Nehemiah 13:29

Context

Nehemiah 13:29 concludes Nehemiah's account of his second return to Jerusalem, during which he discovered significant spiritual and social decay among the people. After his initial successful reforms, Nehemiah had returned to Persia. Upon his return to Jerusalem, he found that many of the reforms he had instituted, such as the expulsion of Tobiah from the Temple courts (Nehemiah 13:4-9), the proper support for the Levites (Nehemiah 13:10-14), and the observance of the Sabbath (Nehemiah 13:15-22), had been neglected. This verse specifically addresses the severe issue of intermarriage with foreign women, particularly concerning the priestly lineage, which was a direct violation of God's law and a threat to the spiritual purity of Israel.

Meaning of the Verse

In this verse, Nehemiah makes a fervent prayer, a personal appeal to God for divine justice: "Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood, and the covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites." This is one of several instances where Nehemiah appeals to God to "remember" his actions or the actions of others (e.g., Nehemiah 5:19, 13:14, 13:22, 13:31). The "them" refers to those who had compromised the sacred office, specifically highlighted by the son of Joiada, the high priest, who had married a daughter of Sanballat the Horonite (Nehemiah 13:28). This act of intermarriage with foreign women, especially by those in priestly office, was a profound defilement. It not only polluted the sacred lineage but also violated the specific "covenant of the priesthood" that God had established to ensure the purity and distinctiveness of those serving Him (cf. Numbers 25:13, Malachi 2:4-8). The Levites, who assisted the priests, were also part of this sacred covenant and were similarly affected by such widespread spiritual compromise.

Key Themes

• Sanctity of the Priesthood: The verse underscores the critical importance of maintaining the purity and integrity of those who serve in sacred offices. The priesthood was not merely a job but a holy calling requiring strict adherence to God's commands.
• Covenant Faithfulness: God had established a specific covenant with the priestly and Levitical lines, outlining their responsibilities and blessings. Defiling this covenant meant breaking a solemn oath made before God, with serious consequences.
• Zeal for God's Law: Nehemiah's passionate prayer reflects his deep zeal for God's honor and the strict observance of His law. He understood that the spiritual health of the nation depended on its adherence to divine standards.
• Consequences of Disobedience: The defilement of the priesthood and its covenant highlights the severe repercussions of spiritual compromise and disobedience, especially for those entrusted with sacred duties.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew word translated "defiled" is ṭāmē' (טָמֵא), which means to be or become unclean, polluted, or ritually impure. It carries a strong sense of profaning something sacred, making it unfit for God's service or presence. This term emphasizes the gravity of the actions described, indicating a spiritual impurity that went beyond mere administrative error to a direct affront against God's holiness.

Practical Application

Nehemiah's plea in this verse holds timeless relevance for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder of:

• Integrity in Leadership: Those in positions of spiritual leadership within the church or community are called to a higher standard of integrity and faithfulness. Their actions can significantly impact the spiritual well-being of others and the reputation of the faith.
• Respect for Sacred Callings: Whether in formal ministry or as part of the "priesthood of all believers" (1 Peter 2:9), all Christians are called to live lives that honor God and uphold His standards.
• The Seriousness of Spiritual Compromise: Just as the ancient priesthood had a covenant, believers today are in a new covenant with God through Christ. Breaking spiritual commitments, whether through deliberate sin or neglect, has serious implications for one's relationship with God and the purity of the church.
• Prayer for Purity: Nehemiah's example encourages us to pray earnestly for the purity and faithfulness of God's people and leaders, asking God to address and rectify spiritual defilement where it exists.