Nehemiah 13:16

KJV

There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem.

KJV (with Strong's)

There dwelt {H3427} men of Tyre {H6876} also therein, which brought {H935} fish {H1709}{H1709}, and all manner of ware {H4377}, and sold {H4376} on the sabbath {H7676} unto the children {H1121} of Judah {H3063}, and in Jerusalem {H3389}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There were also living there people from Tzor who brought in fish and all kinds of goods, and sold them on Shabbat to the people in Y'hudah and even in Yerushalayim.

Berean Standard Bible

Additionally, men of Tyre who lived there were importing fish and all kinds of merchandise and selling them on the Sabbath to the people of Judah in Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, who brought in fish, and all manner of wares, and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 13:16 exposes a significant breach of covenant fidelity in post-exilic Jerusalem, revealing that Phoenician merchants from Tyre were actively selling fish and various wares within the city on the Sabbath, with the participation of the Judahites. This widespread commercial activity on the holy day, occurring after Nehemiah's return from Persia, starkly demonstrated the rapid erosion of the spiritual reforms and commitments previously established, particularly the solemn oath to honor the Sabbath, a cornerstone of Israel's identity and covenant with God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 13:16 is situated within the final chapter of the book of Nehemiah, which details Governor Nehemiah's second return to Jerusalem after a period of absence, likely serving King Artaxerxes in Persia (Nehemiah 13:6). Upon his arrival, Nehemiah discovers a widespread relapse into various forms of disobedience and compromise, indicating a significant decline in the spiritual vigilance of the community. This verse specifically addresses the desecration of the Sabbath, following Nehemiah's discovery of Tobiah the Ammonite occupying a chamber in the temple courts (Nehemiah 13:4-9) and preceding his confrontation with the Levites who were not receiving their due portions (Nehemiah 13:10-14). The narrative flow in [Nehemiah 13](/nehemiah/13 "Nehemiah 13 - Nehemiah's Reforms and Renewed Dedication") highlights Nehemiah's decisive actions to restore the integrity of the temple, the support for its ministers, and the sanctity of the Sabbath, all of which were foundational to the covenant renewed in [Nehemiah 9](/nehemiah/9 "Nehemiah 9-10 - Confession, Covenant, and Commitment").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The post-exilic period saw the returned exiles striving to re-establish their distinct identity as God's people in the land of Judah, under Persian rule. Sabbath observance was not merely a religious custom but a vital sign of the covenant between God and Israel, distinguishing them from the surrounding pagan nations. It was a weekly reminder of God's creation (Exodus 20:11) and their deliverance from Egyptian bondage (Deuteronomy 5:15). Tyre, a major Phoenician city to the north, was renowned for its extensive maritime trade network and commercial prowess. The presence of "men of Tyre" in Jerusalem, bringing goods like fish and other wares, underscores the economic pressures and foreign influences that could easily lead the Judahites to compromise their spiritual commitments for commercial convenience. The fact that they were selling "in Jerusalem" and "unto the children of Judah" indicates a pervasive problem that had infiltrated the very heart of the holy city and its people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Nehemiah and the broader Old Testament narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Sabbath Sanctity and Desecration**, highlighting the absolute importance of God's commands and the severe consequences of their violation. The Sabbath was a foundational commandment, and its public disregard signified a deep spiritual malaise within the community. Another prominent theme is **Foreign Influence and Compromise**, as the presence and activity of the Tyrian merchants directly contributed to the Judahites' failure to uphold their covenant obligations, echoing a recurring struggle in Israel's history to remain distinct and holy amidst surrounding nations, as seen in the warnings against intermarriage and idolatry throughout the Pentateuch and prophetic books. Finally, the passage speaks to the theme of **Spiritual Decline and the Need for Vigilance**. Despite the solemn covenant made in [Nehemiah 10:31](/nehemiah/10-31 "Nehemiah 10:31 - The Covenant to Keep the Sabbath"), the commitment to abstain from buying and selling on the Sabbath had quickly eroded, demonstrating how easily spiritual disciplines can be neglected without strong leadership and personal conviction.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tyre (Hebrew, _Tsor_):** A prominent Phoenician city-state, known for its extensive maritime trade and commercial activities. Its inhabitants, the Tyrians, were skilled merchants and sailors. Their presence in Jerusalem signifies the pervasive economic influence from surrounding cultures and the direct challenge it posed to the spiritual distinctiveness of the Judahite community. The trade routes brought not only goods but also foreign customs and values that often conflicted with Mosaic law.
* **Sabbath (Hebrew, שַׁבָּת, _Shabbat_):** Derived from the verb meaning "to cease" or "to rest," the Sabbath was the seventh day of the week, designated by God as a day of cessation from labor, dedicated to rest, worship, and remembrance of His creative and redemptive acts. It was a foundational commandment (Exodus 20:8-11) and a perpetual sign of the covenant between Yahweh and Israel (Exodus 31:13-17). Its desecration represented a direct affront to God's authority and a profound failure in covenant fidelity.
* **Ware (Hebrew, מִכְבָּר, _mikbar_):** This term refers to a variety of general goods or merchandise. The mention of "fish" specifically, alongside "all manner of ware," paints a picture of a bustling, diverse market. This detail emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the Sabbath violation, indicating that it was not an isolated incident but a pervasive commercial operation that undermined the sanctity of the entire day and the spiritual atmosphere of Jerusalem.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There dwelt men of Tyre also therein":** This clause highlights the physical presence and integration of foreign merchants within Jerusalem. It suggests a degree of established residence or regular visitation, indicating that the commercial activity was not merely incidental but a consistent pattern. Their dwelling "therein" (within Jerusalem) underscores the direct challenge to the city's holiness.
* **"which brought fish, and all manner of ware":** This specifies the nature of their trade. Fish, likely from the Mediterranean coast, would have been a common commodity. "All manner of ware" signifies a wide array of goods, reinforcing the idea of a comprehensive market operation. This detail emphasizes the economic convenience that tempted the Judahites to disregard the Sabbath.
* **"and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem":** This is the core of the transgression. The act of selling on the Sabbath was a direct violation of the Fourth Commandment. Crucially, the verse implicates not only the foreign sellers but also the "children of Judah" (the Israelites) as buyers, demonstrating their complicity and active participation in the desecration. The phrase "in Jerusalem" further compounds the offense, as the holy city itself, meant to be a beacon of God's law, had become a site of open disobedience.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices to convey its message. **Juxtaposition** is evident in the stark contrast between the holy city of Jerusalem, intended as a center of worship and adherence to God's law, and the profane commercial activity occurring within its gates on the sacred Sabbath. This highlights the severity of the spiritual decline. There is also an element of **Irony**, as the very people who had recently entered into a solemn covenant to uphold the Sabbath (Nehemiah 10:31) are now openly violating it, demonstrating the fragility of human commitment without sustained vigilance and divine empowerment. Furthermore, the **Symbolism** of the Sabbath itself is central; its desecration here symbolizes the broader erosion of covenant fidelity and the blurring of lines between God's people and the surrounding nations. The presence of the Tyrians, representing foreign economic influence, serves as a **Metonymy** for the broader cultural and spiritual compromise that threatened Israel's distinct identity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 13:16 powerfully underscores the theological significance of the Sabbath as a foundational element of God's covenant with Israel, rooted in both creation and redemption. The deliberate setting aside of one day for rest and worship was not merely a legalistic requirement but a profound declaration of trust in God's provision and a recognition of His sovereignty over all of life. Its desecration by both foreign merchants and the Judahites themselves revealed a deeper spiritual malaise—a willingness to prioritize economic gain and convenience over divine command and covenant faithfulness. This compromise threatened Israel's distinct identity as a holy nation, called to reflect God's character to the world. The incident serves as a timeless reminder that true devotion requires vigilance against worldly pressures and a steadfast commitment to God's revealed will, even when it demands personal sacrifice or cultural counter-conformity.

