Bible Strands
Nehemiah 10:34
We have cast lots among the priests, Levites, and people for the donation of wood by our families at the appointed times each year. They are to bring it to the house of our God to burn on the altar of the LORD our God, as it is written in the Law.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The post-exilic covenant community records this administrative commitment for temple maintenance. The text states that priests, Levites, and laypeople cast lots to determine which families would supply wood for the altar at fixed annual intervals.
The words — הִפַּ֜לְנוּ (hippalnu, "we have cast") and גּוֹרָל֨וֹת (goralot, "lots") describe the divinely guided selection method. קֻרְבַּ֣ן (qurban, "offering") and עֵצִ֗ים (etzim, "wood") define the specific material contribution mandated by the agreement.
The thread — The wood provision reappears in Nehemiah 13:31 as a recurring administrative duty and aligns with Leviticus 6:12 regarding the constant fuel supply for the altar. Isaiah 40:16 contrasts human offerings with divine sufficiency, highlighting the covenantal requirement against its theological limit.
Why it lands — The text requires organized, equitable participation in sustaining corporate worship through a randomized selection process. It demands that believers submit personal convenience to established spiritual order and scriptural precedent.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
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:
Cross-references
- Nehemiah 13:31 I also arranged for contributions of wood at the appointed times, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, with favor.
- Leviticus 6:12 The fire on the altar shall be kept burning; it must not be extinguished. Every morning the priest is to add wood to the fire, arrange the burnt offering on it, and burn the fat portions of the peace offerings on it.
- Isaiah 40:16 Lebanon is not sufficient for fuel, nor its animals enough for a burnt offering.
- Joshua 9:27 On that day he made them woodcutters and water carriers, as they are to this day for the congregation of the LORD and for the altar at the place He would choose.
- 1 Chronicles 24:5 Thus they were divided by lot, for there were officers of the sanctuary and officers of God among both Eleazar’s and Ithamar’s descendants.
- 1 Chronicles 24:7 The first lot fell to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah,
- 1 Chronicles 25:8 They cast lots for their duties, young and old alike, teacher as well as pupil.
- Nehemiah 11:1 Now the leaders of the people settled in Jerusalem, and the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of ten to live in the holy city of Jerusalem, while the remaining nine were to dwell in their own towns.
- Proverbs 18:18 Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates strong opponents.
- Hebrews 10:3 Instead, those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins,