the country to have been admitted to the sealing. Those who were not present at the sealing ratified the covenant by giving their assent, either in words or by lifting up their hands, and bound themselves, by a solemn oath, to walk in God's law, imprecating a curse upon themselves in the event of their violating it.”

“The “Zidkijah” of this passage is probably the same as “Zadok” Nehemiah 13:13. “Zadok” is expressly called “the scribe,” and it was probably as the scribe who drew up the document that “Zidkijah” signed it immediately after Nehemiah. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Sealed - Both in their own names, and in the name of all the rest. It may seem strange that Ezra doth not appear among them. But that might be because he was prevented, by some sickness, or other extraordinary impediment. It is true, we meet with Ezra after this, at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, Neh 12:36, and therefore he was then freed from this impediment, whatsoever it was. Nehemiah 10:29”

“10:1-27 The eighty-four names included the governor: Nehemiah (10:1), and a group of priests (10:2-8; cp. 12:1-7), Levites (10:9-13; cp. 9:4-5; 12:8-9), and leaders (10:14-27; cp. 3:4-31).”

“those that sealed: Heb. at the sealings, Neh 9:38 Nehemiah: Neh 8:9 Tirshatha: or, governor, Neh 7:70; Ezr 2:63 son of Hachaliah: Neh 1:1 Nehemiah 10:2”

“(10:2) A covenant made (vv. 1-32), and an engagement entered into, to furnish what was needed for the maintenance of the temple, its services, and ministers ( Neh 10:33-39). \- Vv. 1-28. For the purpose of giving a lasting influence to this day of prayer and fasting, the assembled people, after the confession of sin (given in Neh 9), entered into a written agreement, by which they bound themselves by an oath to separate from the heathen, and to keep the commandments and ordinances of God, - a document being prepared for this purpose, and sealed by the heads of their different houses. And because of all this we make and write a sure covenant; and our princes, Levites, and priests sign the…”