Nehemiah 13
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
On that day - I am quite of Calmet's mind that the transaction detailed in this chapter did not immediately succeed the dedication of the walls of Jerusalem. It is most likely that, when this dedication was ended, Nehemiah returned to Babylon, as himself particularly marks, Neh 13:6, for he did return in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes; and then, after certain days, supposed to be about the term of one year, he got leave to return to Jerusalem to see how matters were conducted: and there he found the evils which he mentions in this chapter, and which he redressed in the manner himself describes. See the introduction to this book. Should not come into the congregation - That is, Ye shall not form any kind of matrimonial alliance with them. This, and this alone, is the meaning of the law.
Open source ↗UPON THE READING OF THE LAW SEPARATION IS MADE FROM THE MIXED MULTITUDE. (Neh 13:1-9) On that day--This was not immediately consequent on the dedication of the city wall and gates, but after Nehemiah's return from the Persian court to Jerusalem, his absence having extended over a considerable period. The transaction here described probably took place on one of the periodical occasions for the public readings of the law, when the people's attention was particularly directed to some violations of it which called for immediate correction. There is another instance afforded, in addition to those which have already fallen under our notice, of the great advantages resulting from the public and periodical reading of the divine law. It was an established provision for the religious instruction of the people, for diffusing a knowledge and a reverence for the sacred volume, as well as for removing those errors and corruptions which might, in the course of time, have crept in. the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of God for ever--that is, not be incorporated into the Israelitish kingdom, nor united in marriage relations with that people (Deu 23:3-4). This appeal to the authority of the divine law led to a dissolution of all heathen alliances (Neh 9:2; Ezr 10:3).
Open source ↗On that day,.... Not when the wall of the city was dedicated, nor quickly after; for it cannot be thought that people should be so corrupted so soon as this chapter shows; but when Nehemiah had governed them twelve years, and had been at Babylon, and was returned again, as appears from Neh 13:6, compared with Neh 2:1, they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; for from the time of the reading of the law by Ezra, Neh 8:1 it became a custom to read the law publicly: and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of the Lord; that is, be admitted to marry with any of the people of Israel; See Gill on Deu 23:3.
Open source ↗Public reading of the law, and separation from strangers. - Neh 13:1. At a public reading of the law, it was found written therein, that no Ammonite or Moabite should come into the congregation of God, because they met not the children of Israel with bread and with water, but hired Balaam to curse them, though God turned the curse into a blessing. This command, found in Deu 23:4-6, is given in full as to matter, though slightly abbreviated as to form. The sing. ישׂכּר relates to Balak king of Moab, Num 22:2., and the suffix of עליו to Israel as a nation; see the explanation of Deu 23:4.
Open source ↗It was the honour of Israel, and the greatest preservation of their holiness, that they were a peculiar people, and were so to keep themselves, and not to mingle with the nations, nor suffer any of them to incorporate with them. Now here we have, I. The law to this purport, which happened to be read on that day, in the audience of the people (Neh 13:1), on the day of the dedication of the wall, as it should seem, for with their prayers and praises they joined the reading of the word; and though it was long after that the other grievances, here mentioned, were redressed by Nehemiah's power, yet this of the mixed multitude might be redressed then by the people's own act, for so it seems to be, Neh 13:3. Or, perhaps, it was on the anniversary commemoration of that day, some years after, and therefore said to be on that day. They found a law, that the Ammonites and Moabites should not be naturalized, should not settle among them, nor unite with them, Neh 13:1. The reason given is because they had been injurious and ill-natured to the Israel of God (Neh 13:2), had not shown them common civility, but sought their ruin, though they not only did them no harm, but were expressly forbidden to do them any. This law we have, with this reason, Deu 23:3-5. II. The people's ready compliance with this law, Neh 13:3. See the benefit of the public reading of the word of God; when it is duly attended to it discovers to us sin and duty, good and evil, and shows us wherein we have erred. Then we profit by the discovery when by it we are wrought upon to separate ourselves from all that evil to which we had addicted ourselves. They separated from Israel all the mixed multitude, which had of old been a snare to them, for the mixed multitude fell a lusting, Num 11:4. These inmates they expelled…
Open source ↗13:1-3 On the same day the Temple workers were appointed (12:44), the text from Deut 23:3-6 was read. It said that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever be permitted to enter the assembly of God. Nehemiah later discovered (Neh 13:4-14) that these teachings were no longer being observed.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… קָרָא (qârâʼ, H7121) — to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of… סֵפֶר (çêpher, H5612) — properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book מֹשֶׁה (Môsheh, H4872) — Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver אֹזֶן (ʼôzen, H241) — broadness. i.e. (concrete) the ear (from its form in man) עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence… מָצָא (mâtsâʼ, H4672) — properly, to come forth to, i.e. appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e. find or… כָּתַב (kâthab, H3789) — to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe) עַמּוֹנִי (ʻAmmôwnîy, H5984) — an Ammonite or (the adjective) Ammonitish מוֹאָבִי (Môwʼâbîy, H4125) — a Moabite or Moabitess, i.e. a descendant from Moab בּוֹא (bôwʼ, H935) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) קָהָל (qâhâl, H6951) — assemblage (usually concretely) אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… עַד (ʻad, H5704) — as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until)…
Open source ↗קָדַם (qâdam, H6923) — to project (one self), i.e. precede; hence, to anticipate, hasten, meet (usually for help) בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity לֶחֶם (lechem, H3899) — food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it) מַיִם (mayim, H4325) — water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen שָׂכַר (sâkar, H7936) — to hire בִּלְעָם (Bilʻâm, H1109) — Bilam, a Mesopotamian prophet; also a place in Palestine קָלַל (qâlal, H7043) — to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively… אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… הָפַךְ (hâphak, H2015) — to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert קְלָלָה (qᵉlâlâh, H7045) — vilification בְּרָכָה (Bᵉrâkâh, H1293) — benediction; by implication prosperity
Open source ↗שָׁמַע (shâmaʻ, H8085) — to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively,… תּוֹרָה (tôwrâh, H8451) — a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch בָּדַל (bâdal, H914) — to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ,… יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity עֵרֶב (ʻêreb, H6154) — the web (or transverse threads of cloth); also a mixture, (or mongrel race)
Open source ↗פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… אֶלְיָשִׁיב (ʼElyâshîyb, H475) — Eljashib, the name of six Israelites כֹּהֵן (kôhên, H3548) — literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a… נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) לִשְׁכָּה (lishkâh, H3957) — a room in a building (whether for storage, eating, or lodging) בַּיִת (bayith, H1004) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.) אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… קָרוֹב (qârôwb, H7138) — near (in place, kindred or time) טוֹבִיָּה (Ṭôwbîyâh, H2900) — Tobijah, the name of three Israelites and of one Samaritan
Open source ↗עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh, H6213) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application גָּדוֹל (gâdôwl, H1419) — great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent לִשְׁכָּה (lishkâh, H3957) — a room in a building (whether for storage, eating, or lodging) פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) מִנְחָה (minchâh, H4503) — a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually… לְבוֹנָה (lᵉbôwnâh, H3828) — frankincense (from its whiteness or perhaps that of its smoke) כְּלִי (kᵉlîy, H3627) — something prepared, i.e. any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon) מַעֲשֵׂר (maʻăsêr, H4643) — a tenth; especially a tithe דָּגָן (dâgân, H1715) — properly, increase, i.e. grain תִּירוֹשׁ (tîyrôwsh, H8492) — must or fresh grape-juice (as just squeezed out); by implication (rarely) fermented wine יִצְהָר (yitshâr, H3323) — oil (as producing light); figuratively, anointing מִצְוָה (mitsvâh, H4687) — a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the Law) לֵוִיִּי (Lêvîyîy, H3881) — a Levite or descendant of Levi
Open source ↗יְרוּשָׁלַ͏ִם (Yᵉrûwshâlaim, H3389) — Jerushalaim or Jerushalem, the capital city of Palestine שְׁנַיִם (shᵉnayim, H8147) — two; also (as ordinal) twofold שְׁלוֹשִׁים (shᵉlôwshîym, H7970) — thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth שָׁנֶה (shâneh, H8141) — a year (as a revolution of time) אַרְתַּחְשַׁשְׁתָּא (ʼArtachshashtâʼ, H783) — Artachshasta (or Artaxerxes), a title (rather than name) of several Persian kings מֶלֶךְ (melek, H4428) — a king בָּבֶל (Bâbel, H894) — Babel (i.e. Babylon), including Babylonia and the Babylonian empire בּוֹא (bôwʼ, H935) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) קֵץ (qêts, H7093) — an extremity; adverbially (with prepositional prefix) after יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… שָׁאַל (shâʼal, H7592) — to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
Open source ↗בּוֹא (bôwʼ, H935) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) יְרוּשָׁלַ͏ִם (Yᵉrûwshâlaim, H3389) — Jerushalaim or Jerushalem, the capital city of Palestine בִּין (bîyn, H995) — to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e.(generally) understand רַע (raʻ, H7451) — bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral) אֶלְיָשִׁיב (ʼElyâshîyb, H475) — Eljashib, the name of six Israelites עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh, H6213) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application טוֹבִיָּה (Ṭôwbîyâh, H2900) — Tobijah, the name of three Israelites and of one Samaritan נִשְׁכָּה (nishkâh, H5393) — a cell חָצֵר (châtsêr, H2691) — a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls) בַּיִת (bayith, H1004) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.) אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with…
Open source ↗יָרַע (yâraʻ, H3415) — properly, to be broken up (with any violent action) i.e. (figuratively) to fear מְאֹד (mᵉʼôd, H3966) — properly, vehemence, i.e. (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication,… שָׁלַךְ (shâlak, H7993) — to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively) בַּיִת (bayith, H1004) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.) כְּלִי (kᵉlîy, H3627) — something prepared, i.e. any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon) טוֹבִיָּה (Ṭôwbîyâh, H2900) — Tobijah, the name of three Israelites and of one Samaritan חוּץ (chûwts, H2351) — properly, separate by awall, i.e. outside, outdoors לִשְׁכָּה (lishkâh, H3957) — a room in a building (whether for storage, eating, or lodging)
