Nehemiah 13:1

¶ On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of God for ever;

On that day {H3117} they read {H7121} in the book {H5612} of Moses {H4872} in the audience {H241} of the people {H5971}; and therein was found {H4672} written {H3789}, that the Ammonite {H5984} and the Moabite {H4125} should not come {H935} into the congregation {H6951} of God {H430} for {H5704} ever {H5769};

It was also at that time, when they were reading in the scroll of Moshe, that it was found written that no 'Amoni or Mo'avi may ever enter the assembly of God,

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,

On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that an Ammonite and a Moabite should not enter into the assembly of God for ever,

Commentary on Nehemiah 13:1 (KJV)

Nehemiah 13:1: "¶ On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of God for ever;"

Context

Nehemiah 13 opens with Nehemiah's return to Jerusalem after a period of absence (likely in Babylon, as he was the king's cupbearer, see Nehemiah 13:6). Upon his return, he discovers that many of the reforms he had previously instituted, and the covenant commitments the people had made, had been neglected. There was significant backsliding, including foreign alliances, temple neglect, and Sabbath breaking. To address these issues, the leaders initiated a public reading of the Law of Moses, reminding the people of God's commands and their covenant obligations. This act reflects a renewed commitment to God's Word as the foundation for their national and spiritual life, echoing the great assembly described in Nehemiah chapter 8.

Key Themes

  • Adherence to God's Law: The verse highlights the supreme authority of the "book of Moses" (the Torah) as the guiding principle for the people of God. Its public reading underscores the importance of knowing, understanding, and obeying divine revelation.
  • Purity of the Congregation: The discovery of the prohibition against Ammonites and Moabites entering "the congregation of God" emphasizes the necessity of maintaining the spiritual and social purity of Israel. This separation was not merely ethnic but theological, aimed at preventing corrupting influences from undermining their unique relationship with God.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: The original prohibition, found in Deuteronomy 23:3-6, stemmed from the historical hostility of these nations towards Israel during their Exodus journey. Their exclusion served as a perpetual reminder of God's justice and the consequences of opposing His people.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "book of Moses" (Hebrew: Sepher Moshe) refers to the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament, which contain the foundational laws and history of Israel. The term "congregation of God" (Hebrew: Qahal Elohim) signifies the assembly or community of God's chosen people, emphasizing their sacred, set-apart status and their collective identity before Him.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 13:1 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • The Centrality of Scripture: Just as the Law was vital for ancient Israel, the Bible remains the authoritative guide for Christians. Regular and public engagement with God's Word is essential for spiritual health and societal righteousness.
  • Maintaining Spiritual Purity: The principle of separating from influences that would corrupt faith and practice is still relevant. While the New Covenant emphasizes spiritual unity over ethnic exclusion, believers are called to be "separate" from ungodly lifestyles and doctrines that compromise biblical truth.
  • Learning from History: Understanding God's past dealings with His people and other nations provides crucial insights into His character and His expectations for obedience and faithfulness.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Deuteronomy 23:3

    An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the LORD for ever:

  • Deuteronomy 23:5

    Nevertheless the LORD thy God would not hearken unto Balaam; but the LORD thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the LORD thy God loved thee.

  • Nehemiah 9:3

    And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the LORD their God [one] fourth part of the day; and [another] fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God.

  • Deuteronomy 31:11

    When all Israel is come to appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose, thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing.

  • Deuteronomy 31:12

    Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that [is] within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law:

  • Nehemiah 13:23

    ¶ In those days also saw I Jews [that] had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, [and] of Moab:

  • 2 Kings 23:2

    And the king went up into the house of the LORD, and all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem with him, and the priests, and the prophets, and all the people, both small and great: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant which was found in the house of the LORD.

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