Vows to keep

Context of the Passage:

The people made their commitment public.  They signed their names to it. By signing the agreement, they accepted the standards stipulated and assumed the risks of disobedience.  The leadership was key in stepping up, but the people also participated. What would happen to our congregations today if the leaders and the people commitment to be faithful to God’s Word?

Outline of the Passage

10:1-27 – The people who made a Commitment to the Lord

10:28-29 – The Commitment

10:30-38 – The Stipulations

Exegesis of the Passage

10:1-27 – The people who signed the Covenant agreement are divided into three groups

1. The Priests (1-8)
2. The Levites (9-13)
3. The Leaders of the People (14-27)

The list includes:

1. Some who returned with Zerubbabel (Ezra 2; Neh 7, 12)
2. Some who made commitments with Ezra in Ezra 8
3. Others who vowed to get rid of foreign wives in Ezra 10
4. Some who built the wall in Neh. 3
5. Some who served in the Solemn Assembly in Neh 8
6. Others who served in the Assembly of Neh 9

10:28 – Those who entered into the Covenant

• Were from all the people
• All who had separated
• Everyone who had understanding

10:29 – a Curse (alah) and an Oath (shebuah)

• Note that curse (alah) is listed first here
  • The people understood that failure to follow the Covenant would lead to a curse from the Lord
• The Hebrew “alah” can mean “oath” (see Ezek 17:13) or “curse” (see Job 31:30)

10:30 – Mixed Marriages

• The prohibition against mixed marriages was for the purpose of the purity of their worship (Cf. Ezra 10:14-44; Neh. 13:24)

10:31 – Honor the Sabbath Day

• The people promised to honor the Lord’s instructions regarding the Sabbath
  • Cf. Neh. 13:17-19
• They promised not to practice business on the Sabbath Day or support those who did

10:32 – A self-appointed offering

• This is what became known as the Temple Tax

10:33 – The uses of the Temple Tax included: Showbread, various offerings, the work of the House of God

Sermon on the Passage

Commitment (29): To walk according to God’s Law

1. A Commitment to Holiness – To be separate from the world
2. A Commitment to Obedience – To live according to the principles of God’s Word
   • In my Worship: Honor the Lord’s Day
   • In my Obedience: Live according to the principles of His Word
   • In my Business: Practice our business according to the principles of God’s Word
3. A Commitment to Participation – To support God’s Work Financially (32-39)
   • Out of desire (32)
   • Out of obligation (34, 36)
   • Out of need (35)
     • For the work (33)
     • For the servants (34)
     • For the sacrifices (36-38)