In view of all this, we make a binding agreement, putting it in writing and sealing it with the names of our leaders, Levites, and priests.”
Parallel translations
- WEB Yet for all this, we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, our Levites, and our priests, seal it.”
- KJV And because of all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, Levites, and priests, seal unto it.
- NKJV “And because of all this, We make a sure covenant and write it; Our leaders, our Levites, and our priests seal it.”
- NASB ¶“Now because of all this We are making an agreement in writing; And on the sealed document are the names of our leaders, our Levites, and our priests.”
- NLT The people responded, “In view of all this, we are making a solemn promise and putting it in writing. On this sealed document are the names of our leaders and Levites and priests.”
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
In response, the people make and write a firm covenant, sealed by their leaders. It matters because confession issues in renewed, binding commitment to God.
Overview
The prayer of confession leads to action: a 'sure covenant' set in writing and sealed by princes, Levites, and priests. Genuine repentance produces fresh dedication to obey God. While such resolutions are good, the history just rehearsed shows human covenant-keeping always falls short, pointing to the need for the new covenant secured by Christ, who keeps it on our behalf.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 8
- Neh 10:1Now these were the ones who sealed the document: Nehemiah the governor, son of Hacaliah, and also Zedekiah,
- 2 Chr 34:31So the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments, decrees, and statutes with all his heart and all his soul, and to carry out the words of this covenant that were written in this book.
- Neh 10:29hereby join with their noble brothers and commit themselves with a sworn oath to follow the Law of God given through His servant Moses and to carefully obey all the commandments, ordinances, and statutes of the LORD our Lord.
- Ezra 10:3So now let us make a covenant before our God to send away all the foreign wives and their children, according to the counsel of my lord and of those who tremble at the command of our God. Let it be done according to the Law.
- 2 Chr 29:10Now it is in my heart to make a covenant with the LORD, the God of Israel, so that His fierce anger will turn away from us.
- 2 Kgs 23:3So the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments, decrees, and statutes with all his heart and all his soul, and to carry out the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people entered into the covenant.
- 2 Chr 23:16Then Jehoiada made a covenant between himself and the king and the people that they would be the LORD’s people.
- 2 Chr 15:12–13Then they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and soul.
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Christ at the center
The rebuilt walls and renewed covenant community foreshadow the greater builder who gathers and secures a people for God, the one who declares 'I will build my church.'
How Nehemiah 9:38 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Hebrew word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.