Nehemiah 13
BSB1 At that time the Book of Moses was read aloud in the hearing of the people, and in it they found the passage stating that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever enter the assembly of God, 2 because they had not met the Israelites with food and water, but had hired Balaam to call down a curse against them (although our God had turned the curse into a blessing). 3 As soon as the people heard this law, they excluded from Israel all of foreign descent. 4 Now before this, Eliashib the priest, a relative of Tobiah, had been put in charge of the storerooms of the house of our God 5 and had prepared for Tobiah a large room where they had previously stored the grain offerings, the frankincense, the temple articles, and the tithes of grain, new wine, and oil prescribed for the Levites, singers, and gatekeepers, along with the contributions for the priests. 6 While all this was happening, I was not in Jerusalem, because I had returned to Artaxerxes king of Babylon in the thirty-second year of his reign. Some time later I obtained leave from the king 7 to return to Jerusalem. Then I discovered the evil that Eliashib had done on behalf of Tobiah by providing him a room in the courts of the house of God. 8 And I was greatly displeased and threw all of Tobiah’s household goods out of the room. 9 Then I ordered that the rooms be purified, and I had the articles of the house of God restored to them, along with the grain offerings and frankincense. 10 I also learned that because the portions for the Levites had not been given to them, all the Levites and singers responsible for performing the service had gone back to their own fields. 11 So I rebuked the officials and asked, “Why has the house of God been neglected?” Then I gathered the Levites and singers together and stationed them at their posts, 12 and all Judah brought a tenth of the grain, new wine, and oil into the storerooms. 13 I appointed as treasurers over the storerooms Shelemiah the priest, Zadok the scribe, and Pedaiah of the Levites, with Hanan son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah, to assist them, because they were considered trustworthy. They were responsible for distributing the supplies to their fellow Levites. 14 Remember me for this, O my God, and do not blot out my deeds of loving devotion for the house of my God and for its services. 15 In those days I saw people in Judah treading winepresses on the Sabbath and bringing in grain and loading it on donkeys, along with wine, grapes, and figs. All kinds of goods were being brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. So I warned them against selling food on that day. 16 Additionally, men of Tyre who lived there were importing fish and all kinds of merchandise and selling them on the Sabbath to the people of Judah in Jerusalem. 17 Then I rebuked the nobles of Judah and asked, “What is this evil you are doing—profaning the Sabbath day? 18 Did not your forefathers do the same things, so that our God brought all this disaster on us and on this city? And now you are rekindling His wrath against Israel by profaning the Sabbath!" 19 When the evening shadows began to fall on the gates of Jerusalem, just before the Sabbath, I ordered that the gates be shut and not opened until after the Sabbath. I posted some of my servants at the gates so that no load could enter on the Sabbath day. 20 Once or twice, the merchants and those who sell all kinds of goods camped outside Jerusalem, 21 but I warned them, “Why are you camping in front of the wall? If you do it again, I will lay hands on you.” From that time on, they did not return on the Sabbath. 22 Then I instructed the Levites to purify themselves and guard the gates in order to keep the Sabbath day holy. Remember me for this as well, O my God, and show me mercy according to Your abundant loving devotion. 23 In those days I also saw Jews who had married women from Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab. 24 Half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod or of the other peoples, but could not speak the language of Judah. 25 I rebuked them and called down curses on them. I beat some of these men and pulled out their hair. Then I made them take an oath before God and said, “You must not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters as wives for your sons or for yourselves! 26 Did not King Solomon of Israel sin in matters like this? There was not a king like him among many nations, and he was loved by his God, who made him king over all Israel—yet foreign women drew him into sin. 27 Must we now hear that you too are doing all this terrible evil and acting unfaithfully against our God by marrying foreign women?" 28 Even one of the sons of Jehoiada son of Eliashib the high priest had become a son-in-law to Sanballat the Horonite. Therefore I drove him away from me. 29 Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood and the covenant of the priesthood and of the Levites. 30 Thus I purified the priests and Levites from everything foreign, and I assigned specific duties to each of the priests and Levites. 31 I also arranged for contributions of wood at the appointed times, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, with favor.
Study Notes — Nehemiah 13
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Nehemiah 13
- Themes from Nehemiah 13
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Nehemiah 13
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Nehemiah chapter 13 begins with the reading of the law and the separation of the Israelites from foreign influences. The chapter then describes the purification of the temple and the restoration of the Levites to their rightful place. Nehemiah also deals with the issue of mixed marriages and the desecration of the Sabbath. The chapter concludes with Nehemiah's prayer and his commitment to remember the people's sins and to seek God's mercy. Key verses include Nehemiah 13:1-3, Nehemiah 13:10-14, and Nehemiah 13:23-31.