* [Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment, Remember the Sabbath Day")
* [Jeremiah 17:21-27](/jeremiah/17-21 "Jeremiah 17:21-27 - Warning Against Sabbath Breaking and Promise of Blessing")
* [Isaiah 58:13-14](/isaiah/58-13 "Isaiah 58:13-14 - Blessings for Honoring the Sabbath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 13:16 serves as a potent historical mirror, reflecting the ongoing human struggle between spiritual commitment and worldly convenience. For contemporary believers, this passage is a vital call to self-examination regarding our priorities and the integrity of our faith in daily life. In a culture driven by constant productivity and consumerism, the principle of setting aside time for God, for rest, and for spiritual reflection remains profoundly relevant. We are challenged to consider where we might be tempted to compromise our convictions for perceived economic benefit, social acceptance, or personal convenience. This includes discerning how we utilize our time, resources, and even our digital spaces, ensuring that our lives are not merely a reflection of prevailing cultural norms but are intentionally ordered around God's commands and His glory. The vigilance of Nehemiah reminds us that maintaining spiritual health requires intentional discipline and a willingness to stand against the current when necessary, ensuring that our faith is not just professed but truly practiced in every sphere of life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do contemporary cultural pressures (e.g., consumerism, constant connectivity) challenge our commitment to spiritual disciplines and rest?**
* **In what specific ways might we be tempted to compromise our faith or neglect spiritual practices for convenience or perceived gain in our daily lives?**
* **What practical steps can we take to intentionally set aside time for rest, worship, and devotion to God, even when it goes against prevailing societal norms?**

