Nehemiah 13:22

And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and [that] they should come [and] keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, [concerning] this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.

And I commanded {H559} the Levites {H3881} that they should cleanse {H2891} themselves, and that they should come {H935} and keep {H8104} the gates {H8179}, to sanctify {H6942} the sabbath {H7676} day {H3117}. Remember {H2142} me, O my God {H430}, concerning this also, and spare {H2347} me according to the greatness {H7230} of thy mercy {H2617}.

Then I ordered the L'vi'im to purify themselves and come and guard the gates, in order to keep the day of Shabbat holy. My God, remember this too for me, and have mercy on me in keeping with the greatness of your grace!

Then I instructed the Levites to purify themselves and guard the gates in order to keep the Sabbath day holy. Remember me for this as well, O my God, and show me mercy according to Your abundant loving devotion.

And I commanded the Levites that they should purify themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember unto me, O my God, this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy lovingkindness.

Commentary

Nehemiah 13:22 captures a pivotal moment in Nehemiah's efforts to restore spiritual discipline among the Israelites after their return from Babylonian exile. This verse highlights his commitment to upholding God's law, particularly concerning the sanctity of the Sabbath, and concludes with his characteristic, humble prayer for divine remembrance and mercy.

Historical and Cultural Context

Upon his second return to Jerusalem from Persia, Nehemiah discovered significant backsliding among the people. One of the most glaring issues was the widespread desecration of the Sabbath day, with commercial activities and trade flourishing within the city gates. To address this, Nehemiah took decisive action, closing the gates and assigning Levites to guard them. The Levites, as a priestly tribe, were divinely appointed for service in the temple and were expected to maintain a high standard of ritual and moral purity.

Nehemiah's command for the Levites to "cleanse themselves" was crucial. This wasn't merely about physical washing but implied a ritual and spiritual purification, preparing them for their sacred duty of protecting the sanctity of the Sabbath. Their role in "keeping the gates" was practical: to prevent merchants and goods from entering Jerusalem on the holy day, thereby upholding the Fourth Commandment.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Sabbath Sanctification: The verse underscores the profound importance of setting apart the Sabbath as a holy day unto the Lord, free from common labor and commerce. It's a reminder of God's command for rest and worship.
  • Purity for Sacred Service: The requirement for the Levites to cleanse themselves highlights the necessity of spiritual and moral purity for those engaged in God's work. Service to God demands consecration.
  • Nehemiah's Humble Prayer: Nehemiah's recurring plea, "Remember me, O my God," is a powerful testament to his reliance on divine favor rather than self-righteousness. Despite his tireless efforts, he recognizes that any reward or sparing comes solely from God's "greatness of thy mercy." This prayer is a hallmark of his character throughout the book.
  • Leadership and Reform: Nehemiah exemplifies strong spiritual leadership, taking firm action to restore God's laws and calling the people back to covenant faithfulness.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "cleanse themselves" comes from the Hebrew word hitqaddeshu, which means "to sanctify oneself" or "to purify oneself." It implies a ceremonial and moral preparation to be set apart for a holy purpose. The instruction "to sanctify the sabbath day" uses the Hebrew leqaddesh et yom haShabbat, literally "to make holy the day of the Sabbath," emphasizing the active role in setting it apart as sacred.

Nehemiah's petitions, "Remember me" (Hebrew: zokhereni) and "spare me" (Hebrew: vechusa alei), are deeply personal and reflect a profound awareness of God's sovereignty and compassion. He does not demand, but humbly requests mercy, acknowledging that his good works are not a claim but an offering to a merciful God.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 13:22 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Prioritizing God's Day: While not under the Old Covenant law, the principle of setting aside time for worship, rest, and spiritual reflection remains vital. We are called to honor God with our time and attention, making sacred what He deems holy.
  • Personal Purity in Service: Whether in formal ministry or daily Christian living, maintaining personal purity and a consecrated heart is essential for effective service to God.
  • Humility in Prayer: Nehemiah's prayer teaches us to approach God with humility, recognizing that our efforts, however commendable, are always dependent on His grace and boundless mercy. Our plea should always be for God to "spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy," as seen in Psalm 51:1.

This verse powerfully illustrates Nehemiah's unwavering dedication to God's law and his deep personal relationship with the Almighty, even in the face of significant challenges.

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Cross-References

  • Nehemiah 12:30

    And the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and purified the people, and the gates, and the wall.

  • Nehemiah 13:14

    Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof.

  • Nehemiah 13:31

    And for the wood offering, at times appointed, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, for good.

  • Psalms 130:7

    Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD [there is] mercy, and with him [is] plenteous redemption.

  • Isaiah 38:3

    And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done [that which is] good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.

  • 2 Kings 23:4

    ¶ And the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, and the priests of the second order, and the keepers of the door, to bring forth out of the temple of the LORD all the vessels that were made for Baal, and for the grove, and for all the host of heaven: and he burned them without Jerusalem in the fields of Kidron, and carried the ashes of them unto Bethel.

  • Psalms 51:1

    ¶ To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.