And if the people of the land bring ware or any victuals on the sabbath day to sell, that we would not buy it of them on the sabbath, or on the holy day: and that we would leave the seventh year, and the exaction of every debt.
NEHEMIAH 10:31KJVWhat does Nehemiah 10:31 mean?
Nehemiah 10:31 describes a promise made by the people of Israel not to buy goods or food from outsiders on the Sabbath or holy days, and to let the land rest every seventh year, also forgiving debts during that time. This verse shows their renewed commitment to follow specific parts of God’s law after returning from exile.
The leaders and people of Jerusalem are making a public agreement to obey God’s commands as they rebuild their community. They are pledging to honor the Sabbath (a day of rest), observe the “seventh year” (a sabbatical year for the land), and cancel debts, all of which were important laws in the Torah. These promises set them apart from their neighbors and show their desire to live differently as God’s people.
The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 10:31
- שַׁבָּת (shabbat) — “Sabbath.” This word means rest or cessation. Here, it highlights the importance of not treating the Sabbath like any other day, especially in economic matters.
- הַשָּׁנָה הַשְּׁבִיעִת (hashanah hashevi’it) — “the seventh year.” The word for “seventh” (שְּׁבִיעִי, shevi’i) refers to the sabbatical year, when the land was to rest and debts were to be released, showing trust in God’s provision.
- נָטַשׁ (natash) — “leave” or “let go.” This word is used for letting the land rest and for forgiving debts, emphasizing a release or relinquishing of claims, not just a pause.
- מַשָּׂא (massa) — “exaction” or “claim.” This word refers to the act of demanding repayment of debts, which the people agree to stop doing every seventh year.
Why Nehemiah 10:31 matters
- Nehemiah 10:31 clarifies that the people’s commitment was not just spiritual but also practical, affecting their business and economic life.
- This verse connects to the broader theme of Nehemiah, where rebuilding the city also means rebuilding faithfulness to God’s law in everyday actions.
- The mention of both Sabbath and the sabbatical year shows how these practices were meant to shape the community’s rhythm of life, setting them apart from surrounding nations.