Nehemiah 13:20

So the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged without Jerusalem once or twice.

So the merchants {H7402} and sellers {H4376} of all kind of ware {H4465} lodged {H3885} without {H2351} Jerusalem {H3389} once {H6471} or twice {H8147}.

The merchants and sellers of all kinds of goods spent the night outside Yerushalayim once or twice,

Once or twice, the merchants and those who sell all kinds of goods camped outside Jerusalem,

So the merchants and sellers of all kind of wares lodged without Jerusalem once or twice.

Commentary

Nehemiah 13:20 describes a direct consequence of Nehemiah’s stringent efforts to restore proper Sabbath observance in post-exilic Jerusalem. This verse highlights the immediate impact of his reforms on the daily life and commerce around the city walls, showing the initial resistance to his strict measures.

Context

After a period away from Jerusalem, Nehemiah returned to find many of the reforms he had previously instituted had fallen into disrepair. Among the most egregious violations was the widespread profanation of the Sabbath, with people buying and selling goods, and even treading winepresses on the holy day (Nehemiah 13:15). Nehemiah confronted the nobles of Judah and took decisive action. He commanded that the city gates be shut before the Sabbath began and not opened until it was over, appointing his own servants to ensure no merchandise entered (Nehemiah 13:19). Verse 20 shows the merchants' initial attempt to circumvent these measures: unable to enter the city to sell, they simply "lodged without Jerusalem," hoping to sell their wares right outside the closed gates, perhaps at the earliest moment after the Sabbath ended.

Key Themes

  • Enforcement of God's Law: Nehemiah demonstrates unwavering commitment to upholding the Lord's commandments, especially the commandment to keep the Sabbath holy. His actions were not just about civic order but about restoring spiritual integrity to the community.
  • Resistance to Reform: The merchants' act of lodging outside the city shows a subtle but persistent resistance to Nehemiah's reforms. They sought to find loopholes or simply wait out the restrictions, indicating the deep-seated habits and commercial interests that challenged spiritual discipline and the sanctity of the Sabbath.
  • Leadership and Discipline: Nehemiah’s leadership is characterized by boldness and practical enforcement. He didn't just preach; he implemented measures to ensure compliance, even personally overseeing guards at the gates. This highlights the practical aspect of his commitment to rebuilding not just walls, but also the spiritual life of the people.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "lodged without Jerusalem" simply means they camped or stayed overnight outside the city walls. The KJV's "once or twice" indicates that this was not a one-time occurrence but a repeated attempt by the merchants to continue their trade despite the Sabbath restrictions. This repetition underscores their persistence and, by implication, Nehemiah's need for continued vigilance to ensure the Sabbath was truly observed.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that spiritual disciplines, like observing a day of rest or dedicating time to God, often face opposition from worldly pressures or ingrained habits. Just as the merchants sought to circumvent Nehemiah's rules, we too may be tempted to find "loopholes" in our commitments to God or compromise our spiritual values for convenience or gain. The narrative encourages steadfastness in upholding biblical principles, even when it is inconvenient or goes against prevailing cultural norms. It also underscores the importance of setting clear boundaries to protect our spiritual lives and uphold God's standards for holiness.

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Cross-References

No cross-references found.

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