Nehemiah 10:33 - 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.
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What does "Nehemiah 10:33" mean?
Nehemiah 10:33 outlines the specific offerings and contributions the people of Israel pledged to maintain the Temple and its services. Let's break it down:
"for the show bread": The showbread, also called the bread of presence, consisted of twelve loaves of unleavened bread that were placed on a table in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle (and later the Temple) every Sabbath. It symbolized God's provision for His people and was eventually eaten by the priests.
"for the continual meal offering": This was a daily offering of fine flour, oil, and frankincense, presented to God as a sacrifice of thanksgiving and devotion.
"for the continual burnt offering": This was a daily sacrifice of an animal (typically a lamb) that was completely burned on the altar. It represented the people's dedication to God and was an act of atonement.
"for the Sabbaths": Special sacrifices were offered on the Sabbath (the weekly day of rest) in addition to the regular daily offerings.
"for the new moons": The beginning of each month (new moon) was marked with special sacrifices and celebrations.
"for the set feasts": These were the annual religious festivals (e.g., Passover, Pentecost, Feast of Tabernacles) that required specific sacrifices and offerings.
"and for the holy things": This is a general term referring to the various consecrated items and offerings used in the Temple service.
"and for the sin offerings to make atonement for Israel": Sin offerings were sacrifices made to atone for unintentional sins committed by individuals or the community. Atonement means to make amends for the wrong deed, to cover the sin committed.
"and for all the work of the house of our God": This is a catch-all phrase that encompasses all the other expenses and activities necessary to maintain the Temple, its staff, and its services.
In essence, this verse represents the people's commitment to:
Maintaining Temple worship: They understood the importance of the Temple as the center of their religious life and pledged to provide the resources needed to keep it running.
Honoring God through sacrifice and offerings: They recognized the need to express their gratitude, devotion, and repentance through prescribed offerings.
Seeking atonement for sin: They acknowledged their sinfulness and the need for regular atonement through sin offerings.
Supporting the priests and Levites: The offerings provided sustenance for those who served in the Temple.
Historical Context:
The book of Nehemiah recounts the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple after the Babylonian exile. The people had returned to their land after a long period of hardship and were trying to restore their nation and their relationship with God. This pledge in Nehemiah 10 was a crucial step in ensuring that the Temple could function properly and that the people could once again experience God's presence and blessing.
The verse illustrates the Israelites' renewed dedication to God and their desire to follow His commandments, which included the regular sacrifices and offerings necessary for maintaining the Temple and seeking atonement for their sins. It emphasizes the importance of the Temple in their lives and their commitment to supporting its worship and upkeep.
Nehemiah 10:33 - 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.
What does "Nehemiah 10:33" mean?
Nehemiah 10:33 outlines the specific offerings and contributions the people of Israel pledged to maintain the Temple and its services. Let's break it down:
"for the show bread": The showbread, also called the bread of presence, consisted of twelve loaves of unleavened bread that were placed on a table in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle (and later the Temple) every Sabbath. It symbolized God's provision for His people and was eventually eaten by the priests.
"for the continual meal offering": This was a daily offering of fine flour, oil, and frankincense, presented to God as a sacrifice of thanksgiving and devotion.
"for the continual burnt offering": This was a daily sacrifice of an animal (typically a lamb) that was completely burned on the altar. It represented the people's dedication to God and was an act of atonement.
"for the Sabbaths": Special sacrifices were offered on the Sabbath (the weekly day of rest) in addition to the regular daily offerings.
"for the new moons": The beginning of each month (new moon) was marked with special sacrifices and celebrations.
"for the set feasts": These were the annual religious festivals (e.g., Passover, Pentecost, Feast of Tabernacles) that required specific sacrifices and offerings.
"and for the holy things": This is a general term referring to the various consecrated items and offerings used in the Temple service.
"and for the sin offerings to make atonement for Israel": Sin offerings were sacrifices made to atone for unintentional sins committed by individuals or the community. Atonement means to make amends for the wrong deed, to cover the sin committed.
"and for all the work of the house of our God": This is a catch-all phrase that encompasses all the other expenses and activities necessary to maintain the Temple, its staff, and its services.
In essence, this verse represents the people's commitment to:
Maintaining Temple worship: They understood the importance of the Temple as the center of their religious life and pledged to provide the resources needed to keep it running.
Honoring God through sacrifice and offerings: They recognized the need to express their gratitude, devotion, and repentance through prescribed offerings.
Seeking atonement for sin: They acknowledged their sinfulness and the need for regular atonement through sin offerings.
Supporting the priests and Levites: The offerings provided sustenance for those who served in the Temple.
Historical Context:
The book of Nehemiah recounts the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple after the Babylonian exile. The people had returned to their land after a long period of hardship and were trying to restore their nation and their relationship with God. This pledge in Nehemiah 10 was a crucial step in ensuring that the Temple could function properly and that the people could once again experience God's presence and blessing.
The verse illustrates the Israelites' renewed dedication to God and their desire to follow His commandments, which included the regular sacrifices and offerings necessary for maintaining the Temple and seeking atonement for their sins. It emphasizes the importance of the Temple in their lives and their commitment to supporting its worship and upkeep.