Also we made ordinances for ourselves, to charge ourselves yearly with the third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God; for the show bread, for the continual meal offering, for the continual burnt offering, for the Sabbaths, for the new moons, for the set feasts, and for the holy things, and for the sin offerings to make atonement for Israel, and for all the work of the house of our God. We, the priests, the Levites, and the people, cast lots for the wood offering, to bring it into the house of our God, according to our fathers’ houses, at times appointed, year by year, to burn on Yahweh our God’s altar, as it is written in the law; and to bring the first fruits of our ground, and the first fruits of all fruit of all kinds of trees, year by year, to Yahweh’s house; also the firstborn of our sons, and of our livestock, as it is written in the law, and the firstborn of our herds and of our flocks, to bring to the house of our God, to the priests who minister in the house of our God; and that we should bring the first fruits of our dough, our wave offerings, the fruit of all kinds of trees, and the new wine and the oil, to the priests, to the rooms of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground to the Levites; for they, the Levites, take the tithes in all the cities of our tillage. The priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes. The Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes to the house of our God, to the rooms, into the treasure house. For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the wave offering of the grain, of the new wine, and of the oil, to the rooms, where the vessels of the sanctuary are, and the priests who minister, with the gatekeepers and the singers. We will not forsake the house of our God.
Parallel Translations
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Also we made ordinances for ourselves, to charge ourselves yearly with the third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God;
for the show bread, for the continual meal offering, for the continual burnt offering, for the Sabbaths, for the new moons, for the set feasts, and for the holy things, and for the sin offerings to make atonement for Israel, and for all the work of the house of our God.
We, the priests, the Levites, and the people, cast lots for the wood offering, to bring it into the house of our God, according to our fathers’ houses, at times appointed, year by year, to burn on Yahweh our God’s altar, as it is written in the law;
and to bring the first fruits of our ground, and the first fruits of all fruit of all kinds of trees, year by year, to Yahweh’s house;
also the firstborn of our sons, and of our livestock, as it is written in the law, and the firstborn of our herds and of our flocks, to bring to the house of our God, to the priests who minister in the house of our God;
and that we should bring the first fruits of our dough, our wave offerings, the fruit of all kinds of trees, and the new wine and the oil, to the priests, to the rooms of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground to the Levites; for they, the Levites, take the tithes in all the cities of our tillage.
The priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes. The Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes to the house of our God, to the rooms, into the treasure house.
For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the wave offering of the grain, of the new wine, and of the oil, to the rooms, where the vessels of the sanctuary are, and the priests who minister, with the gatekeepers and the singers. We will not forsake the house of our God.
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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;
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.
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:
And to bring the firstfruits of our ground, and the firstfruits of all fruit of all trees, year by year, unto the house of the LORD:
Also the firstborn of our sons, and of our cattle, as it is written in the law, and the firstlings of our herds and of our flocks, to bring to the house of our God, unto the priests that minister in the house of our God:
And that we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground unto the Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes in all the cities of our tillage.
And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house.
For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil, unto the chambers, where are the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the porters, and the singers: and we will not forsake the house of our God.
Show all 3 translations
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(10-33) 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;
(10-34) for the showbread, and for the continual meal-offering, and for the continual burnt-offering, of the sabbaths, of the new moons, for the appointed seasons, and for the holy things, and for the sin-offerings to make atonement for Israel, and for all the work of the house of our God.
(10-35) And we cast lots, the priests, the Levites, and the people, for the wood-offering, to bring it into the house of our God, according to our fathers' houses, at times appointed, year by year, to burn upon the altar of the LORD our God, as it is written in the Law;
(10-36) and to bring the first-fruits of our land, and the first-fruits of all fruit of all manner of trees, year by year, unto the house of the LORD;
(10-37) also the first-born of our sons, and of our cattle, as it is written in the Law, and the firstlings of our herds and of our flocks, to bring to the house of our God, unto the priests that minister in the house of our God;
(10-38) and that we should bring the first of our dough, and our heave-offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, the wine and the oil, unto the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our land unto the Levites; for they, the Levites, take the tithes in all the cities of our tillage.
(10-39) And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes; and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure-house.