Context for the Chapter
Nehemiah chapter 13 is the final chapter of the book of Nehemiah and concludes the story of the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. The chapter provides a sense of completion and closure to the narrative, as the Israelites are finally able to enjoy the fruits of their labor and to worship God in a purified temple. The chapter also serves as a bridge to the book of Malachi, which prophesies the coming of a greater reformer and redeemer.
Heart Application
The chapter's emphasis on spiritual purity and obedience to God's law serves as a reminder to Christians to maintain their own spiritual integrity and to seek God's mercy and blessing. The chapter's warning against compromise and the importance of strong leadership also serve as a call to action for Christian leaders to stand against sin and to promote obedience to God's law.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Nehemiah chapter 13 is about the importance of maintaining spiritual purity and integrity in the midst of physical restoration. The chapter highlights the need for strong leadership and the danger of compromise. In Nehemiah 13:1-3, we see the Israelites separating themselves from foreign influences, and in Nehemiah 13:23-31, we see the importance of honoring God's commands and maintaining spiritual integrity.
Voices from the Church
“The greatest victory is not the rebuilding of walls, but the rebuilding of the heart.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The purification of the temple is a symbol of the greater purification that takes place in the heart of the believer through the work of Jesus Christ.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Reading of the Law (Nehemiah 13:1-3) — The chapter begins with the reading of the law and the separation of the Israelites from foreign influences.
- The Purification of the Temple (Nehemiah 13:4-9) — The temple is purified, and the Levites are restored to their rightful place.
- The Restoration of the Sabbath (Nehemiah 13:15-22) — The desecration of the Sabbath is addressed, and the Israelites are called to honor God's commands.
- The Issue of Mixed Marriages (Nehemiah 13:23-31) — The chapter concludes with the issue of mixed marriages and the importance of maintaining spiritual integrity.
- Nehemiah's Prayer (Nehemiah 13:31) — The chapter ends with Nehemiah's prayer, in which he seeks God's mercy and blessing.
Core Doctrines
- The Importance of Spiritual Purity
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of maintaining spiritual purity and integrity in the midst of physical restoration.
- The Danger of Compromise
- The chapter warns against the dangers of compromise and the importance of maintaining one's spiritual integrity.
- The Need for Strong Leadership
- Nehemiah's leadership is a key factor in the reformation and revival that took place in Jerusalem.
- The Sovereignty of God
- The chapter highlights God's sovereignty and mercy, as seen in His blessing of the Israelites and His provision for their needs.
Lessons from Nehemiah 13
- The Importance of Spiritual Purity — The chapter emphasizes the importance of maintaining spiritual purity and integrity in the midst of physical restoration.
- The Need for Strong Leadership — Nehemiah's leadership is a key factor in the reformation and revival that took place in Jerusalem.
- The Danger of Compromise — The chapter warns against the dangers of compromise and the importance of maintaining one's spiritual integrity.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter highlights God's sovereignty and mercy, as seen in His blessing of the Israelites and His provision for their needs.
- The Importance of Honoring God's Commands — The chapter emphasizes the importance of honoring God's commands and maintaining spiritual integrity.
Themes from Nehemiah 13
- Reformation and Revival — The chapter is about the reformation and revival that took place in Jerusalem after the rebuilding of the walls.
- Spiritual Purity — The chapter emphasizes the importance of maintaining spiritual purity and integrity in the midst of physical restoration.
- Strong Leadership — Nehemiah's leadership is a key factor in the reformation and revival that took place in Jerusalem.
- The Danger of Compromise — The chapter warns against the dangers of compromise and the importance of maintaining one's spiritual integrity.
- God's Sovereignty — The chapter highlights God's sovereignty and mercy, as seen in His blessing of the Israelites and His provision for their needs.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways in which you can maintain your spiritual purity and integrity in the midst of physical restoration?
- How can you promote obedience to God's law in your own life and in the lives of those around you?
- What are some dangers of compromise, and how can you avoid them in your own life?
- How can you seek God's mercy and blessing, as Nehemiah did in Nehemiah 13:31?
