Nehemiah 13
Chapter Summary
Nehemiah’s governorship of Judea lasts 12 years, after which he returns to Susa. While he is gone, the Jews gradually abandon their “binding agreement” to carefully obey God’s Law (10:28-39). When Nehemiah returns for a second term as governor of Judea, he finds that the Jews’ old enemy Tobiah has actually been provided guest quarters in the temple compound itself (13:1-9). He also learns that services at the temple have been abandoned. God’s tithes have not been paid, and the Levites who served at the temple have been forced to go back to their farms in order to survive (vv. 10-14). The people work on the Sabbath, and at Jerusalem the holy day of rest has been transformed into a market day! (vv. 15-22) Once again some men of Judah, including one of the sons of the high priest, have married foreign wives (vv. 23-31). Nehemiah vigorously corrects each abuse, calling on God to “remember” his faithful service . . . and the priests who defiled their office (vv. 29-30).
Thus the last of the Old Testament’s historical books ends on a note of uncertainty. If the people of God so quickly abandoned His Law in the brief absence of Nehemiah, what will happen to them in the centuries that lie ahead? Will they be ready when God’s Deliverer, from David’s line, comes?
Key Verse
13:22b: God will not forget.
Personal Application
It is far more godly to confront sin in other believers than to ignore it.
Key Concepts
Temple. Sabbath. Priests.
Insight
“Remember.” The Heb. word zakar had a range of meaning, indicating not only mental acts but also behavior appropriate to the memory. Thus, to remember the covenant means to be faithful to its laws and rulings.
When one appeals to God to remember there is no implication He can “forget.” Instead the phrase is a request that God might respond in an appropriate fashion. When Nehemiah asks God to remember him for the good he has done, he expresses faith that God will reward him.
A parallel. Papyrus records found at Elephantine in Egypt describe a lengthy stay of Arsames, satrap of Egypt, in the court of Darius I between 414 and 410 B.C. As in Nehemiah’s case there was a breakdown of order during his absence.

No compromise. The fiery nature of Nehemiah is shown in enforcing his reforms. He throws the household goods of Tobiah out of the temple (v. 8), he rebukes officials (v. 11), confronts violators (vv. 17-18), and even assaults the most guilty (v. 25). His zeal reminds us of Jesus, who in similar fury overturned the money changers’ tables and drove them from the temple with a whip (Matt. 21:12-13).
A pattern for us? When there is sin in the church Ezra’s experience reminds us that there is an alternative to Nehemiah’s more violent approach. Ezra was “appalled,” and his expression of grief led to revival (Ezra 9:3-4). Don’t overlook sin in others, but seek God’s guidance on how best to respond.
Business as usual. God’s O.T. people and those who traded with them were sorely tempted to do business on the Sabbath (cf. Neh. 10:31; Isa. 56:1-8, 58:13; Jer. 17:19-27; Amos 8:5). We too need to be sure we make time for the Lord on our day of worship.
Remembering Nehemiah. We can remember Nehemiah as a leader who accepted responsibility, relied on prayer, showed compassion for the needy, kept his goals always in view, was bold in the face of opposition, motivated others, maintained high standards, and was ever ready to take a stand for what is right. What an example for us today.