Nehemia 10:35

We have in this chapter a particular account of the covenant which in the close of the foregoing chapter was resolved upon; they struck while the iron was not, and immediately put that good resolve in execution, when they were in a good frame, lest, if it should be delayed, it might be dropped. Here we have, I. The names of those that set their hands and seals to it (v. 1-27). II. An account of those who signified their consent and concurrence (Neh 10:28, Neh 10:29). III. The covenant itself, and the articles of it in general, that they would "keep God's commandments" (Neh 10:29); in particular, that they would not marry with the heathen (Neh 10:30), nor profane the sabbath, nor be rigorous with their debtors (Neh 10:31), and that they would carefully pay their church-dues, for the maintenance of the temple service, which they promise faithfully to adhere to (Neh 10:32-39).

10:35-37 Offerings from the community provided food for the priests and Levites, who had no allocations of agricultural land and no means of providing for themselves. These provisions came from the first part of every harvest (see Exod 23:19; 34:26; Num 18:12-13; Deut 26:1-11), the redemption money of five shekels paid for the oldest sons and the firstborn of all the herds and flocks (see Exod 13:13; 34:20; Num 18:15-17), as well as a tenth of everything (see Num 18:21-24; Deut 14:22-29).