Definition: Then said they, We will restore [them], and will require nothing of them; so will we do as thou sayest. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they should do according to this promise.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Nehemiah 5:12. It's a really important passage about trust and responsibility. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes a situation where people were struggling with a problem – likely related to the rebuilding of a temple in Jerusalem. They were hesitant to help, but then made a promise to do exactly what they said. It's about taking responsibility and being reliable. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Then said they…” : This means the people who were struggling spoke up. “We will restore [them]…” : They realized they had a problem and wanted to fix it – likely because it was important to them or had caused harm. "Restore" in this context means to repair, rebuild, or make something better. “and will require nothing of them; so will we do as thou sayest.” : This is the crucial part! They promised they wouldn't ask for anything from the people anymore. They were saying, "We’ll just follow your instructions." It was a commitment to be completely obedient to what you said. “Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they should do according to this promise.” : This is where it gets really significant. The leader (likely Nehemiah) asked the priests – a group of religious officials – to take a solemn vow. They reaffirmed their commitment to follow what was said. So, What's the Big Takeaway? This verse highlights the importance of trust and accountability. It’s saying that when we make promises to others, it’s vital to actually do what you say, even if it seems difficult or inconvenient. It emphasizes the idea that our word is our bond – we must keep our commitments. Why is this important? This story speaks to the idea of leadership and responsibility. It reminds us that leaders should be reliable and trustworthy. It also underlines the importance of keeping your promises, as they can have significant consequences. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of the verse in more detail? Connect this passage to other Bible stories or teachings?