Nehemiah 13:17

KJV

Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing [is] this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day?

KJV (with Strong's)

Then I contended {H7378} with the nobles {H2715} of Judah {H3063}, and said {H559} unto them, What evil {H7451} thing {H1697} is this that ye do {H6213}, and profane {H2490} the sabbath {H7676} day {H3117}?

Complete Jewish Bible

I disputed with the nobles of Y'hudah, demanding of them, "What is this terrible thing you are doing, profaning the day of Shabbat?

Berean Standard Bible

Then I rebuked the nobles of Judah and asked, “What is this evil you are doing—profaning the Sabbath day?

American Standard Version

Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 13:17 captures a pivotal moment of confrontation where the prophet-governor Nehemiah directly challenges the "nobles of Judah" for their egregious failure to uphold the sanctity of the Sabbath day. Upon his return to Jerusalem, Nehemiah discovered a widespread spiritual decline, marked by the profanation of the Sabbath through commercial activities and a general disregard for the covenant laws. This verse encapsulates Nehemiah's righteous indignation and his unwavering commitment to restoring covenant faithfulness and the holy identity of the post-exilic Jewish community, highlighting the critical role of leadership in spiritual integrity and obedience to divine commands.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 13 serves as an epilogue to the book, detailing Nehemiah's second tenure as governor in Jerusalem, approximately 12-13 years after his initial reforms. The preceding chapters ([Nehemiah 8](/nehemiah/8 "Nehemiah 8 - The Reading of the Law")-[Nehemiah 12](/nehemiah/12 "Nehemiah 12 - Dedication of the Wall")) recount the joyous dedication of the wall, the public reading of the Law, and the solemn covenant renewal ceremony where the people, including the nobles, explicitly vowed to obey God's commands, particularly regarding the Sabbath and temple support ([Nehemiah 10:28-39](/nehemiah/10-28-39 "Nehemiah 10:28-39 - Covenant Renewal and Vows")). Chapter 13 immediately follows Nehemiah's departure and subsequent return, revealing the rapid spiritual backsliding that occurred in his absence. Verses [Nehemiah 13:15-16](/nehemiah/13-15-16 "Nehemiah 13:15-16 - Sabbath Violations Observed") specifically describe the Sabbath violations—people treading winepresses, bringing in sheaves, loading donkeys with produce, and selling goods on the Sabbath—setting the stage for Nehemiah's direct confrontation with the nobles in verse 17. His actions here are a continuation of his unwavering commitment to God's law and the purity of the community, mirroring his earlier efforts to rebuild the walls and restore the people's spiritual life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The post-exilic community in Jerusalem, though returned from Babylonian exile, remained under Persian imperial authority. Their identity as God's covenant people was largely defined by their adherence to the Mosaic Law, with the Sabbath being a foundational sign of that covenant ([Exodus 31:13](/exodus/31-13 "Exodus 31:13 - The Sabbath as a Sign")). The profanation of the Sabbath was not merely a minor infraction but a direct violation of one of the Ten Commandments ([Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment")), a sin that had historically contributed to Israel's exile ([Jeremiah 17:27](/jeremiah/17-27 "Jeremiah 17:27 - Consequences of Sabbath Breaking")). The "nobles of Judah" were the local elite, responsible for maintaining order and upholding the law. Their complicity or laxity in enforcing Sabbath observance allowed the common people and foreign merchants to disregard it, demonstrating a systemic failure of leadership. The economic pressures and the desire for profit, even on the holy day, reflect a common human tendency to prioritize material gain over spiritual obedience, a struggle that was particularly acute in a rebuilding society still finding its footing.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several key themes woven throughout the book of Nehemiah. Firstly, the **Sanctity of the Sabbath** is paramount; it is not merely a day of rest but a holy day, a sign of Israel's unique relationship with God, and its desecration is a grave offense. Secondly, **Leadership Accountability** is front and center. Nehemiah understands that the spiritual health of the community hinges on the integrity and vigilance of its leaders. The nobles, by failing to enforce the Sabbath, were directly contributing to the moral decay, making them culpable. Thirdly, **Covenant Faithfulness** is a recurring motif. The people had recently renewed their covenant with God, explicitly vowing to keep the Sabbath ([Nehemiah 10:31](/nehemiah/10-31 "Nehemiah 10:31 - The Covenant Vow Regarding the Sabbath")). Their current actions represent a profound breach of that solemn commitment, highlighting the constant human struggle between good intentions and practical obedience. Finally, Nehemiah's **Zeal for God's Law** and his unwavering commitment to reform, even in the face of elite opposition, exemplify righteous leadership and a deep reverence for divine commands, echoing the prophetic tradition found in books like [Isaiah](/isaiah/58 "Isaiah 58 - True Fasting and Sabbath Keeping").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Contended (Hebrew, _rîyb'_):** This verb (H7378) signifies a strong, forceful dispute, often with legal or judicial connotations. It implies more than a mere disagreement; it suggests a vigorous, perhaps even aggressive, challenge or rebuke. Nehemiah was not politely suggesting but actively engaging in a heated argument, asserting his authority and the seriousness of the offense. This word highlights the intensity of Nehemiah's passion for God's law and his willingness to confront powerful individuals directly.