(10-40) For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the heave-offering of the corn, of the wine, and of the oil, unto the chambers, where are the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the porters, and the singers; and we will not forsake the house of our God.
Cross-references (64)
- Exodus 13:2 (v36) “Sanctify to me all the firstborn, whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of animal. It is mine.”
- Deuteronomy 26:2 (vv35, 37) that you shall take some of the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you shall bring in from your land that Yahweh your God gives…
- Nehemiah 13:12-13 (v38) Then all Judah brought the tithe of the grain, the new wine, and the oil to the treasuries. I made treasurers over the treasuries,…
- Nehemiah 13:31 (v34) and for the wood offering, at times appointed, and for the first fruits. Remember me, my God, for good.
- Exodus 23:19 (v35) You shall bring the first of the first fruits of your ground into the house of Yahweh your God. “You shall not boil a young goat in its…
Show all 62 cross-references
- Leviticus 23:17 (v37) You shall bring out of your habitations two loaves of bread for a wave offering made of two tenths of an ephah of fine flour. They shall be…
- Numbers 18:26-28 (v38) “Moreover you shall speak to the Levites, and tell them, ‘When you take of the children of Israel the tithe which I have given you from…
- 2 Chronicles 2:4 (v33) Behold, I am about to build a house for the name of Yahweh my God, to dedicate it to him, to burn before him incense of sweet spices, for…
- 2 Chronicles 31:12 (v39) They brought in the offerings, the tithes, and the dedicated things faithfully. Conaniah the Levite was ruler over them, and Shimei his…
- 2 Chronicles 31:11-12 (vv37–38) Then Hezekiah commanded them to prepare rooms in Yahweh’s house, and they prepared them. They brought in the offerings, the tithes, and the…
- Exodus 30:11-16 (v32) Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, “When you take a census of the children of Israel, according to those who are counted among them, then each…
- Exodus 34:26 (v35) “You shall bring the first of the first fruits of your ground to the house of Yahweh your God. “You shall not boil a young goat in its…
- Leviticus 24:5-6 (v33) “You shall take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes of it: two tenths of an ephah shall be in one cake. You shall set them in two rows, six…
- Leviticus 27:26-27 (v36) “ ‘However the firstborn among animals, which belongs to Yahweh as a firstborn, no man may dedicate, whether an ox or a sheep. It is…
- Numbers 18:12 (v35) “I have given to you all the best of the oil, all the best of the vintage, and of the grain, the first fruits of them which they give to…
- Numbers 18:21 (v37) “To the children of Levi, behold, I have given all the tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service which they serve,…
- Numbers 18:30 (v39) “Therefore you shall tell them, ‘When you heave its best from it, then it shall be credited to the Levites as the increase of the threshing…
- Numbers 28:1-29 (v33) Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, “Command the children of Israel, and tell them, ‘See that you present my offering, my food for my offerings…
- Deuteronomy 14:23-27 (v39) You shall eat before Yahweh your God, in the place which he chooses to cause his name to dwell, the tithe of your grain, of your new wine,…
- 1 Chronicles 9:26 (v38) for the four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, were in an office of trust, and were over the rooms and over the treasuries in God’s…
- Matthew 17:24-27 (v32) When they had come to Capernaum, those who collected the didrachma coins came to Peter, and said, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the didrachma?”…
- Hebrews 10:25 (v39) not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day…
- Exodus 13:12-15 (v36) that you shall set apart to Yahweh all that opens the womb, and every firstborn that comes from an animal which you have. The males shall…
- Leviticus 6:12-13 (v34) The fire on the altar shall be kept burning on it, it shall not go out; and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning. He shall lay…
- Deuteronomy 12:6-11 (v39) You shall bring your burnt offerings, your sacrifices, your tithes, the wave offering of your hand, your vows, your free will offerings,…
- Deuteronomy 12:17 (v39) You may not eat within your gates the tithe of your grain, or of your new wine, or of your oil, or the firstborn of your herd or of your…
- Deuteronomy 18:4 (v37) You shall give him the first fruits of your grain, of your new wine, and of your oil, and the first of the fleece of your sheep.
