And we cast the lots among the priests, the Levites, and the people, for the wood offering, to bring it into the house of our God, after the houses of our fathers, at times appointed year by year, to burn upon the altar of the LORD our God, as it is written in the law:

NEHEMIAH 10:34KJV
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Nehemiah 10:34 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 10:34 mean?

Nehemiah 10:34 describes how the priests, Levites, and people of Israel agreed to take turns supplying wood for the temple altar by casting lots, following a set schedule each year as instructed in the law. This ensured that there would always be wood available for the burnt offerings in the house of God.

The verse is part of a covenant renewal, where the returned exiles publicly commit to supporting temple worship. The leaders organize a fair system—using lots—to share the responsibility of bringing wood, which was essential for keeping the altar fire burning. This arrangement reflects their dedication to restoring proper worship and following the law of Moses.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 10:34

  • "cast" (נָפַל, naphal) and "lots" (גּוֹרָל, goral): The phrase refers to using a random method, like drawing lots, to assign duties fairly among the groups. This prevented favoritism and ensured everyone participated.
  • "wood" (עֵץ, etz) and "offering" (קָרְבָּן, qorban): The "wood offering" was not a sacrifice itself, but the wood needed to keep the altar fire burning for sacrifices. Supplying wood was a practical but vital service.
  • "appointed" (מוֹעֵד, moed): This word means a set or fixed time, showing that the schedule for bringing wood was organized and regular, not left to chance.

Why Nehemiah 10:34 matters

  • Nehemiah 10:34 highlights the practical side of worship—supplying wood was just as necessary as offering sacrifices, and everyone took part in this shared responsibility.
  • The verse shows the community’s commitment to following the law (Torah), not just in spiritual matters but in the daily details of temple service.
  • This system of casting lots connects to the wider theme of fairness and order in Nehemiah, as the people rebuild their religious life after exile and make sure no group is overburdened.

Where else these words appear

“appointed” Hebrew H2163 · used in 3 verses

  • Ezra 10:14 Let now our rulers of all the congregation stand, and let all them which have taken strange wives in our cities come at appointed times, and with them the elders of every city, and the judges thereof, until the fierce wrath of our God for this matter be turned from us.
  • Nehemiah 13:31 And for the wood offering, at times appointed, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, for good.

“lots” Hebrew H1486 · used in 67 verses

  • Leviticus 16:8 And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat.
  • Joshua 19:24 And the fifth lot came out for the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families.
  • 1 Chronicles 26:13 And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate.

“offering” Hebrew H7133 · used in 78 verses

  • Leviticus 1:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man of you bring an offering unto the LORD, ye shall bring your offering of the cattle, even of the herd, and of the flock.
  • Leviticus 7:16 But if the sacrifice of his offering be a vow, or a voluntary offering, it shall be eaten the same day that he offereth his sacrifice: and on the morrow also the remainder of it shall be eaten:
  • Numbers 7:37 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

“burn” Hebrew H1197 · used in 90 verses

  • Exodus 3:2 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.
  • 2 Samuel 22:9 There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.
  • Isaiah 30:33 For Tophet is ordained of old; yea, for the king it is prepared; he hath made it deep and large: the pile thereof is fire and much wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it.