Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
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Nehemiah
Book: Nehemiah
Chapter: 10
Overview:
The
Covenant, Those who signed it.
(1-31) Their engagement to
sacred rites.
(32-39)
1-31 Conversion is separating from the course and
Custom of
this world, devoting ourselves to the conduct directed
By the
Word of God. When we bind ourselves to do the
Commandments of
God, it is to do all his
Commandments, and to look to him as the
Lord, and our
Lord.
32-39 Having covenanted against the sins of which they had been
guilty, they obliged themselves to observe the duties they had
neglected. We must not only cease to do evil, but learn to do
Well. Let not any people expect the blessing of
God, unless they
keep up public
Worship. It is likely to go
Well with our houses,
when care is taken that the work of
God's
House goes
On Well.
When every one
Helps, and every one gives, though but little,
toward a good work, the whole will come to be a large sum. We
must do what we can in
Works of
Piety and
Charity; and whatever
state we are placed in, cheerfully perform our duty to
God,
which will be the surest way to ease and liberty. As the
ordinances of
God are the appointed means of support to our
souls, the believer will not grudge the expense; yet most people
leave their souls to starve.