- 2 Chronicles 24:5-14 (v33) He gathered together the priests and the Levites, and said to them, “Go out to the cities of Judah, and gather money to repair the house of…
- Nehemiah 13:5 (v37) had prepared for him a great room, where before they laid the meal offerings, the frankincense, the vessels, and the tithes of the grain,…
- Nehemiah 13:9 (v37) Then I commanded, and they cleansed the rooms. I brought into them the vessels of God’s house, with the meal offerings and the frankincense…
- Proverbs 3:9 (v32) Honor Yahweh with your substance, with the first fruits of all your increase:
- Isaiah 40:16 (v34) Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, nor its animals sufficient for a burnt offering.
- 2 Corinthians 8:12 (v32) For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what you have, not according to what you don’t have.
- Hebrews 10:11 (v33) Every priest indeed stands day by day serving and often offering the same sacrifices which can never take away sins,
- Genesis 28:22 (v32) then this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, will be God’s house. Of all that you will give me I will surely give a tenth to you.”
- Exodus 34:19 (v36) “All that opens the womb is mine; and all your livestock that is male, the firstborn of cow and sheep.
- Leviticus 19:23-26 (v35) “ ‘When you come into the land, and have planted all kinds of trees for food, then you shall count their fruit as forbidden. For three…
- Leviticus 27:30-33 (v37) “ ‘All the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is Yahweh’s. It is holy to Yahweh. If a man…
- Numbers 15:19-21 (v37) then it shall be that when you eat of the bread of the land, you shall offer up a wave offering to Yahweh. Of the first of your dough you…
- Numbers 18:9-19 (v36) This shall be yours of the most holy things from the fire: every offering of theirs, even every meal offering of theirs, and every sin…
- Numbers 18:12-13 (v37) “I have given to you all the best of the oil, all the best of the vintage, and of the grain, the first fruits of them which they give to…
- Deuteronomy 12:6 (v36) You shall bring your burnt offerings, your sacrifices, your tithes, the wave offering of your hand, your vows, your free will offerings,…
- Joshua 9:27 (v34) That day Joshua made them wood cutters and drawers of water for the congregation and for Yahweh’s altar to this day, in the place which he…
- 1 Kings 6:5-10 (v37) Against the wall of the house, he built floors all around, against the walls of the house all around, both of the temple and of the inner…
- 1 Chronicles 24:5 (v34) Thus they were divided impartially by drawing lots; for there were princes of the sanctuary, and princes of God, both of the sons of…
- 1 Chronicles 24:7 (v34) Now the first lot came out to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah,
- 1 Chronicles 25:8-9 (v34) They cast lots for their offices, all alike, the small as well as the great, the teacher as well as the student. Now the first lot came out…
- 2 Chronicles 31:3-10 (v35) He also appointed the king’s portion of his possessions for the burnt offerings, for the morning and evening burnt offerings, and the burnt…
- 2 Chronicles 31:6 (v37) The children of Israel and Judah, who lived in the cities of Judah, also brought in the tithe of cattle and sheep, and the tithe of…
- Nehemiah 11:1 (v34) The princes of the people lived in Jerusalem. The rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy…
- Nehemiah 13:10-12 (v39) I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given them; so that the Levites and the singers, who did the work, had each fled…
- Psalms 122:9 (v39) For the sake of the house of Yahweh our God, I will seek your good.
- Proverbs 3:9-10 (v35) Honor Yahweh with your substance, with the first fruits of all your increase: so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will…
- Proverbs 18:18 (v34) The lot settles disputes, and keeps strong ones apart.
- Malachi 3:8 (v37) Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me! But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In tithes and offerings.
- Malachi 3:8-12 (v35) Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me! But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with the curse; for you…
- Malachi 3:10 (v37) Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house, and test me now in this,” says Yahweh of Armies, “if I will…
- 1 Corinthians 9:6-14 (v36) Or have only Barnabas and I no right to not work? What soldier ever serves at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard, and doesn’t eat of…
- Galatians 6:6 (v36) But let him who is taught in the word share all good things with him who teaches.
