Nehemiah 10 presents an exemplary covenant document of national repentance. Following a public forum wherein the people had humbled themselves via prayer, fasting, sackcloth, scripture proclamation, and worship.... they codified their intentions by sealed document (9:38). The names of princes, Levites, and priests are affixed as signatories to “a firm covenant in writing” that discloses the vows of this people to order their corporate and individual affairs according to the original intent of God's law. These events accompanying Israel's return from exile, model three essential aspects of repentance: 1.) Admitting sin.
2.) Seeking God's forgiveness. 3.) Turning from sin. Rather than leave these ideas in the abstract, they actually put down on paper their concrete commitments in this regard. They laid out their pathway of turning unto the Lord to which they expected to be held accountable even to their own hurt (10:29). In signing this document, they were “entering into a curse and oath to walk in God's law.” It is evident from the testimony of this era of covenant history that authentic repentance is measured by: 1.) What we reject. 2.) What we embrace. 3.) Who we worship. The occasion for this message presents itself amidst the continued health and economic fallout of the 'coronavirus'/covid 19 world-wide pestilence. This crisis presents an opportunity for us as a people to realize the consequences of our great sins against the Lord and repent accordingly. How will we call for and recognize fruits of repentance as this situation continues? Ezra and Nehemiah have something to teach us in this regard...