The People Covenant to Keep the Law

38 "In view of all this, we are making a binding agreement, putting it in writing, and our leaders, our Levites and our priests are affixing their seals to it."[1]

Other Translations of Nehemiah 9:38

King James Version

The People Covenant to Keep the Law

38 And because of all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, Levites, and priests, seal seal: Heb. are at the sealing, or, sealed unto it.

English Standard Version

The People Covenant to Keep the Law

38 Ch 10:1 in Hebrew"Because of all this we make a firm covenant in writing; on the sealed document are the names ofHebrew lacks the names of our princes, our Levites, and our priests.

The Message

The People Covenant to Keep the Law

38 "Because of all this we are drawing up a binding pledge, a sealed document signed by our princes, our Levites, and our priests."

New King James Version

The People Covenant to Keep the Law

38 "And because of all this, We make a sure covenant, and write it; Our leaders, our Levites, and our priests seal it."

New Living Translation

The People Covenant to Keep the Law

38 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."

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:38

Commentary on Nehemiah 9:4-38

(Read Nehemiah 9:4-38)

The summary of their prayers we have here upon record. Much more, no doubt, was said. Whatever ability we have to do any thing in the way of duty, we are to serve and glorify God according to the utmost of it. When confessing our sins, it is good to notice the mercies of God, that we may be the more humbled and ashamed. The dealings of the Lord showed his goodness and long-suffering, and the hardness of their hearts. The testimony of the prophets was the testimony of the Spirit in the prophets, and it was the Spirit of Christ in them. They spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, and what they said is to be received accordingly. The result was, wonder at the Lord's mercies, and the feeling that sin had brought them to their present state, from which nothing but unmerited love could rescue them. And is not their conduct a specimen of human nature? Let us study the history of our land, and our own history. Let us recollect our advantages from childhood, and ask what were our first returns? Let us frequently do so, that we may be kept humble, thankful, and watchful. Let all remember that pride and obstinacy are sins which ruin the soul. But it is often as hard to persuade the broken-hearted to hope, as formerly it was to bring them to fear. Is this thy case? Behold this sweet promise, A God ready to pardon! Instead of keeping away from God under a sense of unworthiness, let us come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. He is a God ready to pardon.