- Hebrews 10:3-7 (v34) But in those sacrifices there is a yearly reminder of sins. For it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins.…
- Numbers 18:2 (v35) Bring your brothers also, the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, near with you, that they may be joined to you, and minister to you;…
- Numbers 18:24-32 (v37) For the tithe of the children of Israel, which they offer as a wave offering to Yahweh, I have given to the Levites for an inheritance.…
62 distinct cross-references across this passage (64 total citations).
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this passage (18 sources)
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Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv33, 34, 36, 37, 39 This declareth wherefore they gave this third part of…
This declareth wherefore they gave this third part of the shekel, which was besides the half shekel that they were bound to pay, Exod. 30:13.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv32–39 Neh 10:32 Also we made ordinances for us, to…
Neh 10:32 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;
Ver. 32. To charge ourselves yearly with the third part of a shekel] Beside the poll money, the half shekel required, Exo 38:26. The third part of a shekel was no great sum, yet somewhat more than what Saul and his servant presented the seer with, whom they could not but know to be the judge of Israel, 1Sa 9:8. These had learned that thankfulness was measured, both by God and good men, not by the weight, but by the will of the retributor. God doth highly accept the small offerings of his weak servants when he seeth them to proceed from great love.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv32, 33, 34, 35, 37, 38, 39 To charge ourselves, i.e. every particular head or person…
To charge ourselves, i.e. every particular head or person among us; which they had warrant to do, both from the nature of the thing, because this was necessary to be done for the upholding of God’s worship, and from the warrant of former examples in the like case, 2Ch 24:5.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Matthew Henry 1710 · Public Domain On v32 Having covenanted against the sins they had been guilty…
Having covenanted against the sins they had been guilty of, they proceed in obliging themselves to revive and observe the duties they had neglected. We must not only cease to do evil, but learn to do well.
I. It was resolved, in general, that the temple service should be carefully kept up, that the work of the house of their God should be done in its season, according to the law, Neh 10:33. Let not any people expect the blessing of God unless they make conscience of observing his ordinances and keeping up the public worship of him. Then it is likely to go well with our houses when care is taken that the work of God's house go on well. It was likewise resolved that they would never forsake the house of their God (Neh 10:39), as they and their fathers had done, would not forsake it for the house of any other god, or for the high places, as idolaters did, nor forsake it for their farms and merchandises, as those did that were atheistical and profane. Those that forsake the worship of God forsake God.
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II. It was resolved, in pursuance of this, that they would liberally maintain the temple service, and not starve it. The priests were ready to do their part in all the work of God's house, if the people would do theirs, which was to find them with materials to work upon. Now here it was agreed and concluded, 1. That a stock should be raised for the furnishing of God's table and altar plentifully. Formerly there were treasures in the house of the Lord for this purpose, but these were gone, and there was no settled fund to supply the want of them. It was a constant charge to provide show-bread for the table, two lambs for the daily offerings, four for the sabbaths, and more, and more costly, sacrifices for other festivals, occasional sin-offerings, and meat-offerings, and drink-offerings for them all. They had no rich king to provide these, as Hezekiah did; the priests could not afford to provide them, their maintenance was so small; the people therefore agreed to contribute yearly, every one of them, the third part of a shekel, about ten pence a-piece for the bearing of this expense. When every one will act, and every one will give, though but little, towards a good work, the whole amount will be considerable. The tirshatha did not impose this tax, but the people made it an ordinance for themselves, and charged themselves with it, Neh 10:32, Neh 10:33. 2. That particular care should be taken to provide wood for the altar, to keep the fire always burning upon it, and wherewith to boil the peace-offerings. All of them, priests and Levites as well as people, agreed to bring in their quota, and cast lots in what order they should bring it in, which family first and which next, that there might be a constant supply, and not a scarcity at one time and an overplus at another, Neh 10:34. Thus they provided the fire and the wood, as well as the lambs for the burnt-offerings. 3. That all those things which the divine law had appointed for the maintenance of the priests and Levites should be duly paid in, for their encouragement to mind their business, and that they might not be under any temptation to neglect it for the making of necessary provision for their families. Then the work of the house of God is likely to go on when those that serve at the altar live, and live comfortably, upon the altar. First-fruits and tenths were then the principal branches of the ministers' revenues; and they here resolved, (1.) To bring in the first-fruits justly, the first-fruits of their ground and trees (Exo 23:19; Lev 19:23), the first-born of their children (even the money wherewith they were to be redeemed) and of their cattle, Exo 13:2, Exo 13:11, Exo 13:12 (this was given to the priests, Num 18:15, Num 18:16), also the first-fruits of their dough (Num 15:21), concerning which there is a particular order given in the prophecy concerning the second temple, Eze 44:30. (2.) To bring in their tenths likewise, which were due to the Levites (Neh 10:37), and a tenth out of those tenths to the priest, Neh 10:38. This was the law (Num 18:21-28); but these dues had been withheld, in consequence of which God, by the prophet, charges them with robbing him (Mal 3:8, Mal 3:9), at the same time encouraging them to be more just to him and his receivers, with a promise that, if they brought the tithes into the store-house, he would pour out blessings upon them, Neh 10:10. This therefore they resolved to do, that there might be meat in God's house, and plenty in the store-chambers of the temple, where the vessels of the sanctuary were, Neh 10:39. "We will do it (say they) in all the cities of our tillage," Neh 10:37. In all the cities of our servitude, so the Septuagint, for they were servants in their own land, Neh 9:36. But (as Mr. Poole well observes), though they paid great taxes to the kings of Persia, and had much hardship put upon them, they would not make that an excuse for not paying their tithes, but would render to God the things that were his, as well as to Caesar the things that were his. We must do what we can in works of piety and charity notwithstanding the taxes we pay to the government, and cheerfully perform our duty to God in our servitude, which will be the surest way to ease and liberty in God's due time.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible (1708–1710) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv32–38 For the shewbread,.... To defray the expenses of the…
For the shewbread,.... To defray the expenses of the twelve loaves, which every week were set on the table of shewbread, Lev 24:5,
and for the continual meat offering, and for the continual burnt offering; for the daily sacrifice, morning and evening, which always had a meat offering along with it, Exo 29:38,
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of the sabbaths, and of the new moons; on which were additional sacrifices, Num 28:9,
and for the set feasts; of passover, pentecost, and tabernacles; in which also were offered other sacrifices, besides the daily one, Num 28:16,
and for the holy things: which were both by way of thanksgiving to God, and that they might feast and rejoice together:
and for the sin offerings, to make an atonement for Israel; for the whole body of the people, and so were made at the public expense:
and for all the work of the house of our God; whatever else was necessary that is not mentioned.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv32, 34, 36, 38, 39 Verse 32. Charge ourselves yearly with the third part…
Verse 32. Charge ourselves yearly with the third part of a shekel] According to the law, every one above twenty years of age was to give half a shekel to the sanctuary, which was called a ransom for their souls. See Ex 30:11-16. But why is one third of a shekel now promised instead of the half shekel, which the law required? To this question no better answer can be given than this: the general poverty of the people, occasioned by their wars, overthrows, heavy tributes, c., in the land of their captivity: and now on their return, having little property, it was impossible for them to give more and we know, from the terms of the law in this case, that the poor and the rich were obliged to give alike, because it was a ransom for their souls; and the souls of the poor and the rich were of like value, and stood equally in need of redemption; for all were equally fallen, and all had come equally short of the glory of God.