* **Evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** From H7451, this term describes something bad, morally wrong, or calamitous. When Nehemiah uses it to describe the actions of the nobles, he is not merely stating that their actions are inconvenient or misguided but that they are fundamentally wicked and harmful. This underscores the gravity of their sin in God's eyes and its potential for devastating consequences on the community, echoing the historical judgments against Israel for similar transgressions.
* **Profane (Hebrew, _châlal'_):** This word (H2490) means to make common, to defile, to violate, or to pollute something sacred. It indicates the act of treating something holy as if it were ordinary or secular. By allowing commercial activity and labor on the Sabbath, the nobles and the people were actively stripping the day of its sacred character, reducing it to any other workday, thereby dishonoring God and breaking their covenant. The use of _châlal_ underscores the gravity of their sin—it was not just a mistake but a desecration of what God had set apart.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then I contended with the nobles of Judah":** This phrase immediately establishes Nehemiah's target and the nature of his interaction. He bypasses the common people and goes directly to the "nobles," the influential leaders and magistrates, holding them responsible for the widespread disobedience. His "contention" (as discussed above) indicates a direct, forceful, and authoritative confrontation, reflecting his deep concern and righteous anger over the spiritual laxity in Jerusalem. He understood that the rot began at the top, and effective reform required confronting those in power.
* **"and said unto them, What evil thing [is] this that ye do":** Nehemiah's direct address is a sharp rebuke, phrased as a rhetorical question. The term "evil thing" (Hebrew: _raʻ_ combined with _dâbâr_) is a strong condemnation, implying not just a mistake but a morally reprehensible act that brings harm and displeasure to God. This question is designed to expose their culpability and awaken their conscience, challenging them to acknowledge the sinfulness of their actions. It highlights their active participation or passive allowance of the profanation, demanding an account for their moral failure.
* **"and profane the sabbath day?":** This final clause explicitly names the specific transgression. By linking their actions directly to the profanation of the Sabbath, Nehemiah underscores the severity of the offense. The Sabbath was a sign of the covenant and a day consecrated to God; its desecration was a direct affront to God's holiness and a betrayal of their covenant vows. This question serves as the core accusation, laying bare the spiritual negligence and covenant unfaithfulness of the nobles, reminding them of the sanctity they were violating.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 13:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message and highlight the gravity of the situation. The primary device is **Direct Confrontation**, as Nehemiah, the protagonist, directly addresses the "nobles of Judah," setting up a clear conflict between righteous leadership and complacent authority. This immediate, face-to-face challenge underscores Nehemiah's courage and his unwavering commitment to God's law. This is immediately followed by a **Rhetorical Question** ("What evil thing [is] this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day?"), which is not intended to elicit an answer but to emphasize the obviousness and gravity of their sin, forcing introspection and highlighting their culpability. The phrase "evil thing" functions as **Hyperbole** to underscore the extreme nature of their transgression in Nehemiah's eyes, elevating the Sabbath violation beyond a minor misstep to a profound moral failing that threatens the community's spiritual integrity. Furthermore, the entire scene is rich in **Symbolism**, with the Sabbath itself symbolizing Israel's covenant relationship with God and their distinct identity as a holy nation. Its profanation, therefore, symbolizes a deeper spiritual decay and a breach of that sacred covenant, making Nehemiah's zealous defense of it a symbolic act of defending the very heart of their national and religious identity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah's zealous defense of the Sabbath in Nehemiah 13:17 is deeply rooted in Old Testament theology, particularly the understanding of the Sabbath as a foundational element of the Mosaic Covenant. The Sabbath was not merely a day off but a sacred institution, a divine command, and a perpetual sign between God and His people, signifying His sanctifying work and their distinct identity as His chosen nation. Its observance was a test of their faithfulness and a demonstration of their trust in God's provision rather than their own toil. The nobles' failure to uphold this command represented a profound spiritual compromise, demonstrating a prioritization of economic gain over divine obedience and a disregard for the very covenant they had recently affirmed. This episode highlights that true worship and covenant fidelity extend beyond ritual to practical obedience in daily life, especially concerning God's appointed times and laws, and that leaders bear a particular responsibility for upholding these standards.

