“On the seals are the names of Nehemiah the governor, the son of Hacaliah, Zedekiah,
English Standard Version (ESV)
While Nehemiah, the governor, is listed first, it's striking that "Zedekiah" immediately follows. This suggests Zedekiah wasn't just a random official but likely served a crucial role, perhaps as Nehemiah's scribe or secretary, underscoring the organized and official nature of this covenantal commitment.
“On the seals are the names of Nehemiah the governor, the son of Hacaliah, Zedekiah,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse marks the beginning of a detailed list of those who officially committed to a renewed covenant with God, right after a solemn assembly and confession of sin. Nehemiah, the governor, is listed first, followed by priests, Levites, and the leaders of the people who all affixed their seals to signify their agreement. This commitment sets the stage for the specific obligations and promises outlined in the rest of the chapter, showing the formal ratification of their dedication to God's law.
Why does Nehemiah's name come first on this vital document? What does his position as 'Tirshatha' tell us about his leadership in this moment?
This verse immediately establishes Nehemiah's authority as the 'governor' (Tirshatha). His name appearing first isn't just a formality; it signifies his leading role in initiating and championing this covenant. As the Persian-appointed governor, his backing was crucial for the covenant's legitimacy and the people's willingness to sign. This shows that strong, divinely-ordained leadership is often essential for spiritual renewal to take root in a community.
Who is this Zedekiah, and why is he listed right after Nehemiah? His identity and position hint at the administrative and religious structure of the time.
The mention of Zedekiah following Nehemiah is intriguing. While his exact identity isn't fully clear, scholarly insight suggests he might be Zadok the scribe (mentioned later in Nehemiah 13:13). Scribes played a crucial role in drafting official documents. His placement suggests he was a key figure in the administration, possibly Nehemiah's secretary or a high-ranking official involved in recording the covenant. This highlights that major spiritual undertakings often rely on a combination of leadership and skilled administration to be properly documented and implemented.
It might surprise you that Ezra, a major figure in the religious restoration, isn't listed among those sealing the covenant here. What does his absence suggest?
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The commentators note the absence of Ezra from this list, which is a point of scholarly discussion. While Ezra was instrumental in reintroducing the Law (as seen in Nehemiah 8), his name doesn't appear among the signatories here. Explanations range from him being unwell or otherwise impeded, to him perhaps not being considered a 'head of a house' in the way required for sealing. Whatever the specific reason, his omission underscores that God's work often involves a team, and His plans aren't dependent on any single individual, no matter how prominent.
Understand the original words
chatham · Hebrew Noun
A mark of ownership, authenticity, or authority, often made with a signet ring on wet clay or wax. In a legal context, it signifies the formal agreement, ratification, or commitment of the party to a document or covenant.
pechah · Hebrew Noun
A leader or ruler invested with authority, often appointed by a foreign power (such as the Persian Empire) to govern a province. In the biblical context, it describes one holding civil authority and responsibility over the people of God.
c. 538 BC
First Return from Exile
Following the decree of Cyrus the Great, many Judeans returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian captivity. This marked the initial stage of rebuilding the Temple and community.
c. 458 BC
Ezra's Return to Jerusalem
The scribe Ezra led a significant group of exiles back to Jerusalem, bringing with him the Law of Moses. He focused on religious reform and re-establishing proper worship.
c. 445 BC
Nehemiah Appointed Governor
King Artaxerxes I appointed Nehemiah, cupbearer to the king, as governor of Judah. This allowed him to return to Jerusalem and begin rebuilding its walls.
c. 445-444 BC
Rebuilding of Jerusalem's Walls
Nehemiah, facing opposition, successfully organized the people to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem in a remarkably short time, bolstering the city's security.
c. 444 BC— this verse
National Covenant Ratified
Following the rebuilding of the walls and in conjunction with Ezra's teaching of the Law, the people gathered to renew their covenant with God, pledging to obey His commands. Nehemiah's name appears first on the list of signatories.
This passage describes God making a covenant with Abraham, illustrating the divine initiative and the solemn, binding nature of covenant agreements that would be echoed in Nehemiah's time.
Exodus 24:7Here, the Israelites pledge obedience to God's commands, mirroring the commitment made by the people in Nehemiah 10 as they sealed their agreement to follow the Law.
Jeremiah 31:31-34This prophetic passage speaks of a new covenant where God's law will be written on their hearts, contrasting with the external, written covenant sealed by Nehemiah's generation, and pointing towards a future fulfillment.
Matthew 26:28Jesus speaks of his blood being shed for a new covenant, highlighting the ultimate sacrifice that establishes a covenant relationship between God and humanity, a concept deeply rooted in the Old Testament covenant-making.
clarkeNehemiah 10:1: "Now those that sealed were, Nehemiah, the Tirshatha, the son of Hachaliah, and Zidkijah,"
Now those that sealed - Four classes here seal. Nehemiah first, as their governor. And after him, secondly, The priests, Nehemiah 10:2-8 . Thirdly, The Levites, Nehemiah 10:9-13 . Fourthly, The chiefs of the people, Nehemiah 10:14-27 . It is strange that, among all these, we hear nothing of Ezra, nor of the high priest Eliashib. Nor are any of the prophets mentioned, though there must have…
barnesNehemiah 10:1: "Now those that sealed were, Nehemiah, the Tirshatha, the son of Hachaliah, and Zidkijah,"
The "Zidkijah" of this passage is probably the same as "Zadok" Nehemiah 13:13 . "Zadok" is expressly called "the scribe," and it was probably as the scribe who drew up the document that "Zidkijah" signed it immediately after Nehemiah.
While Nehemiah, the governor, is listed first, it's striking that "Zedekiah" immediately follows. This suggests Zedekiah wasn't just a random official but likely served a crucial role, perhaps as Nehemiah's scribe or secretary, underscoring the organized and official nature of this covenantal commitment.
This verse marks the beginning of a detailed list of those who officially committed to a renewed covenant with God, right after a solemn assembly and confession of sin. Nehemiah, the governor, is listed first, followed by priests, Levites, and the leaders of the people who all affixed their seals to signify their agreement. This commitment sets the stage for the specific obligations and promises outlined in the rest of the chapter, showing the formal ratification of their dedication to God's law.
This verse marks the beginning of a detailed list of those who officially committed to a renewed covenant with God, right after a solemn assembly and confession of sin. Nehemiah, the governor, is listed first, followed by priests, Levites, and the leaders of the people who all affixed their seals to signify their agreement. This commitment sets the stage for the specific obligations and promises outlined in the rest of the chapter, showing the formal ratification of their dedication to God's law.
"“On the seals are the names of Nehemiah the governor, the son of Hacaliah, Zedekiah," — While Nehemiah, the governor, is listed first, it's striking that "Zedekiah" immediately follows. This suggests Zedekiah wasn't just a random official but likely served a crucial role, perhaps as Neh…
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Last reviewed October 2026