### FAQ
**Why was Sabbath observance so important for post-exilic Israel?**

Answer: For post-exilic Israel, Sabbath observance was critically important for several interconnected reasons. Firstly, it was a **foundational sign of their covenant with God** (Exodus 31:13-17), a weekly reminder of their unique relationship with Yahweh. After the trauma of exile, which was understood as a consequence of covenant unfaithfulness, strict adherence to the law, especially the Sabbath, was seen as essential for national restoration and preventing a return to past sins. Secondly, it served as a **distinguishing mark of their identity** among the surrounding pagan nations. In a world where other cultures had different gods and practices, the Sabbath set Israel apart as a people consecrated to the one true God. Thirdly, it was a **theological reminder of God's creative and redemptive work**—His rest after creation (Genesis 2:2-3) and His deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage (Deuteronomy 5:15). By resting, they acknowledged God as their provider and sustainer, fostering dependence on Him rather than on their own labor. Lastly, it was a practical discipline that provided **physical and spiritual renewal**, ensuring that the community regularly paused from the relentless pursuit of worldly gain to focus on worship, family, and spiritual reflection, thereby strengthening their communal faith and preventing the kind of spiritual erosion seen in [Nehemiah 13:16](/nehemiah/13-16 "Nehemiah 13:16 - Sabbath Desecration").

**What does "men of Tyre" signify in this context?**

Answer: The "men of Tyre" signify the pervasive and tempting influence of foreign economic activity and culture on the Judahite community. Tyre was a major Phoenician trading hub, known for its commercial prowess and extensive trade networks. Their presence in Jerusalem, bringing goods like fish and other wares, highlights the **economic pressures and opportunities** that could easily lead the Judahites to compromise their religious principles for material gain. It represents the **external forces that challenged Israel's distinctiveness and commitment to God's law**. The fact that these foreign merchants were actively selling on the Sabbath, and the Judahites were buying from them, illustrates a widespread failure to uphold the covenant. This detail underscores a recurring theme throughout Israel's history: the struggle to remain separate and holy from the surrounding nations, resisting the allure of their customs and economic systems when they conflicted with divine commands. Nehemiah's forceful response to this situation (Nehemiah 13:19-21) demonstrates his understanding of the profound spiritual danger posed by such foreign influence and the resulting compromise.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While the ceremonial observance of the Sabbath, as a specific day of rest under the Mosaic Law, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, the principles it embodies are profoundly Christ-centered. Jesus declared Himself to be "Lord even of the Sabbath" ([Mark 2:28](/mark/2-28 "Mark 2:28 - Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath")), demonstrating that the Sabbath was made for humanity, not humanity for the Sabbath ([Mark 2:27](/mark/2-27 "Mark 2:27 - The Sabbath Made for Man")). He fulfilled the Sabbath's true meaning by offering the ultimate rest from the burden of sin and the striving for self-righteousness. The author of Hebrews speaks of a "Sabbath-rest for the people of God" ([Hebrews 4:9](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People")), a spiritual rest entered into by faith in Christ's finished work on the cross. Just as the physical Sabbath provided cessation from labor, Christ provides cessation from the futile works of the law for salvation. Nehemiah 13:16, with its depiction of a people failing to maintain a physical sign of their covenant, points to the deeper spiritual reality that only in Christ can true and lasting rest, righteousness, and covenant fidelity be found. Our "rest" is not merely in a day, but in the person of Jesus, who perfectly honored God's law and offers His perfect obedience as our own, enabling us to live lives of true worship and holiness, not by legalistic adherence but by the power of the Spirit ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - Walking According to the Spirit")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 23:12

Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest: that thine ox and thine ass may rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed.

Deuteronomy 5:14

But the seventh day [is] the sabbath of the LORD thy God: [in it] thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that [is] within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou.