See Nehemiah 13:4 for a special note. not I at Jerusalem. Nehemiah did not return with Haggai and Zachariah at the beginning of this reign. See longer note on Nehemiah 13:4 . the two and thirtieth year. See longer note on Nehemiah 13:4 . Artaxerxes = Darius Hystaspis. See longer note on Nehemiah 5:14 , Nehemiah 13:4 . obtained I leave = I earnestly requested. Hebrew. sha'al. See note on "enquire", 1 Samuel 28:6 , 1 Samuel 28:7 . read more
6-9. But in all this was not I at Jerusalem—Eliashib (concluding that, as Nehemiah had departed from Jerusalem, and, on the expiry of his allotted term of absence, had resigned his government, he had gone not to return) began to use great liberties, and, there being none left whose authority or frown he dreaded, allowed himself to do things most unworthy of his sacred office, and which, though in unison with his own irreligious character, he would not have dared to attempt during the residence... 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
2. The expulsion of Tobiah 13:4-9Eliashib was the high priest (Nehemiah 3:1; Nehemiah 3:20; Nehemiah 13:28). He was evidently a close relative of Tobiah, the Jewish Ammonite leader who had opposed Nehemiah’s efforts to rebuild the walls (Nehemiah 2:19; Nehemiah 6:1; Nehemiah 6:17-18). Probably Eliashib cleaned out one of the temple storerooms and converted it into an apartment for Tobiah because he was an influential relative (Nehemiah 13:7). Nehemiah was very angry when he returned to... 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
(4-9) The scandal of the high priest. read more
(6) Was not I at Jerusalem.—Parenthetical explanation of this disorderly state of things.King of Babylon.—Probably it was at Babylon that Nehemiah found the court, and therefore he does not say “King of Persia.”After certain days.—The time is left indefinite. But the “two and thirtieth year” shows that he had been in Jerusalem twelve years before his return to the king. 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
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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