Nehemiah 10-11

“We will not neglect the house of our God” (10:39). A functioning Temple, center of Israelite worship, required the collective effort of the entire community. The returned exiles, under Ezra and Nehemiah, were physically rebuilding the Temple, yet the activity of daily sacrifices, worship, and holy celebrations needed regular contributions from the crops and resources of the people, as the Law required. Then, the priests and Levites were enabled to do their work: continuing the heartbeat of sacrifice and worship to God (10:39).

“We also assume responsibility ...” (10:35). Being God’s people requires each one to share responsibility. Through eagerly offering our own unique contributions and roles (I Cor 12), together we become “a holy temple in the Lord” (Eph 2:21).