King James Version
What Does Nehemiah 10:32 Mean?
“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;”
Context
30
And that we would not give our daughters unto the people of the land, nor take their daughters for our sons:
31
And if the people of the land bring ware or any victuals on the sabbath day to sell, that we would not buy it of them on the sabbath, or on the holy day: and that we would leave the seventh year, and the exaction of every debt. every: Heb. every hand
32
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;
33
For the shewbread , and for the continual meat offering, and for the continual burnt offering, of the sabbaths, of the new moons, for the set feasts, and for the holy things, and for the sin offerings to make an atonement for Israel, and for all the work of the house of our God.
34
And we cast the lots among the priests, the Levites, and the people, for the wood offering, to bring it into the house of our God, after the houses of our fathers, at times appointed year by year, to burn upon the altar of the LORD our God, as it is written in the law:
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(32) **Also we made ordinances for us.**—The covenant proceeds now to certain new regulations and resumption of neglected duties.
**To charge ourselves.**—Origin of that annual rate for the general service of the Temple which afterwards was raised to a half shekel (Matthew 17:24). The more ancient half shekel of the law was only an occasional tax (Exodus 30:13).
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Nehemiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Nehemiah 10:32 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Nehemiah 10:32
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge