THE COMMITMENT MADE BY THE PEOPLE

Nehemiah 10:1-39

  1. those who signed the covenant - Nehemiah 10:1-27
    1. when the people prayed they meant business
      1. they were setting priorities
      2. they were making a plan for living
      3. this document declares their promise to God to govern their lives according to his truth
    2. notice that Nehemiah was the first to sign
      1. as a leader, he did not push the people, but led them
      2. leaders are to set the example in following the ways of God
    3. this declaration is important because it reveals exactly where they stood in relation to God and others
  2. the promises made - Nehemiah 10:28-39
    1. they promised to pattern their lives according to the written Word of God - 28-29
      1. when people take such action, they must be prepared to stand alone and expect to be tested
      2. this was a big step for them to take; not easy, but essential for lasting contentment
      3. they were serious about their commitment and took upon themselves "a curse"
      4. this oath was taken with full knowledge and understanding of what they were doing
    2. they promised not to intermarry with the heathen - 30
      1. this is something that had caused them much trouble and damage in the past
      2. those who are determined to walk with God must tell the evil workers to depart
      3. national strength was dependent on this issue
        1. national strength is determined by domestic strength
        2. when the morals of a nation fail, it is because the morals of the home have failed
        3. Satan is constantly attacking the family
    3. they promised to stop all commercial activity on the Sabbath - 31
      1. the Sabbath was a market day for the soul, not for the body
      2. the believer is not required to keep the Sabbath
      3. we must remember to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together (keep the Lord’s day holy)
    4. they promised to observe the seventh year of release, according to the law
      1. they had neglected the seventh year of rest before their captivity, so God had to make up for lost time - Leviticus 26:33-35
      2. they were willing to obey every detail of God’s Law
    5. they promised not to neglect the place of God’s dwelling - 32-39
      1. they were resolved that the temple service should be carefully kept up - 32-33
      2. they resolved that they would liberally maintain the temple service, and not starve it - 32
        1. they made sure that wood would be available for the alter - 34
        2. they would give the first fruit offering - 35-37
        3. they would give their tithes - 37
        4. the priest and Levites will give the tithe of the tithes they received - 38-39