Nehemiah 13:31

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And for the wood {H6086} offering {H7133}, at times {H6256} appointed {H2163}, and for the firstfruits {H1061}. Remember {H2142} me, O my God {H430}, for good {H2896}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I also made provision for the delivery of wood at stated times, and for the firstfruits. My God, remember me favorably.

Berean Standard Bible

I also arranged for contributions of wood at the appointed times, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, with favor.

American Standard Version

and for the wood-offering, at times appointed, and for the first-fruits. Remember me, O my God, for good.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 13:31 serves as the poignant and deeply personal conclusion to the book of Nehemiah, encapsulating the leader's unwavering commitment to the spiritual and administrative integrity of post-exilic Jerusalem. This final verse highlights his diligent efforts in ensuring the proper provision for temple worship, specifically the "wood offering" and "firstfruits," which were vital for sustaining the sacrificial system and supporting the Levites and priests. The verse culminates in Nehemiah's humble yet confident plea to God, "Remember me, O my God, for good," revealing his ultimate desire for divine approval and favorable remembrance for his arduous, faithful service in the Lord's work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 13:31 functions as the powerful and reflective capstone to the entire Book of Nehemiah, offering a personal summation from the protagonist. The preceding verses of chapter 13 meticulously detail Nehemiah's second return to Jerusalem after a period of absence, during which he discovers significant spiritual and administrative backsliding among the people, effectively undoing many of his earlier reforms. He confronts the defilement of the temple by Tobiah the Ammonite, the neglect of the Levites and singers due to withheld tithes, widespread Sabbath breaking, and the re-emergence of mixed marriages with foreign women. With characteristic zeal and decisive action, Nehemiah confronts these abuses, expelling Tobiah, restoring the tithes, enforcing Sabbath observance, and addressing the issue of mixed marriages. This final verse, therefore, encapsulates his ongoing dedication to maintaining the purity of worship and the communal order, underscoring his profound personal investment in these crucial reforms.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in Nehemiah 13 unfold during the Post-Exilic period, specifically in the mid-5th century BCE, under the overarching authority of the Persian Empire. Jerusalem, though its walls had been magnificently rebuilt, remained a relatively small provincial capital, and its inhabitants were grappling with the complex task of re-establishing their covenant identity and faithfulness in their ancestral land. The "wood offering" was an indispensable provision for the daily burnt offerings on the temple altar, as wood was not always readily available in Jerusalem and required systematic collection and delivery. Similarly, the "firstfruits" were a divinely mandated offering from the harvest, a portion of which was specifically designated to sustain the priests and Levites, thereby ensuring their livelihood and enabling them to fulfill their sacred duties within the temple. The neglect of these offerings, as documented earlier in the chapter, directly undermined the temple's operations and the spiritual vitality of the community. Nehemiah's zealous actions were thus aimed at rigorously restoring adherence to the Mosaic Law, which formed the very bedrock of the covenant relationship between God and Israel.
* **Key Themes:** This poignant concluding verse powerfully reinforces several overarching themes woven throughout the Book of Nehemiah and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights the enduring theme of **faithful leadership and diligence**, as Nehemiah consistently exemplifies unwavering commitment to God's law and the holistic welfare of His people, even in the face of pervasive apathy, internal corruption, and external opposition. His life serves as a compelling model of a servant leader who prioritizes divine commands and the integrity of worship over personal comfort or gain, a dedication visible from the book's opening prayer in [Nehemiah 1:4-11](/nehemiah/1-4-11 "Nehemiah 1:4-11 - Nehemiah's Prayer for Jerusalem"). Secondly, the verse underscores the profound **importance of supporting corporate worship and ministry**. The practical mention of "wood offering" and "firstfruits" emphasizes the tangible resources required for the sustained maintenance of temple worship and the economic sustenance of those dedicated to spiritual service. This principle resonates deeply with broader biblical teachings on generosity and the support of ministry, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9-10 "Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honor the Lord with your wealth and the firstfruits"). Finally, Nehemiah's repeated, earnest plea, "Remember me, O my God, for good," (also articulated in [Nehemiah 13:14](/nehemiah/13-14 "Nehemiah 13:14 - Nehemiah's Prayer for the Temple") and [Nehemiah 13:22](/nehemiah/13-22 "Nehemiah 13:22 - Nehemiah's Prayer for Mercy")) reveals the profound theme of **divine remembrance and approval**. It speaks to the ultimate desire of a faithful servant: not fleeting human accolades, but God's favorable acknowledgment and eternal blessing for their arduous work, trusting implicitly in God's covenant faithfulness, a truth beautifully affirmed in [Psalm 105:8](/psalms/105-8 "Psalm 105:8 - God's Eternal Covenant Remembrance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wood (Hebrew, _‘êts'_):** This term refers to the timber or logs necessary for fueling the altar fire, which was absolutely essential for the daily burnt offerings and other sacrifices prescribed in the Mosaic Law. The provision of wood was a practical and ongoing logistical requirement, and its neglect, as seen earlier in Nehemiah's reforms, would directly impede the sacrificial system, which was central to Israelite worship and the process of atonement. Nehemiah's meticulous attention to this seemingly mundane detail underscores his comprehensive concern for the proper, uninterrupted functioning of the temple and its rituals.
* **Firstfruits (Hebrew, _bikkûwr'_):** These were the initial, earliest produce of the harvest, specifically mandated to be offered to God as a tangible expression of gratitude and an acknowledgment of His sovereign provision and ownership of all things. As commanded in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 26:1-11](/deuteronomy/26-1-11 "Deuteronomy 26:1-11 - Offering of Firstfruits")), a designated portion of these offerings was allocated for the support and sustenance of the priests and Levites who served in the temple. Nehemiah's efforts to ensure their proper collection and distribution were therefore vital for the economic and spiritual well-being of the entire temple staff, enabling them to dedicate themselves fully to their sacred duties without distraction.
* **Remember (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** In biblical Hebrew, this verb carries a much deeper and more active connotation than mere mental recall. When God is implored to "remember," it signifies an active, purposeful engagement, intervention, or favorable consideration on behalf of someone or something, often in fulfillment of a covenant, promise, or righteous deed. Nehemiah is not simply asking God to recall his past actions, but to actively respond to his faithful service with blessing, reward, and divine favor, acknowledging his efforts with justice and benevolence.
* **Good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** This adjective, used adverbially here, encompasses a wide range of positive meanings, signifying that which is beautiful, excellent, beneficial, pleasant, or favorable. In this context, "for good" emphasizes the desired outcome of God's remembrance: Nehemiah desires a positive, beneficial, and divinely favorable response from God. It speaks to a longing for God's approval, a just recompense for his labors, and ultimately, a blessed and prosperous outcome that aligns with God's character as the ultimate benevolent Judge and Rewarder of those who diligently seek and serve Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And for the wood offering, at times appointed, and for the firstfruits.":** This opening clause vividly reflects Nehemiah's meticulous administrative concern for the practical, logistical, and financial aspects essential for the sustained operation of temple worship. He is actively ensuring that the necessary provisions—the wood for the altar fire and the firstfruits to support the Levites and priests—are systematically collected and delivered "at times appointed." This phrase indicates a commitment to establishing an organized, regular, and enduring system, designed to prevent the backsliding and neglect he had so vigorously confronted earlier in the chapter. It powerfully highlights his role not merely as a builder of physical walls but, more profoundly, as a restorer of proper worship, spiritual order, and covenant faithfulness within the community.
* **"Remember me, O my God, for good.":** This is Nehemiah's deeply personal, poignant, and concluding prayer, a direct and intimate address to the Almighty. It is a humble supplication, yet simultaneously imbued with profound confidence in the justice, faithfulness, and benevolent character of God. Having dedicated his life to God's service, often enduring immense opposition, personal sacrifice, and thankless tasks, Nehemiah appeals directly to God's divine memory and righteous character. He asks not for human praise, earthly accolades, or temporal rewards, but for God's favorable remembrance and ultimate blessing, trusting implicitly that God sees his heart, his tireless efforts, and his unwavering commitment. This plea encapsulates his ultimate motivation: to please God above all else and to receive His divine approval and eternal recompense.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 13:31 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound and deeply personal message. The most prominent is **Supplication**, as the verse culminates in a direct, earnest, and deeply personal prayer from Nehemiah to God. This intimate appeal serves as a powerful and fitting concluding statement for the entire book, shifting the focus from the grand narrative of national restoration to the heartfelt plea of a single, dedicated servant. The use of **Juxtaposition** is also striking, as the practical, administrative details concerning the "wood offering" and "firstfruits" are immediately followed by a profoundly spiritual and personal request for divine remembrance. This stark contrast effectively highlights Nehemiah's holistic concern: both for the meticulous, tangible functioning of the temple and for his own eternal standing before God. Furthermore, the verse functions as an **Inclusio** or bookend, echoing Nehemiah's earlier, similar prayers for remembrance found in [Nehemiah 13:14](/nehemiah/13-14 "Nehemiah 13:14 - Nehemiah's Prayer for the Temple") and [Nehemiah 13:22](/nehemiah/13-22 "Nehemiah 13:22 - Nehemiah's Prayer for Mercy"). This recurring motif powerfully emphasizes the consistency of Nehemiah's character, his unwavering focus on divine approval as the ultimate reward, and the persistent nature of his faithful appeals to God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 13:31 powerfully articulates the profound theological principle that faithful service to God, undertaken with diligence, integrity, and a pure heart, is indeed seen, valued, and remembered by the Almighty. Nehemiah's concluding plea is not a presumptuous demand but a humble yet confident appeal to God's inherent justice and unwavering covenant faithfulness, trusting implicitly that God will acknowledge and ultimately reward those who labor tirelessly for His kingdom. It underscores the vital biblical truth that while human recognition may be fleeting, fickle, or entirely absent, God's remembrance is eternal, perfectly just, and always "for good." This verse also reinforces the enduring importance of practical and financial support for spiritual ministries, recognizing that the tangible provisions for worship (such as wood for the altar and firstfruits for the Levites) are not peripheral but integral to the spiritual health and vitality of the entire community. It serves as a timeless challenge to believers across generations to consider their own contributions to the work of God, understanding that such efforts, no matter how seemingly small or unnoticed, are never in vain but are treasured and recorded in God's sight.

