Nehemiah 13:1

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Nehemiah 13:1-3

Dedication of the wall (12:27-13:3)The story continues from where it left off in 10:39. After the reading of the law, the celebration of the Festival of Tabernacles and the people’s oath of loyalty to the covenant, the wall was dedicated. Priests, Levites, singers, musicians and leading citizens joined in the ceremony (27-30). The people assembled at a point beside the wall on one side of the city. They then divided into two groups and set off marching in opposite directions around the wall.... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Nehemiah 13:1

On that day: i.e. of which he is about to write. the book of Moses. See App-47 . was found written = they came to the place or passage (viz. Deuteronomy 23:3-6 ). Not a discovery, but in the course of the public reading (as in Luke 4:17 ). Compare Nehemiah 8:14 . Moabite (masc). This did not therefore exclude Ruth, a female, though married to Mahlon before Boaz. congregation = assembly, or muster. God. Hebrew. Elohim. (withArt.) = the [true] God. App-4 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Nehemiah 13:1

WHOLESALE APOSTASY OF ISRAEL IN NEHEMIAH'S BRIEF ABSENCEThis is one of the saddest chapters in the Bible, for it relates Israel's prompt rebellion against God's law as soon as Nehemiah's back was turned. Of course, Nehemiah once more attempted to get Israel back on the right track, as related in this chapter; but that great effort on his part may also be viewed as a total failure.Israel obeyed God only so long as some powerful administrator compelled them to do so. The sadness of this tragic... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Nehemiah 13:1

Nehemiah 13:1. On that day they read, &c.— At that time the law of Moses was read in the audience of the people. Houbigant. The phrase of not entering into the congregation of the Lord, in this verse, does not signify an ejection from the public assemblies for divine worship; but must be understood to mean no more than a prohibition of marriage; for this, according to the rabbis, was the case of such prohibitions. None of the house of Israel of either sex were to enter into marriage with... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Nehemiah 13:1

1. 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... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Nehemiah 13:1-3

1. The exclusion of foreigners 13:1-3Discovery of the law that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever enter the assembly of the Lord (Deuteronomy 23:3-4) led the leaders to exclude all foreigners from the restoration community.There are three explanations for Ruth’s inclusion. The best one, I believe, is that unbelieving immigrants from these nations were those denied full rights. This would explain why Rahab, a Canaanite, and Ruth, a Moabite, became citizens. They were both believers. Another... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Nehemiah 13:1-31

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

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Nehemiah 13:1-31

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

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Nehemiah 13:1-3

XIII.(1-3) Reform as to mixed marriages.(1) On that day.—Probably the season of the Feast of Tabernacles, as before. But portions were selected to be read.They read in the book of Moses.—“It was read” in the Pentateuch, and specially Deuteronomy 23:0. This is introduced for the sake of the action taken, and the history is given in brief, with a striking and characteristic parenthesis of Nehemiah’s own concerning the curse turned into a blessing.Therein was found written.—What to the people... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Nehemiah 13:1-31

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

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