Nehemiah 10:36 MEANING

(36) The firstborn of our sons, and of our cattle.--Similarly collocated in Numbers 16:15-16; but there the cattle are defined as "unclean beasts," thus distinguished from "the firstlings of our herds and of our flocks." The latter were to be brought to "the priests that minister" for sacrifice; the former were, with the sons, to be redeemed by money, according to the priests' valuation.

Verse 36. - The first-born of our sons and of our cattle, as it is written in the law. See Exodus 22:29; Exodus 34:19. The firstborn children were to be "redeemed."

10:32-39 Having covenanted against the sins of which they had been guilty, they obliged themselves to observe the duties they had neglected. We must not only cease to do evil, but learn to do well. Let not any people expect the blessing of God, unless they keep up public worship. It is likely to go well with our houses, when care is taken that the work of God's house goes on well. When every one helps, and every one gives, though but little, toward a good work, the whole will come to be a large sum. We must do what we can in works of piety and charity; and whatever state we are placed in, cheerfully perform our duty to God, which will be the surest way to ease and liberty. As the ordinances of God are the appointed means of support to our souls, the believer will not grudge the expense; yet most people leave their souls to starve.Also the firstborn of our sons and of our cattle,.... Such as were unclean, as Aben Ezra notes, as the ass, &c. and are distinguished from clean ones mentioned in the following clause; now both these, their sons, and this sort of cattle, were to be redeemed by a price paid to the priests: as it is written in the law, Exodus 13:2,

and the firstlings of our herds, and of our flocks; clean cattle, which were to be offered, Numbers 18:17,

to bring to the house of our God, unto the priests that minister in the house of our God; a price for the one sort, and the other for sacrifice.