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Book of Nehemiah - Chapter 10 - Verse 34

10:34
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:

Meaning

The verse '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:' highlights the importance of tradition and ritual in the worship practices of the Israelites. The casting of lots was a common practice in ancient times to make decisions or allocate tasks fairly. In this case, the lots were cast to determine who would be responsible for providing the wood offering for the temple. This offering was a crucial part of the sacrificial system outlined in the Law of Moses, which mandated specific procedures and offerings to be made at the temple. By following these customs year by year, the people were reaffirming their commitment to God and demonstrating their obedience to His laws. This verse serves as a reminder of the significance of honoring tradition and carrying out religious duties as prescribed in the scriptures.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the practice of casting lots is mentioned as a means of determining who would be responsible for bringing the wood offering into the house of God. The casting of lots was a common method used in ancient times to make decisions, believed to reflect the will of God. The wood offering was essential for maintaining the fires on the altar of the Lord, as prescribed by the law. The priests, Levites, and the people all had a role to play in this important ritual, demonstrating unity and shared responsibility in the worship of God. By emphasizing the adherence to the law in carrying out this offering year by year, the verse underscores the importance of obedience and reverence in the worship of the Lord. The mention of following the tradition of their fathers in bringing the wood offering also highlights the continuity and reverence for the customs passed down through generations in the worship of God. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the significance of obedience to God's commands and the communal nature of worship among the priests, Levites, and the people of God.

American Standard Version

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