Definition: For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil, unto the chambers, where [are] the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the porters, and the singers: and we will not forsake the house of our God.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Nehemiah 10:39. It’s a really important instruction given to the Jewish community in ancient Israel about their responsibility during a time of rebuilding and worship. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: “For the children of Israel and the children of Levi, they – meaning the priests and servants responsible for the temple – must bring specific items to the temple to be prepared for worship. They need to go to a designated area within the temple complex.” Let’s unpack it further: “For the children of Israel…” : This refers to the Israelites, who were still living under Roman rule and were part of the Jewish community. “…and the children of Levi…” : This specifically mentions the priests and servants (the Levites) who were responsible for leading worship, maintaining the temple, and performing rituals. “shall bring the offering…” : This is key! They are required to deliver something – an offering – to the temple. “…of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil…” : This lists the specific items they need to bring: Corn: A staple food for many people at that time. New Wine: Used in religious ceremonies. Oil: Essential for rituals and purification. “unto the chambers, where [are] the vessels of the sanctuary…” : This refers to a specific area within the temple complex (the “chambers”). These chambers are where the holy objects, like the altar, censers, and other important items, were stored. “…and the priests that minister, and the porters, and the singers:” This lists the people who would be responsible for carrying these offerings – the priests (the leaders of worship), servants who moved things around, and musicians. “and we will not forsake the house of our God.” : This is a crucial part. It emphasizes their commitment to staying faithful to God . It's saying they must continue to serve and honor God with their actions, even when it’s difficult or challenging. Overall Meaning: This verse is essentially telling them that it’s their duty as members of the Jewish community to be prepared for worship. They have a specific task – bringing items – and they must do it with dedication and respect. It's a reminder of their responsibility to God and to maintain the sanctity of the temple. Why is this important? This passage highlights the importance of service within the Jewish community during times of crisis. It shows that even when things are difficult, individuals have a role to play in honoring God’s presence and maintaining his work. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Discuss the significance of the “house of our God” concept? Connect this passage to other biblical stories or teachings?