Though only a third part of a shekel was given at this time, and probably for the reason above assigned, yet when the people got into a state of greater prosperity, the half shekel was resumed: for it is clear that this sum was paid in the time of our Lord, though not to the temple, but to the Roman government. Hence when those who collected this as a tribute came to our Lord, it was for the διδραχμα, didrachma, which was half a shekel; and the coin with which our Lord paid for himself and Peter was a stater, which contained exactly two half shekels. See Mt 17:24-27.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On vv32, 34, 35, 37, 39 Neh 10:32. To charge ourselves — Every particular person…
Neh 10:32. To charge ourselves — Every particular person among us; yearly with a third part of a shekel — About ten-pence of our money; for the service of the house of our God — To provide the show-bread for the table, two lambs for the daily offerings, four for the sabbaths, and more costly sacrifices for other festivals, occasional sin-offerings, and meat offerings, and drink-offerings for them all, the charge of which was great and constant. Formerly these things had been provided from the treasures of the temple, (1Ch 26:20,) and when these failed, from the king’s treasures: but now, both these failing, provision is here properly made for them another way.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv32, 34 The third part of a sheckel - This appears…
The third part of a sheckel - This appears to have been the first occasion on which an annual payment toward the maintenance of the temple service and fabric was established. The half-shekel of the Law Exo 30:13 was paid only at the time of a census (which rarely took place), and was thus not a recurring tax. In later times, the annual payment was raised from the third of a shekel to half a shekel Mat 17:24.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv32, 34, 35, 37, 38 Third part. About 9d., (Haydock) on account of the…
Third part. About 9d., (Haydock) on account of the poverty of the people. (Calmet) --- They afterwards paid half a sicle, or 1s. 2d., conformably to the law, Exodus xxx. 13., and Matthew xvii. 23. (Haydock) --- Before the captivity, the kings of Juda provided sacrifices, (2 Paralipomenon xxxi. 3.) and after, the Persian monarchs supplied what was requisite, in favour of Zorababel and Esdras, chap. vi. 8., and vii. 21. But these grants had been recalled, or were not well executed.
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv32, 34, 38, 39 the third part of a shekel for the service…
the third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God--The law required every individual above twenty years of age to pay half a shekel to the sanctuary. But in consequence of the general poverty of the people, occasioned by war and captivity, this tribute was reduced to a third part of a shekel.
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv32–39 PROVISION FOR THE TEMPLE SERVICE, Neh_10:32-39.
PROVISION FOR THE TEMPLE SERVICE, Neh_10:32-39.
Having entered into a solemn covenant to keep the law, it was necessary that the people make provision for the support and regular observance of the holy service at the house of God. Such arrangements were accordingly made without delay.
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32. We made ordinances — Laws, rules, regulations. Nehemiah writes in the name of the whole community.
The third part of a shekel — About eighteen cents, the silver shekel being valued at fifty-three cents. This was according to the law which ordained that half a shekel should be annually paid for the support of the holy service by every man twenty years old and upwards. See Exo_30:13-16. In view of the poverty of the people, it was now lowered to one third of a shekel, but later it was raised again to a half shekel. Mat_17:24.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv32–39 32. A poll-tax of ⅓ of a shekel imposed…
32. A poll-tax of ⅓ of a shekel imposed for the maintenance of the service of the Temple
32. we made ordinances for us] The verse shows that Ezra and his colleagues, although establishing the authority of the written law, were ready to expand or modify it according to the requirements of the time—a significant indication of the way in which the numerous instances of minor variation in the laws of the Pentateuch may reflect changes and qualifications required at different epochs. ‘Ordinances.’ The plural shows that the reference is not to be limited to the Temple tax.
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the third part of a shekel] See Exo_30:11-16; in which passage every Israelite, ‘from twenty years old and upward,’ is required to give ‘the offering of the Lord,’ i.e. ‘half-a-shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary:’ ‘the rich shall not give more and the poor shall not give less than the half shekel, when they give the offering of the Lord, to make atonement for your souls.’ The sum of ‘half a shekel,’ or two drachmæ, is mentioned as the regulation tax in Mat_17:24, ‘Doth not your master pay the half-shekel?’ (didrachma). Cf. Josephus B. J. vii. 6. 6, ‘The emperor commanded every Jew to pay the two drachmæ annually to the Capitol which they had before been accustomed to pay to the Temple at Jerusalem.’
A poll-tax of ⅓ shekel for the services of the Temple differs both from the regulation of Exodus 30 and from the later Jewish custom. In Exo_30:11-16 a tribute of ½ shekel is to be levied, not annually, but on the occasions when the census of the people was taken. From Josephus we learn that the contribution of ½ shekel was annually levied from every Jew. Here the Jews charge themselves with an annual tribute of ⅓ shekel.
