Nehemiah 13:28

KJV

And [one] of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, [was] son in law to Sanballat the Horonite: therefore I chased him from me.

KJV (with Strong's)

And one of the sons {H1121} of Joiada {H3111}, the son {H1121} of Eliashib {H475} the high {H1419} priest {H3548}, was son in law {H2860} to Sanballat {H5571} the Horonite {H2772}: therefore I chased {H1272} him from me.

Complete Jewish Bible

One of the sons of Yoyada the son of Elyashiv, the cohen hagadol, had become son-in-law to Sanvalat the Horoni; so I drove him out of my presence.

Berean Standard Bible

Even one of the sons of Jehoiada son of Eliashib the high priest had become a son-in-law to Sanballat the Horonite. Therefore I drove him away from me.

American Standard Version

And one of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was son-in-law to Sanballat the Horonite: therefore I chased him from me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 13:28 records a pivotal moment in Nehemiah's post-exilic reforms, where he decisively expelled a grandson of the high priest Eliashib for intermarrying with the daughter of Sanballat the Horonite. This action underscores Nehemiah's unyielding commitment to covenant faithfulness, the sanctity of the priesthood, and the preservation of Israel's spiritual purity against the insidious threat of compromise and foreign influence. It highlights the severe consequences of spiritual laxity, even within the highest echelons of religious leadership, and Nehemiah's uncompromising zeal for God's law.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 13 details Nehemiah's second return to Jerusalem after a period in Persia, during which the reforms he had previously instituted had largely unraveled. He discovered widespread spiritual decline, including the defilement of the temple by Eliashib the high priest allowing Tobiah the Ammonite to occupy a temple chamber ([Nehemiah 13:4-9](/nehemiah/13-4 "Nehemiah 13:4 - Eliashib's Compromise")), neglect of the Levites' portions ([Nehemiah 13:10-14](/nehemiah/13-10 "Nehemiah 13:10 - Neglect of Levites")), and widespread Sabbath desecration ([Nehemiah 13:15-22](/nehemiah/13-15 "Nehemiah 13:15 - Sabbath Desecration")). The issue of intermarriage with foreign women is addressed in [Nehemiah 13:23-27](/nehemiah/13-23 "Nehemiah 13:23 - Foreign Marriages"), with this specific verse serving as the climactic and most egregious example, involving the high priestly family itself. Nehemiah's forceful expulsion of this individual demonstrates his uncompromising resolve to purge impurity from the community, regardless of social standing or familial ties.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Nehemiah 13 occur in the post-exilic period, following the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity. A central theme of this era, particularly articulated by Ezra and Nehemiah, was the re-establishment of Israel's distinct identity as God's covenant people, centered on adherence to the Torah. The Mosaic Law, especially in [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3 - Prohibition of Intermarriage"), explicitly prohibited intermarriage with foreign nations, not for racial reasons, but to prevent spiritual assimilation and the adoption of idolatrous practices. This prohibition was re-emphasized during the return from exile, as seen in Ezra's profound distress over the issue in [Ezra 9:1-2](/ezra/9-1 "Ezra 9:1 - Ezra's Distress Over Intermarriage"). Sanballat the Horonite was a relentless adversary of Nehemiah and the Jewish people's efforts to rebuild Jerusalem and its spiritual life, actively opposing them at every turn ([Nehemiah 4:1-2](/nehemiah/4-1 "Nehemiah 4:1 - Sanballat's Opposition")). A marriage alliance with his family was therefore not merely a social misstep but a profound spiritual and political betrayal, undermining the very fabric of the restored community. The involvement of the high priestly family, meant to be the epitome of holiness and adherence to God's law, made this particular transgression exceptionally scandalous and dangerous.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Nehemiah and the broader post-exilic narrative. It highlights **Covenant Faithfulness and Purity**, emphasizing the absolute necessity of adhering to God's commands to maintain the distinctiveness and holiness of His people. Nehemiah's action underscores the **Sanctity of the Priesthood**, demonstrating that even those in the highest spiritual office are not exempt from God's law and must exemplify purity. The incident serves as a stark warning about the **Consequences of Spiritual Compromise**, illustrating how easily compromise can infiltrate and corrupt even the most sacred institutions, leading to a dilution of faith and practice. Finally, Nehemiah's decisive response embodies **Uncompromising Zeal for God's Law** and the vital principle of **Separation from Ungodly Influences**, asserting that alliances with those hostile to God's purposes pose a grave threat to the spiritual health and integrity of the community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Eliashib (Hebrew, _ʾElyāšîb'_):** Meaning "God restores" or "God brings back." Ironically, Eliashib, the high priest, whose name signifies restoration, was deeply implicated in the spiritual decline Nehemiah found. His family's compromise with Sanballat represented a significant failure of leadership and a betrayal of the very spiritual restoration God was bringing about through Nehemiah.
