Because they met not the children of Israel with bread ,.... The same reason is given, and what follows in this verse is observed in Deuteronomy 23:4 ; See Gill on Deuteronomy 23:4 , Deuteronomy 23:5 . read more
Separation from Israel of foreigners. In the public reading of the law, the command was met with to keep the Ammonite and the Moabite out of the congregation of God for ever. Upon this, interpreting the precept apparently as applicable to all strangers, the people separated from them "the mixed multitude" (for the phrase see Exodus 12:38 ). To what extent these had been united with Israel before, and how far the separation was carried, does not appear. The law ( Deuteronomy 23:3 )... read more
Reading, obeying, suffering etc. These verses record two cleansings—the one of the congregation, and the other of the sanctuary of the Lord; the one by the people, and the other by a single servant of Jehovah. Taking them together, we learn— I. THAT THE BIBLE SHOULD BE READ WITH A SPECIAL VIEW TO ITS BEARING ON OUR OWN LIVES ( Nehemiah 13:1 ). "On that day they read in the book of Moses, … . and therein was found written that the Ammonite and the... read more
The blessing of God on an active life founded upon his word. I. THE TRUE RELIGIOUS REFORMATION , both negative and positive. 1. Abuses must be vigorously attacked and cleansed away. The house of God has to be purified of strangers. The neglect of discipline a terrible evil. Unfaithful ministers the curse of the Church. The "mixed multitude" is no strength to Jerusalem, but weakness. The observance of the sabbath. To the Jew a typical commandment, which represented... read more
follows closely Deuteronomy 23:4 , Deuteronomy 23:5 , merely substituting the third for the second person, and abbreviating a little. On the turning of Balaam's proposed curse into a blessing see Numbers 24:10 . read more
Foes turned into friends. "Our God turned the curse into a blessing." Balaam, who was hired to curse Israel, and desired to do so, was compelled to bless them. A unique instance; but suggesting the general truth that God makes the efforts of men to injure his people a means of doing them good: and of doing good to others through them, which is also a mode of blessing them. How does he effect this? I. BY HIS OVERRULING PROVIDENCE . The case of Joseph is a notable instance see ... read more
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
Because they (plural) Num 22:56 . Deuteronomy 23:3 , Deuteronomy 23:4 . children = sons. hired Balaam. Numbers 22:5 , Numbers 22:6 . Joshua 24:9 , Joshua 24:10 . them (singular), i.e. Israel. curse. Hebrew. kalal = reproach, imprecate. God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4 . read more
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Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Nehemiah 13:1-9
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... read more