E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Nehemiah 13:22
greatness = abundance. mercy = lovingkindness, or, grace. read more
greatness = abundance. mercy = lovingkindness, or, grace. read more
D. The Reforms Instituted by Nehemiah ch. 13To understand when the events described in this chapter took place, it is necessary to read Nehemiah 13:1-7, not just Nehemiah 13:1. Nehemiah returned to Artaxerxes in 432 B.C. (Nehemiah 13:6). It was customary in the ancient Near East for kings to require their servants to return to them periodically to reaffirm their allegiance. "Some time" later Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem (Nehemiah 13:6). The text does not say how much later this was. The... read more
4. The observance of the Sabbath 13:15-22Nehemiah discovered that foreign merchants were selling goods in Jerusalem on the Sabbath, and that the Jews were also preparing and transporting goods on that holy day. He rebuked both the merchants and the Jewish nobles (cf. Nehemiah 10:31). Furthermore, he locked the city gates on the Sabbath and kept traders from gathering outside and tempting the Jews to buy and sell. He asked God to remember him for his fidelity to the Mosaic Law (Nehemiah 13:22... read more
The Reform of AbusesThe reforms embraced the separation of Israel from the mixed multitude and the abolition of certain abuses that had arisen in connexion with the chambers of the Temple, the provision for the Levites, the observance of the sabbath, and mixed marriages.1. On that day] the particular time intended is uncertain. Was found written] see Deuteronomy 23:3-6.3. Separated] see Ezra 9, 10. All the mixed multitude] cp. Exodus 12:33; Numbers 11:4. The term may be illustrated by Ezra 9:2,... read more
(15-22) Vindication of the Sabbath. read more
(22) Cleanse themselves.—As for a sacred duty, not without reference to their past neglect, which required to be forgiven. This was a high tribute to the Sabbath ordinance, and as such in harmony with all the details of this episode.Remember me.—In this prayer also Nehemiah commits his fidelity to the merciful estimate of God. But something in connection with the Sabbath, or with his retrospect of his own conduct, gives the passing prayer a peculiar pathos of humility. read more
Solomon's Folly and Sin Nehemiah 13:26 I. We may learn from the text that neither greatness nor goodness can render a man infallible. Let no man think himself too strong to fall. The best need to watch and pray. II. Danger in evil associations. Solomon sinned by reason of his alliance with idolatrous wives. a. Many a good character has been injured by godless associates. b. Evil habits are often acquired through sinful associations. c. Young people, especially, should avoid dangerous... read more
THE RIGOUR OF THE REFORMERNehemiah 13:1-31THERE is no finality in history. The chapter, that seems to be rounded off with a perfect conclusion always leaves room for an appendix, which in its turn may serve as an introduction to another chapter. Ezra’s and Nehemiah’s work seemed to have reached its climax in the happy scene of the dedication of the walls. All difficulties had vanished; the new order had been. greeted with widespread enthusiasm; the future promised to be smooth and prosperous.... read more
CHAPTER 13 1. The separation of the mixed multitude (Nehemiah 13:1-3 ) 2. The unholy alliance repudiated (Nehemiah 13:4-9 ) 3. Nehemiah’s action in behalf of the Levites and singers (Nehemiah 13:10-14 ) 4. Provision for Sabbath observance (Nehemiah 13:15-22 ) 5. Nehemiah’s protest (Nehemiah 13:23-29 ) 6. His own testimony as to his work (Nehemiah 13:30-31 ) Nehemiah 13:1-3 . “On that day” does not mean the same day when the wall had been dedicated. It was a considerable time later,... read more
Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Nehemiah 13:4-31
Nehemiah’s later reforms (13:4-31)After serving twelve years as governor of Jerusalem, Nehemiah returned to Persia for a period (see 5:14; 13:6). During his absence the religion of the Jews deteriorated, while the Jews’ old enemies, Sanballat and Tobiah, gained some influence in Jerusalem. The high priest Eliashib was especially blameworthy in this. He allowed a member of the high priestly family to marry the daughter of Sanballat (see v. 28), and gave permission to Tobiah to live in one of the... read more