* **Sanballat (Hebrew, _Sanballaṭ'_):** A prominent Horonite (likely from Horonaim in Moab or Beth-Horon), a governor of Samaria, and a chief antagonist of Nehemiah. His name is possibly Babylonian, meaning "Sin (the moon-god) has given life." His daughter's marriage into the high priestly family was a strategic move to undermine the Jewish community from within, making the expulsion a critical act of spiritual self-preservation.
* **chased him from me (Hebrew, הֶבְרַחְתִּיהוּ, _hevraḥtīhū'_):** Derived from the root בָּרַח (_baraḥ_), meaning "to flee" or "to drive away." The Hiphil causative stem used here (הֶבְרַחְתִּיהוּ) signifies "I caused him to flee" or "I drove him away." This is not a gentle dismissal but a forceful, decisive expulsion, indicating the severity of the offense and Nehemiah's absolute resolve to remove the source of defilement from the community. It reflects a swift and non-negotiable act of spiritual purification.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And [one] of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest,"**: This clause precisely identifies the individual involved, emphasizing his direct lineage to the current high priest, Eliashib. The prominence of his family, at the apex of Israel's religious leadership, makes his transgression particularly egregious. It highlights that spiritual compromise can infiltrate even the most sacred and revered institutions, posing a profound threat to the entire community's integrity.
* **"[was] son in law to Sanballat the Horonite:**": This states the specific nature of the transgression: an intermarriage with the family of Sanballat, a notorious adversary of God's people and their efforts to rebuild Jerusalem. This union was a direct violation of God's commands against marrying foreign women, which were designed to preserve Israel's spiritual distinctiveness and prevent the introduction of idolatry. It also represented a political and spiritual alliance with an enemy, undermining the very foundation of the covenant community.
* **"therefore I chased him from me."**: This final clause describes Nehemiah's immediate, decisive, and uncompromising action. His forceful expulsion of the high priest's grandson demonstrates his unwavering zeal for God's law and his commitment to purging impurity from the community, regardless of the individual's social standing or familial connections. It underscores his role as a zealous guardian of the covenant, willing to take drastic measures to protect the holiness and integrity of God's people.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in Nehemiah 13:28 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. There is a striking **Juxtaposition** between the sacred lineage of the high priest's family and the profane alliance forged with Sanballat, a known enemy of God's people. This contrast heightens the sense of scandal and betrayal. **Irony** is also present, as the very family entrusted with upholding the purity and holiness of Israel's worship is found to be deeply compromised. Furthermore, Nehemiah's act of expulsion serves as a powerful **Symbolism** of spiritual purification, representing the necessary removal of defilement from the community to restore its covenant integrity. The verse acts as a **Dramatic Climax** to Nehemiah's confrontation with the issue of intermarriage, showcasing his ultimate, uncompromising resolve in the face of spiritual decay.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 13:28 stands as a stark testament to the enduring biblical principle of separation and holiness, particularly concerning the integrity of God's covenant people. The intermarriage with Sanballat's family was not merely a social faux pas; it was a profound theological breach, threatening to dilute Israel's unique identity as a nation set apart for God. Nehemiah's zealous response reflects a deep understanding that spiritual purity is non-negotiable for those called to represent God. This incident underscores God's consistent demand for His people to be distinct from the surrounding pagan cultures, lest they be led astray into idolatry and compromise their covenant relationship. It highlights the critical role of leadership in upholding divine standards and the severe consequences when those standards are abandoned, even by those in positions of spiritual authority.

* [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition of Intermarriage")
* [Ezra 9:1-2](/ezra/9-1 "Ezra 9:1-2 - Ezra's Lament Over Intermarriage")
* [2 Corinthians 6:14-17](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14-17 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 13:28 serves as a timeless and potent reminder for believers today to guard against spiritual compromise in all its forms. Just as ancient Israel was called to maintain its distinctiveness as God's holy people, Christians are called to be set apart from worldly influences that contradict God’s Word. This involves a careful and prayerful consideration of our relationships, associations, and decisions, ensuring they do not dilute our faith or compromise the integrity of the church. Nehemiah's unwavering adherence to God's standards, even when it meant confronting difficult situations and making unpopular choices involving powerful individuals, challenges us to prioritize divine truth and purity above personal comfort, social acceptance, or political expediency. It calls for a courageous and uncompromising stand for righteousness, recognizing that spiritual health and vitality depend on our fidelity to God's covenant.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Nehemiah's uncompromising zeal challenge my own willingness to confront spiritual compromise in my life or community?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be forming "unequal yokes" or compromising spiritual distinctiveness for worldly gain or acceptance?**
* **What is my role in upholding the purity and integrity of the church, especially when difficult decisions are required, and how can I emulate Nehemiah's courage?**

### FAQ
**Why was intermarriage such a severe offense in ancient Israel, particularly in the post-exilic period?**

Answer: Intermarriage was not prohibited for racial reasons, but for spiritual and theological ones. The primary concern was the preservation of Israel's unique identity as God's covenant people and the prevention of idolatry. As explicitly stated in [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition of Intermarriage"), marrying into foreign nations would inevitably lead to turning away from the Lord and serving other gods. In the post-exilic period, after the devastating consequences of idolatry that led to the exile, the leaders like Ezra and Nehemiah were acutely aware of the need to protect the community from any influence that could compromise their renewed commitment to God. Marriages with those who did not worship Yahweh threatened to reintroduce pagan practices and dilute the spiritual purity of the nascent community, undermining their covenant relationship with God.

**What does "chased him from me" imply about Nehemiah's leadership style and the severity of the offense?**

Answer: The phrase "chased him from me" (Hebrew: הֶבְרַחְתִּיהוּ, _hevraḥtīhū_), meaning "I caused him to flee" or "I drove him away," signifies a forceful and decisive expulsion. It reveals Nehemiah's uncompromising and zealous leadership style. He was not swayed by the high social standing of the individual (a grandson of the high priest) or by potential political repercussions from Sanballat. This action demonstrates Nehemiah's absolute commitment to God's law and his willingness to take drastic measures to protect the holiness and integrity of the community. The severity of the offense was such that it warranted immediate and complete removal, signifying that spiritual compromise, especially at the highest levels of leadership, was an existential threat to the purity of God's people and the sanctity of His covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah's zealous act of expelling the high priest's grandson for defiling the covenant through intermarriage powerfully foreshadows the ultimate zeal of Jesus Christ for the purity of God's people and His temple. Just as Nehemiah purged physical and spiritual compromise from Jerusalem, Jesus demonstrated His uncompromising commitment to God's holiness by cleansing the temple, driving out those who defiled it with commercialism and irreverence ([John 2:13-17](/john/2-13 "John 2:13 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")). However, Christ's work goes infinitely deeper than Nehemiah's external reforms. While Nehemiah expelled an individual, Jesus purifies His people from within, not by human decree, but by His own sacrificial blood, making them a holy and blameless bride ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25 - Christ Loves the Church"); [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Purifies")). He establishes a new covenant where separation is not merely an external adherence to laws, but an internal transformation of the heart, writing His law on our minds and hearts ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant")). Through Christ, believers become a spiritual temple, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, called to be a holy nation set apart for God's purposes ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body a Temple"); [1 Peter 2:9-10](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Holy Nation")). Jesus, as our ultimate High Priest, is Himself holy, blameless, and separate from sinners ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus Our High Priest")), perfectly embodying and upholding God's standard without any compromise.

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 2:19

But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard [it], they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What [is] this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king?

Nehemiah 2:10

When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard [of it], it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.

Nehemiah 3:1

¶ Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel.

Nehemiah 6:17

Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and [the letters] of Tobiah came unto them.

Nehemiah 6:19

Also they reported his good deeds before me, and uttered my words to him. [And] Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.

Nehemiah 12:22

The Levites in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, and Johanan, and Jaddua, [were] recorded chief of the fathers: also the priests, to the reign of Darius the Persian.

Nehemiah 12:10

And Jeshua begat Joiakim, Joiakim also begat Eliashib, and Eliashib begat Joiada,