In order to explain this apparent discrepancy, some scholars maintain that the tax mentioned in Exodus, being only occasional, has no connexion with the annual poll-tax, and that the ⅓ shekel was in later days raised to ½ shekel when the Jews were wealthier, in order to assimilate the annual tax to the sum of the occasional ransom tax mentioned in the Pentateuch. It is an objection to this view that (1) there is no reference here to the occasional tax, (2) we have no mention anywhere of the coexistence of two taxes, one occasional and the other annual, for the maintenance of the Temple, (3) the reference in 2Ch_24:5-9 to the Mosaic law seems to contemplate a regular and not an occasional tax.
Others have conjectured that the requirement of the ½ shekel in Exodus 30 is an interpolation later than the time of Nehemiah, made in the interest of the priests. To this it may be replied that, if such an interpolation had been made, it would surely also have been directed towards securing an annual tribute, instead of a payment to be made only at the time when the people were numbered.
It is more probable that the discrepancies reflect the gradual growth of the custom. The law in Exo_30:11-16 goes back to the days when to number the people was associated with human presumption, for which expiation was to be made. Cf. 2 Samuel 24. The necessities of the Temple service caused this occasional tax to become a regular one under kings favourable to the priests (2 Chronicles 24). After the Return the poverty of the Jews made it difficult to maintain the Temple services. The regular contributions promised by the Persian king (Ezr_7:2-23) ceased, or were only for a short period. The imposition of an annual poll-tax of ⅓ shekel would be cheerfully accepted at the time of religious reformation under Ezra. In later times, when the power of the High-priest became more absolute and the prosperity of the Jews grew, the tax was raised from ⅓ to ½ shekel, in imitation of the occasional ‘census’ tax which had become obsolete, but whose memorial existed in Exodus 30.[3]
[3] An interesting explanation has recently been suggested: “In Exodus each male Israelite contributed a bekah, or half a shekel (of the Sanctuary) to defray the cost of the Tabernacle: this half-shekel was a drachm of about 65 grs. Troy.… The Babylonian silver stater of [the age of Nehemiah] weighed about 172.8 grs. This formed the standard of the Empire, and doubtless the Jews of the Captivity employed it like the rest of the subjects of the Great King. The third part of this stater or shekel weighed about 58 grains; so that practically the third part of the Babylonian silver shekel was the same as the half of the ancient light shekel, or shekel of the Sanctuary.” (Ridgeway’s Origin of Currency and Weight Measures, p. 281.)
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv32, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 (32) Also we made ordinances for us.—The covenant proceeds…
(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 (Mat_17:24). The more ancient half shekel of the law was only an occasional tax (Exo_30:13).
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv32–39 To charge ourselves yearly with the third part of…
To charge ourselves yearly with the third part of a shekel. Hitherto the Jews had had no impost analogous to our "church-rate." The "half-shekel of the sanctuary," as it is called, being only payable on the rare, and forbidden, occasion of a census of the whole people, (Exo_30:13-16) could not possibly have served for the ordinary support of the temple service; but it was calculated to suggest to thoughtful minds the need of some regular fund, and the persons on whom the obligation lay to provide it. While the Jews were an independent nation, with their own kings and their own revenue, no difficulty had been felt in keeping up the service, since the kings easily provided for it; but in the existing condition of affairs the case was different. A "governor" was not like a king; he was responsible; he was removable; he was bound to remit the great bulk of the taxes to the court. Under these circumstances, and probably in connection with an immediate need, the idea arose of a special (voluntary) tax, to be paid annually by all adult males, for the support of the service, the continual provision of the morning and evening sacrifice, the incense, the shew-bread, the red heifers, the scape-goat, the numerous victims, and the numerous meat and drink offerings required on various occasions, and especially at each of the great festivals. It was felt that the provision in the law ruled two things
1. The uniformity of the tax; and,
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2. The sphere of its incidence that it should be paid by all adult males.
With regard to its proper amount, that had to be fixed by a consideration of existing needs in comparison with existing means. The third part of a shekel was determined on, as sufficient at the time; but it was not long ere for the third part the half-shekel was substituted, a return being thus made to the standard fixed by the law, and an ample provision made for the maintenance of the established rites in full completeness and efficiency. (comp. Mat_17:24-27)
Divine service.
