Nehemiah 13:16

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context

Nehemiah 13:16 is part of a crucial section in the book of Nehemiah, detailing the governor's second return to Jerusalem after a period away, likely serving King Artaxerxes. Upon his return, Nehemiah discovered that many of the reforms he had previously instituted had been neglected or outright violated. The people had fallen back into old patterns of compromise, particularly regarding the sacred laws of God. This verse specifically highlights a significant breach of the Sabbath commandment, which was a foundational element of Israel's covenant with God and a distinguishing mark of their identity as God's chosen people in the post-exilic era.

Key Themes

  • Sabbath Desecration: The primary issue presented is the blatant disregard for the Sabbath day's sanctity. The Fourth Commandment explicitly forbade work and commercial activity on this day, designated for rest and worship. The selling of goods by the Tyrians and the buying by the Judahites represented a widespread failure to uphold this divine ordinance.
  • Foreign Influence and Compromise: The presence of "men of Tyre" and their active commerce on the Sabbath demonstrates the pervasive influence of foreign cultures and the willingness of some Judahites to compromise their religious principles for economic convenience. This highlights a recurring struggle in Israel's history to remain distinct and holy amidst surrounding nations.
  • Erosion of Spiritual Discipline: This verse illustrates how quickly spiritual disciplines can erode when vigilance is relaxed. Nehemiah had previously secured a covenant from the people not to buy or sell on the Sabbath, yet this commitment had clearly weakened, leading to widespread Sabbath desecration in Jerusalem.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Sabbath" comes from the Hebrew word Shabbat (ืฉึทืื‘ึธึผืช), which literally means "rest" or "cessation." It signifies a day set apart for ceasing from labor and focusing on God. The phrase "all manner of ware" (ืžึดื›ึฐื‘ึผึธืจ) indicates a variety of general goods, suggesting a bustling market economy operating in defiance of the holy day.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 13:16 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of spiritual discipline and adherence to God's commands. For believers today, it underscores the need to:

  • Prioritize God's Commands: Just as the Sabbath was a sign of the covenant, Christians are called to live according to God's will, resisting the temptations of worldly convenience or profit that might lead to compromise.
  • Guard Against Compromise: We must be vigilant against influences that encourage us to dilute our faith or neglect spiritual practices. This includes discerning how we use our time, especially regarding rest and devotion.
  • Maintain Holiness: The principle of setting aside time for God, whether through worship, rest, or spiritual reflection, remains vital for spiritual health. This verse challenges us to consider how we truly honor God with our time and resources, even when it goes against prevailing cultural norms.

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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.
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