- What are some ways in which you can honor God's commands and maintain your spiritual integrity, as seen in Nehemiah 13:23-31?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Reading of the Law (Nehemiah 13:1-3)
| Nehemiah 13:1 | The chapter begins with the reading of the law and the separation of the Israelites from foreign influences. |
| Nehemiah 13:2 | The Israelites are reminded of the curse that was pronounced upon those who did not obey God's law. |
| Nehemiah 13:3 | The Israelites separate themselves from the foreign influences and commit to following God's law. |
2. The Purification of the Temple (Nehemiah 13:4-9)
| Nehemiah 13:4 | The temple is purified, and the Levites are restored to their rightful place. |
| Nehemiah 13:5 | The storehouses are prepared for the Levites, and the people are called to bring their tithes and offerings. |
| Nehemiah 13:6 | Nehemiah is absent from Jerusalem for a time, and the people begin to compromise and disobey God's law. |
| Nehemiah 13:7 | Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem and is grieved by the people's disobedience. |
| Nehemiah 13:8 | Nehemiah takes action to purify the temple and to restore the Levites to their rightful place. |
| Nehemiah 13:9 | The people are called to repentance, and the temple is purified. |
3. The Restoration of the Sabbath (Nehemiah 13:15-22)
| Nehemiah 13:15 | The desecration of the Sabbath is addressed, and the people are called to honor God's commands. |
| Nehemiah 13:16 | The people are reminded of the curse that was pronounced upon those who did not obey God's law. |
| Nehemiah 13:17 | Nehemiah takes action to restore the Sabbath and to promote obedience to God's law. |
| Nehemiah 13:18 | The people are called to repentance, and the Sabbath is restored. |
| Nehemiah 13:19 | The gates of Jerusalem are closed on the Sabbath, and the people are reminded of the importance of honoring God's commands. |
| Nehemiah 13:20 | The people are called to trust in God's sovereignty and mercy. |
| Nehemiah 13:21 | Nehemiah takes action to promote obedience to God's law and to maintain the people's spiritual integrity. |
| Nehemiah 13:22 | The people are called to seek God's mercy and blessing. |
4. The Issue of Mixed Marriages (Nehemiah 13:23-31)
| Nehemiah 13:23 | The issue of mixed marriages is addressed, and the people are called to separate themselves from foreign influences. |
| Nehemiah 13:24 | The people are reminded of the curse that was pronounced upon those who did not obey God's law. |
| Nehemiah 13:25 | Nehemiah takes action to address the issue of mixed marriages and to promote obedience to God's law. |
| Nehemiah 13:26 | The people are called to repentance, and the issue of mixed marriages is addressed. |
| Nehemiah 13:27 | Nehemiah is grieved by the people's disobedience and takes action to promote obedience to God's law. |
| Nehemiah 13:28 | The people are called to trust in God's sovereignty and mercy. |
| Nehemiah 13:29 | Nehemiah takes action to promote obedience to God's law and to maintain the people's spiritual integrity. |
| Nehemiah 13:30 | The people are called to seek God's mercy and blessing. |
| Nehemiah 13:31 | The chapter concludes with Nehemiah's prayer, in which he seeks God's mercy and blessing. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Nehemiah chapter 13?
The main theme of Nehemiah chapter 13 is the reformation and revival that took place in Jerusalem after the rebuilding of the walls. The chapter highlights the importance of maintaining spiritual purity and integrity in the midst of physical restoration, as seen in Nehemiah 13:1-3 and Nehemiah 13:23-31.
What is the significance of the purification of the temple in Nehemiah 13:4-9?
The purification of the temple is significant because it symbolizes the greater purification that takes place in the heart of the believer through the work of Jesus Christ. It also highlights the importance of maintaining spiritual purity and integrity, as seen in Nehemiah 13:4-9 and 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.
How does Nehemiah's leadership contribute to the reformation and revival in Jerusalem?
Nehemiah's leadership is a key factor in the reformation and revival that took place in Jerusalem. He takes a strong stand against sin, promotes obedience to God's law, and seeks God's mercy and blessing, as seen in Nehemiah 13:1-31.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nehemiah 13:1 → Deuteronomy 23:3-6 | The separation of the Israelites from foreign influences is a fulfillment of the law of Moses, as seen in Deuteronomy 23:3-6. |
| 2 | Nehemiah 13:4 → 2 Chronicles 29:3-19 | The purification of the temple is similar to the purification of the temple that took place during the reign of King Hezekiah, as seen in 2 Chronicles 29:3-19. |
| 3 | Nehemiah 13:10 → Numbers 18:21-24 | The restoration of the Levites to their rightful place is a fulfillment of the law of Moses, as seen in Numbers 18:21-24. |
| 4 | Nehemiah 13:15 → Exodus 20:8-11 | The desecration of the Sabbath is a violation of the fourth commandment, as seen in Exodus 20:8-11. |
| 5 | Nehemiah 13:23 → Genesis 11:1-9 | The issue of mixed marriages is similar to the issue of the tower of Babel, where people tried to unite against God, as seen in Genesis 11:1-9. |
| 6 | Nehemiah 13:25 → Deuteronomy 7:1-6 | The action taken by Nehemiah to address the issue of mixed marriages is similar to the action taken by Moses to address the issue of idolatry, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:1-6. |
| 7 | Nehemiah 13:26 → 1 Kings 11:1-8 | The issue of mixed marriages is similar to the issue of Solomon's foreign wives, which led to his idolatry, as seen in 1 Kings 11:1-8. |
| 8 | Nehemiah 13:31 → Matthew 7:7-8 | Nehemiah 13:31 is similar to Matthew 7:7-8, where Jesus teaches about seeking God's mercy and blessing. |
| 9 | Nehemiah 13:1-3 → Ephesians 5:25-27 | The separation of the Israelites from foreign influences is similar to the concept of the church being separate from the world, as seen in Ephesians 5:25-27. |
| 10 | Nehemiah 13:23-31 → 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 | The issue of mixed marriages is similar to the issue of the church being separate from the world, as seen in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. |
Sermons on Nehemiah 13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Moab Exposed by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the arrival of the tilters and the impending arrival of Moab. He warns Tobiah to leave because his time is up and advises those who are not h |
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Nehemiah, Esther by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Nehemiah and the importance of having a burden for God's work. He emphasizes the need for one person who is not discouraged by o |
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The Sabbath & Sabbatarianism by J.I. Packer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of Christian liberty in relation to the Fourth Commandment. He explains that the reformers believed that apart from attending wor |
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(Through the Bible) Malachi by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of giving and receiving in accordance with a divine spiritual law. He compares it to the natural laws that govern our universe, s |
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Chosen Vessel - What Is Revival? by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of strong leadership in the church. He refers to the story of Nehemiah, who was appointed as the governor to oversee the rebui |
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The Danger of Faltering and Failing by Michael Catt | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the danger of faltering and failing in the Christian walk. He references the military's current struggles due to not doing their job the firs |
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Pressures of Christianity 08 Pressure-Commercialism by Harry Deutchman | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the negative impact of commercialism on society, including Japan's desire for the word of God being overshadowed by material pursuits. The wi |
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Why Is the House of God Forsaken by Steve Zehr | In this sermon on Nehemiah chapter 13, the preacher discusses four main points. The first point is about the importance of being disciplined and prioritizing the things that God wa |
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Cd Gv287 Building Blocks by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer and discipline in the Christian life. He compares the privileged access to resources and materials that believers in |
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Bristol Conference 1975-14 Nehemiah by Stan Ford | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and contribution to the fellowship of believers. He uses the analogy of selling fish, even though |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Nehemiah 13
In Nehemiah chapter 13, we see the importance of maintaining spiritual purity and integrity in the midst of physical restoration. The chapter highlights the need for strong leadership and the danger of compromise. As Matthew Henry notes, 'the greatest victory is not the rebuilding of walls, but the rebuilding of the heart.' The chapter's emphasis on obedience to God's law and the importance of honoring His commands serves as a reminder to Christians to maintain their own spiritual integrity and to seek God's mercy and blessing. As Henry writes, 'the purification of the temple is a symbol of the greater purification that takes place in the heart of the believer through the work of Jesus Christ.' The chapter concludes with Nehemiah's prayer, in which he seeks God's mercy and blessing, and serves as a model for Christian leaders to trust in God's sovereignty and to promote obedience to His law. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Spiritual Purity
The chapter highlights the importance of maintaining spiritual purity and integrity in the midst of physical restoration. This is seen in the Israelites' commitment to separate themselves from foreign influences and to follow God's law.
The Need for Strong Leadership
Nehemiah's leadership is a key factor in the reformation and revival that took place in Jerusalem. His commitment to God's law and his courage in standing against sin serve as a model for Christian leaders.
The Danger of Compromise
The chapter warns against the dangers of compromise and the importance of maintaining one's spiritual integrity. This is seen in the Israelites' tendency to intermarry with foreigners and to desecrate the Sabbath.