"The service of the house of our God." Difference between this in the temple at Jerusalem and in Christian sanctuaries. Superiority of the latter. In remarking upon it, while chiefly thinking of the part taken by ministers, we have in view also the "service of song," and all else that is needful for suitably conducting the worship of God. Note, then, that the service of God"s house
I IS PECULIARLY SACRED. It has immediately to do with God, and Christ, and the souls of men. Should, therefore, be attended to with reverence, devoutness, purity of motive. Frivolity, selfishness, covetousness, and worldly ambition, wrong everywhere, are flagrantly wrong here. Every part of the service should have a distinctively religious aim, and should be done in a religious spirit.
II SHOULD BE CONDUCTED ACCORDING TO DIVINE DIRECTIONS. Not only to act in opposition to these, but to go beyond them into "will-worship," is impious and perilous.
III SHOULD ENGAGE THE BEST ENERGIES OF THE BEST MEN. Requires, doubtless, first good men, but furnishes scope for the talents of the ablest; and all engaged in it should do their best. To leave this work to the feeble, or do it in a perfunctory or slovenly manner, is disgraceful and sinful.
IV Is ENCOURAGED BY SPECIAL DIVINE PROMISES. The preaching of the gospel, united prayer, united praise, the celebration of the sacraments, all are thus encouraged.
V Is FRUITFUL OF BLESSING. To those active in it, to those uniting, to society, etc. Of blessing in this life and for ever.
VI SHOULD BE GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY ALL. In many, the sense of obligation to render such support is of the feeblest.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On vv32, 35, 37, 39 Also we made ordinances for us, to charge ourselves…
Neh_10:32-39
Also we made ordinances for us, to charge ourselves yearly with the third part of a shekel.
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Voluntary taxation
Not to enter upon the thorny path of endowed or voluntary religion, nor to inquire whether tithes are coeval with the first man, and binding upon the present age, let us maintain--
I. That the church supposes an edifice. God may be worshipped in any house. Experience has taught the convenience and value of a house of God. The edifice must be built and maintained.
II. That a church requires a minister. No, man can rightly labour in the Word and doctrine without diligent and habitual Biblical study; no man can conduct such study without the renunciation of secular pursuits; no man can abandon such pursuits without an adequate and guaranteed salary from the Church in which he teaches, for which he labours. The ministry must be sustained.
III. That a church is a brotherhood. The rich and poor meet together. The poor ye have always with you. In a Church sense, if any provide not for his own house, he hath denied the faith.
IV. That a church is a missionary organisation. It has duties both at home and abroad. The Word of God must be translated, the masses evangelised, society leavened. A true Church must of necessity be a generous Church. It gets to give (Homiletical Commentary.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
C. I. Scofield 1917 · Public Domain On v33 shewbread (See Scofield "Exo 25:30").
shewbread (See Scofield "Exo 25:30").
atonement (See Scofield "Exo 29:33").
The Scofield Reference Bible (1917 edition), notes by C. I. Scofield — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv32, 34, 37, 39 General Information:
General Information:
In these verses, the people continue describing the content of the oath they were making in Nehemiah 10:29.
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We accepted the commands
"We promised to obey the command"
We accepted
The pronoun "we" here includes all the Israelites including Nehemiah except for the priest and Levites, and does not include the reader of this book (See: Exclusive and Inclusive "We")
a third of a shekel
"1/3 of a shekel." "A third" means one part out of three equal parts. This can be written in modern measurements. AT: "5 grams of sliver" (See: Biblical Money and Fractions)
for the service of
"to pay for the care of"
the bread of the presence
This refers to the 12 loaves of bread baked without yeast kept in the temple and used to symbolize God's presence with His people.
the new moon festivals
These were celebrations held when the moon was just a small crescent in the sky.
translationWords
command
servant
house of God
bread
grain offering
burnt offering
Sabbath
festival
appoint
feast
holy
sin offering
atonement
Israel
works
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv33, 34, 35, 37 10:33 Bread of the Presence: See Lev 24:5-9; Num…
10:33 Bread of the Presence: See Lev 24:5-9; Num 28:1-8. • everything necessary: With the money from the annual tax, priests could purchase the animals for daily sacrifices and maintain the Temple complex (cp. 2 Kgs 12:11-12; see also Exod 30:11-16).
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