* [Psalm 20:3](/psalms/20-3 "May He remember all your offerings")
* [Hebrews 6:10](/hebrews/6-10 "God is not unjust to forget your work")
* [Revelation 2:2-3](/revelation/2-2-3 "I know your works and your toil")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 13:31 offers a profound and deeply personal lesson for every believer: our ultimate reward, validation, and true satisfaction come not from human praise, earthly accolades, or temporal success, but from God's favorable remembrance and divine approval. Nehemiah, a man who dedicated his entire life to arduous and often thankless service—rebuilding physical walls, reforming spiritual hearts, and restoring covenant faithfulness—concludes his extraordinary story not with a boast of his accomplishments, but with a humble, earnest prayer. This challenges us profoundly to examine our own motivations for service within God's kingdom. Are we primarily seeking recognition from others, or are we fundamentally focused on pleasing God and trusting in His divine justice and perfect timing? Like Nehemiah, we are often called to diligent, persistent, and sometimes unappreciated work in God's kingdom, whether in grand public roles or in quiet, unseen acts of faithfulness within our homes and communities. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that every act of obedience, every sacrifice made, and every effort expended for God's glory is meticulously seen, cherished, and recorded in heaven. We can confidently commit our lives, our labors, and our deepest desires to Him, knowing with absolute certainty that He is a God who remembers "for good" and will ultimately bring about a beneficial and eternal outcome for those who serve Him with integrity and devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What truly motivates your service to God and others? Are you primarily seeking human approval or divine remembrance and favor?**
* **In what practical and tangible ways can you ensure the "wood offering" and "firstfruits"—that is, the necessary resources, support, and personal commitment—are faithfully provided for the spiritual ministries and work of God you are part of?**
* **How does Nehemiah's earnest prayer, "Remember me, O my God, for good," encourage and sustain you when your efforts feel unnoticed, unappreciated, or even met with opposition?**
* **Considering Nehemiah's example, what specific areas of your life or ministry do you need to more fully commit to God, trusting that He will remember them "for good" and bring forth His perfect results?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Nehemiah's repeated prayer, "Remember me, O my God, for good"?**

