• Read Nehemiah 9.38-10.39.

The word “covenant” does not appear in this section, but the word translated “make” is literally “cut” in Hebrew¹⁾… a word with strong covenant-making associations. Notice the use of “we” in this passage, indicating the communal aspect of this promise/agreement. (Kidner, Ezra & Nehemiah)

1. A Covenant is signed — Nehemiah 9.38-10.27
   1. What are the benefits of a signed document of commitment? Do we have anything like that today?
2. A Behavior is Agreed Upon — Nehemiah 10.28-39
   1. List the the things the people agreed to do (there are at least twelve).
   2. If we (local church members, Bible Study members) were to write up and sign a similar document, what are some of the things we know God would want us to include? (The God-honoring/obeying behaviors we know he wants for the Christian community.)
   3. What would be the benefits and drawbacks from such an agreement?