Open source ↗אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) טָהֵר (ṭâhêr, H2891) — to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; Levitically, uncontaminated; morally,… לִשְׁכָּה (lishkâh, H3957) — a room in a building (whether for storage, eating, or lodging) שׁוּב (shûwb, H7725) — to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not… כְּלִי (kᵉlîy, H3627) — something prepared, i.e. any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon) בַּיִת (bayith, H1004) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.) אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… מִנְחָה (minchâh, H4503) — a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually… לְבוֹנָה (lᵉbôwnâh, H3828) — frankincense (from its whiteness or perhaps that of its smoke)
Open source ↗יָדַע (yâdaʻ, H3045) — to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses,… מְנָת (mᵉnâth, H4521) — an allotment (by courtesy, law or providence) לֵוִיִּי (Lêvîyîy, H3881) — a Levite or descendant of Levi נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) שִׁיר (shîyr, H7891) — to sing עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh, H6213) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application מְלָאכָה (mᵉlâʼkâh, H4399) — properly, deputyship, i.e. ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work… בָּרַח (bârach, H1272) — to bolt, i.e. figuratively, to flee suddenly אִישׁ (ʼîysh, H376) — a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term… שָׂדֶה (sâdeh, H7704) — a field (as flat)
Open source ↗רִיב (rîyb, H7378) — properly, to toss, i.e. grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e. hold a… סָגָן (çâgân, H5461) — a prefect of a province אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) בַּיִת (bayith, H1004) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.) אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… עָזַב (ʻâzab, H5800) — to loosen, i.e. relinquish, permit, etc. קָבַץ (qâbats, H6908) — to grasp, i.e. collect עָמַד (ʻâmad, H5975) — to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive) עֹמֶד (ʻômed, H5977) — a spot (as being fixed)
Open source ↗בּוֹא (bôwʼ, H935) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) יְהוּדָה (Yᵉhûwdâh, H3063) — Jehudah (or Judah), the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the… מַעֲשֵׂר (maʻăsêr, H4643) — a tenth; especially a tithe דָּגָן (dâgân, H1715) — properly, increase, i.e. grain תִּירוֹשׁ (tîyrôwsh, H8492) — must or fresh grape-juice (as just squeezed out); by implication (rarely) fermented wine יִצְהָר (yitshâr, H3323) — oil (as producing light); figuratively, anointing אוֹצָר (ʼôwtsâr, H214) — a depository
Open source ↗אָצַר (ʼâtsar, H686) — to store up אוֹצָר (ʼôwtsâr, H214) — a depository שֶׁלֶמְיָה (Shelemyâh, H8018) — Shelemjah, the name of nine Israelites כֹּהֵן (kôhên, H3548) — literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a… צָדוֹק (Tsâdôwq, H6659) — Tsadok, the name of eight or nine Israelites סָפַר (çâphar, H5608) — properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e. (by implication) to inscribe,… לֵוִיִּי (Lêvîyîy, H3881) — a Levite or descendant of Levi פְּדָיָה (Pᵉdâyâh, H6305) — Pedajah, the name of six Israelites יָד (yâd, H3027) — a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.), חָנָן (Chânân, H2605) — Chanan, the name of seven Israelites בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… זַכּוּר (Zakkûwr, H2139) — Zakkur, the name of seven Israelites מַתַּנְיָה (Mattanyâh, H4983) — Mattanjah, the name of ten Israelites חָשַׁב (châshab, H2803) — properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e. (literally) to weave or (generally) to…
Open source ↗זָכַר (zâkar, H2142) — properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e. to remember; by implication, to mention;… אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… מָחָה (mâchâh, H4229) — properly, to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to smooth (as if with oil),… חֵסֵד (chêçêd, H2617) — kindness; by implication (towards God) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or… עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh, H6213) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application בַּיִת (bayith, H1004) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.) מִשְׁמָר (mishmâr, H4929) — a guard (the man, the post or the prison); a deposit (figuratively); also (as observed) a…
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
While they stood in their places, they read from the Book of the Law of the LORD their God for a quarter of the day, and they spent another quarter of the day in confession and worship of the LORD their God.
In those days I also saw Jews who had married women from Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab.
And he went up to the house of the LORD with all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, as well as the priests and the prophets—all the people small and great—and in their hearing he read all the words of the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the LORD.
But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard about this, they mocked us and ridiculed us, saying, “What is this you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?”
After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the synagogue leaders sent word to them: “Brothers, if you have a word of encouragement for the people, please speak.”
But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about this, they were deeply disturbed that someone had come to seek the well-being of the Israelites.
For Moses has been proclaimed in every city from ancient times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.”
Then Tobiah the Ammonite, who was beside him, said, “If even a fox were to climb up on what they are building, it would break down their wall of stones!”
“What is written in the Law?” Jesus replied. “How do you read it?”
Search and read the scroll of the LORD: Not one of these will go missing, not one will lack her mate, because He has ordered it by His mouth, and He will gather them by His Spirit.