Shebaniah:
Shebaniah is one of the Levites mentioned in the book of Nehemiah. The name means "Yahweh has grown" or "Yahweh has increased." This reflects the common practice of naming individuals in a way that acknowledges God's sovereignty and blessing. Shebaniah's inclusion in this list underscores the role of the Levites in leading the people back to faithfulness and obedience to the Law.

Hodiah:
Hodiah, another Levite, has a name meaning "majesty of Yahweh" or "splendor of Yahweh." This name signifies the reverence and honor attributed to God by the Israelites. The presence of Hodiah in this list indicates his involvement in the spiritual leadership and the covenant renewal process, emphasizing the Levites' critical role in guiding the people in worship and adherence to God's commandments.

Kelita:
Kelita is a lesser-known figure, and his name means "dwarf" or "small." Despite the meaning of his name, Kelita's inclusion in the covenant renewal signifies that every individual, regardless of status or prominence, has a role in the community's spiritual life. This reflects the biblical theme that God values faithfulness and obedience over worldly stature or power.

Pelaiah:
Pelaiah, whose name means "Yahweh does wonders" or "Yahweh is distinguished," is another Levite involved in the covenant renewal. His name highlights the miraculous and awe-inspiring nature of God, reminding the Israelites of God's past deeds and His continued presence among them. Pelaiah's participation in this event underscores the importance of remembering and proclaiming God's mighty works as part of the community's spiritual heritage.

Hanan:
Hanan, meaning "gracious" or "merciful," is the final name in this list. This name reflects the character of God as compassionate and forgiving, qualities that are central to the covenant relationship between God and His people. Hanan's role in the covenant renewal process serves as a reminder of the grace and mercy that God extends to His people, encouraging them to live in accordance with His laws and to seek His forgiveness when they fall short.

Nehemiah 10:10 lists “Shebaniah” as one of the associates of the Levites who sealed the renewed covenant.

• He is also found leading public worship and confession in Nehemiah 9:4–5, showing his consistent role in guiding the people toward repentance.

• Appearing again among the supervising singers in Nehemiah 12:8, he demonstrates that covenant commitment isn’t a one-time act but an ongoing ministry of word and song.

• By placing his name on the covenant document, Shebaniah publicly endorsed the pledge to “follow all the commands of the LORD” (compare Exodus 24:7). His example underscores that leaders must personally model obedience before they can call others to it.

“Hodiah” follows in the list, marking another Levite dedicated to the covenant pledge.

• Hodiah is twice mentioned among those who led the great confession in Nehemiah 9:5, 10:13, and 12:24, indicating a life marked by teaching and prayer.

• Standing alongside his brothers, Hodiah reminds us of the corporate nature of faith—echoing Deuteronomy 29:10–13, where all Israel stood together to enter covenant with God.

• His signature affirms that every voice counts in renewing obedience, not just the high-profile leaders.

Next comes “Kelita.”

• Kelita (also seen in Ezra 10:23 and Nehemiah 9:4–5) took part in instructing the people in God’s Law (Nehemiah 8:7).

• By signing, Kelita demonstrates that the ministry of teaching must be matched by personal submission to the very commands being taught (James 1:22 serves as a New-Testament echo).

• His presence in the list reminds us that God values integrity—teachers living what they teach.

“Pelaiah” is another of the Levite associates.

• He helped explain the Law to the returning exiles (Nehemiah 8:7), translating and giving the sense so the people could understand.

• Pelaiah’s inclusion shows that clarity in God’s Word leads naturally to covenant commitment; once truth is understood, the heart is moved to obey (compare Psalm 119:34).

• His example urges modern readers to prize accurate teaching that drives real-life obedience.

Finally, “Hanan” rounds out the group.

• Hanan appears again in Nehemiah 13:13 as one of the trustworthy treasurers assigned to distribute offerings, proving his reliability.

• His signing of the covenant signals that stewardship of material resources belongs under God’s commands just as much as worship and teaching (2 Chronicles 31:12).

• Hanan’s faithful handling of offerings after sealing the covenant illustrates how renewed commitment permeates every practical arena of life.

Nehemiah 10:10 lists five Levite associates—Shebaniah, Hodiah, Kelita, Pelaiah, and Hanan—who personally bound themselves to the renewed covenant. Each name represents a real individual who had already been active in worship, teaching, or stewardship, and who now publicly affirmed lifelong obedience to God’s commands. Their signatures highlight that covenant faithfulness is communal, practical, and enduring, calling every believer to match profession with practice in every area of life.

Parallel Commentaries ...