* [Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment")
* [Exodus 31:13-17](/exodus/31-13-17 "Exodus 31:13-17 - The Sabbath as a Sign of the Covenant")
* [Jeremiah 17:21-27](/jeremiah/17-21-27 "Jeremiah 17:21-27 - Warnings Against Sabbath Breaking")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 13:17 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today about the enduring importance of spiritual vigilance, particularly for those in positions of leadership. Nehemiah's righteous indignation against the profanation of the Sabbath underscores that God's commands are not suggestions but sacred obligations that reflect His character and His desire for our holiness. For us, while the specific legalistic observance of the Old Testament Sabbath has been transformed in Christ, the principle of setting aside time for God, for rest, and for spiritual renewal remains vital. We are called to guard against the insidious creep of worldliness and complacency that can cause us to treat sacred things as common, whether it's our time, our resources, our bodies, or our commitment to worship and community. This verse challenges us to examine where we might be compromising our faith for convenience or profit, and it calls leaders, in particular, to model unwavering commitment to God's standards, understanding that their actions (or inactions) profoundly impact the spiritual health of those they lead.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be treating something sacred as common or ordinary?**
* **How does my use of time, particularly my rest and worship, reflect my commitment to God?**
* **If I am in a leadership position, how do my choices and example influence the spiritual integrity of those I lead?**
* **What "evil thing" might the Lord be contending with me about, calling me to greater faithfulness and obedience?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of the Sabbath in ancient Israel, and why was its profanation such a serious offense?**

Answer: The Sabbath was profoundly significant in ancient Israel, serving multiple purposes. Firstly, it was a memorial of creation, reminding Israel that God is the Creator and Sustainer of all life, who rested on the seventh day ([Genesis 2:2-3](/genesis/2-2-3 "Genesis 2:2-3 - God Rests on the Seventh Day")). Secondly, it was a sign of the Mosaic Covenant, distinguishing Israel as God's chosen people and signifying His sanctifying presence among them ([Exodus 31:13](/exodus/31-13 "Exodus 31:13 - The Sabbath as a Sign")). Thirdly, it was a day of rest and liberation, especially for servants and animals, reminding them of their deliverance from slavery in Egypt ([Deuteronomy 5:15](/deuteronomy/5-15 "Deuteronomy 5:15 - Remember You Were Slaves in Egypt")). Profaning the Sabbath, therefore, was not merely breaking a rule; it was a direct affront to God's authority, a rejection of their covenant identity, and a disregard for His gracious provision. Historically, the prophets warned that Sabbath breaking was a key reason for Israel's exile ([Ezekiel 20:13](/ezekiel/20-13 "Ezekiel 20:13 - Israel's Rebellion and Sabbath Breaking")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Nehemiah's zealous defense of the Sabbath highlights the importance of obedience to God's law, the New Testament reveals that true Sabbath rest finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Jesus declared Himself to be "Lord of the Sabbath" ([Matthew 12:8](/matthew/12-8 "Matthew 12:8 - Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath")), demonstrating His authority over it and revealing its true purpose—to bring healing and liberation, not burdensome legalism. The Old Covenant Sabbath, a shadow of things to come, pointed forward to the spiritual rest found in Christ, who has accomplished salvation and freed us from the futile works of the law ([Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Sabbath as a Shadow of Christ")). Through His finished work on the cross, believers enter into a new covenant rest, a cessation from striving to earn righteousness and a reliance on His perfect work ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for the People of God")). Thus, Nehemiah's confrontation, while righteous in its context, ultimately directs our gaze to the One who perfectly fulfilled the law and offers eternal rest to all who believe, inviting us to cease from our own works and enter into His perfect peace ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me and I Will Give You Rest")).

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

Nehemiah 13:11

Then contended I with the rulers, and said, Why is the house of God forsaken? And I gathered them together, and set them in their place.

Nehemiah 13:25

And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, [saying], Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves.

Jeremiah 22:2

And say, Hear the word of the LORD, O king of Judah, that sittest upon the throne of David, thou, and thy servants, and thy people that enter in by these gates:

Jeremiah 22:23

O inhabitant of Lebanon, that makest thy nest in the cedars, how gracious shalt thou be when pangs come upon thee, the pain as of a woman in travail!

Micah 3:1

¶ And I said, Hear, I pray you, O heads of Jacob, and ye princes of the house of Israel; [Is it] not for you to know judgment?

Jeremiah 5:5

I will get me unto the great men, and will speak unto them; for they have known the way of the LORD, [and] the judgment of their God: but these have altogether broken the yoke, [and] burst the bonds.

Jeremiah 13:18

Say unto the king and to the queen, Humble yourselves, sit down: for your principalities shall come down, [even] the crown of your glory.