Nehemiah 10:33

Arabic 2018 (الترجمة الكاثوليكيّة (اليسوعيّة))

ونُقيمَ على أَنْفُسِنا الفَرائِضَ التَّالِيَة: أَن نُؤَدِّيَ عن أَنفُسِنا ثُلثَ مِثْقالٍ في السَّنَةِ لِخِدمَةِ بَيتِ إِلٰهِنا:

What Does This Mean?

This verse talks about the offerings and sacrifices that were to be made in the temple, including bread, meat, and burnt offerings, as well as sin offerings to make atonement for the Israelites. It also mentions the work of the house of God, referring to the temple. It's a list of obligations to maintain the temple and seek forgiveness.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a special house where you keep important things and do special activities. In this verse, it's talking about a special house called the temple where people brought special gifts and offerings to keep it running and to say sorry when they did something wrong. It's like bringing a gift to keep a special place clean and happy.

Historical Background

Nehemiah 10:33 is part of the book of Nehemiah, written by Nehemiah around 445-420 BCE. It was written to the Israelites who had returned from exile in Babylon to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple. This verse reflects the covenantal obligations and the religious practices of that time, including sacrifices and offerings.

Living It Out Today

In today's context, this verse can remind us of the importance of our commitments to our faith and community, such as regular church attendance, giving, and acts of service. For example, a modern scenario could be regularly volunteering at a community center or donating to a charity that supports spiritual and physical needs.

Topics

• sacrifice
• atonement
• worship
• obligation
• community
• faith

Related Verses

• Leviticus 24:5-9
• Numbers 28:9-10
• Exodus 25:30
• Matthew 12:4
• Hebrews 10:1-4

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'shewbread' mean in Nehemiah 10:33?

Shewbread, also known as the bread of the Presence, was a type of offering placed on a table in the temple as a sign of the covenant between God and the Israelites, symbolizing the presence of God among His people.

Why were continual offerings important?

Continual offerings were important because they maintained the covenant relationship between God and His people. They symbolized ongoing devotion and commitment, ensuring the temple's continuous operation and the people's atonement.

How do we apply the concept of atonement today?

Today, atonement is often understood through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Modern applications could include acts of repentance, seeking forgiveness, and participating in communal acts of worship and service.

What can we learn from the work of the house of God in this verse?

The work of the house of God in this verse teaches us about the importance of maintaining sacred spaces and the obligations that come with it. It can inspire us to support and actively participate in our own places of worship.