Answer: Nehemiah's repeated prayer, "Remember me, O my God, for good," (found also in [Nehemiah 13:14](/nehemiah/13-14 "Nehemiah 13:14 - Nehemiah's Prayer for the Temple") and [Nehemiah 13:22](/nehemiah/13-22 "Nehemiah 13:22 - Nehemiah's Prayer for Mercy")) is profoundly significant. It reveals his deep humility, his unwavering faith, and his ultimate desire for divine approval rather than fleeting human accolades. In biblical thought, for God to "remember" means far more than simply recalling facts or past events; it implies active, favorable intervention, a purposeful acknowledgment, and a commitment to act on behalf of the one remembered. Nehemiah is not merely asking God to recall his deeds, but to respond to them with blessing, reward, and divine favor. This recurring plea underscores his unwavering conviction that God is a righteous and just judge who sees, values, and rewards faithful service, and that His remembrance is truly "for good," bringing about beneficial and eternal outcomes for His devoted servants. This prayer serves as a powerful testament to Nehemiah's integrity, his profound trust in God's character, and his ultimate focus on an eternal recompense.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Nehemiah's earnest plea for divine remembrance highlights the heartfelt desire of a faithful servant under the Old Covenant, its ultimate fulfillment and deeper theological meaning are found definitively in Jesus Christ. Nehemiah, like all Old Testament figures, served God imperfectly, needing God's grace and favorable remembrance for his flawed yet sincere efforts. Jesus, however, stands as the perfectly obedient Servant, the only One who lived a life utterly without blemish or sin. He needed no "remembrance for good" for Himself, as His life was flawlessly righteous and His atoning sacrifice on the cross was complete and fully sufficient. Instead, through His perfect life, substitutionary death, and glorious resurrection, Jesus secured "good" for all who place their faith in Him. He is the ultimate "firstfruits" of resurrection, guaranteeing our future resurrection and eternal life in His presence ([1 Corinthians 15:20-23](/1_corinthians/15-20-23 "1 Corinthians 15:20-23 - Christ, the Firstfruits of Resurrection")). Our service, unlike Nehemiah's, is therefore not aimed at earning God's remembrance or favor, but flows from the secure and joyful knowledge that we are already remembered "for good" in Christ. God "remembers" us favorably not because of our imperfect works or merits, but solely because of the perfect work of His Son, Jesus, who bore our sins and secured our righteousness before a holy God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Our Righteousness in Christ")). Thus, Nehemiah's prayer finds its most profound and glorious answer in the gospel: God remembers His covenant people for good, not based on their own fluctuating merit, but solely on the perfect and enduring merit of Christ, ensuring that our labor in the Lord is never in vain and will ultimately culminate in eternal glory ([1 Corinthians 15:58](/1_corinthians/15-58 "1 Corinthians 15:58 - Stand Firm in the Lord")).

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 13:14

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 13:22

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.

Psalms 106:4

Remember me, O LORD, with the favour [that thou bearest unto] thy people: O visit me with thy salvation;

Psalms 26:8

LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.

Psalms 26:9

Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men:

Psalms 25:7

Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD.

Nehemiah 10:34

And we cast the lots among the priests, the Levites, and the people, for the wood offering, to bring [it] into the house of our God, after the houses of our fathers, at times appointed year by year, to burn upon the altar of the LORD our God, as [it is] written in the law: