Nehemiah Chapter 13

Jan 1

Nehemiah’s Reforms
A. True worship leads to the nation’s obedience

1. (Nehemiah 13:1–2) Hearing the law brings a call to obedience

“On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of God for ever; Because they met not the children of Israel with bread and with water, but hired Balaam against them, that he should curse them: howbeit our God turned the curse into a blessing.”

As the people continued in renewed worship and devotion, the Word of God was again read publicly. Scripture, not emotion or tradition, governed the life of the restored nation. When the Law of Moses was read, the people were confronted with a clear command concerning separation from those who opposed God’s covenant purposes. True worship always sharpens sensitivity to God’s standards. When people draw near to God rightly, they begin to see areas of compromise that had previously been tolerated.

The specific command referenced comes from the Law concerning the Ammonites and Moabites. “An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the LORD for ever: Because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee.” (Deuteronomy 23:3–4) This exclusion was not based on ethnicity alone but on persistent hostility toward God’s people and rejection of God’s covenant.

To come into the congregation of God meant full covenant participation, spiritual identification, and acceptance as part of the people of God. Israel belonged to the covenant by birth, but Gentiles could only belong by deliberate conversion, by forsaking their former gods and fully embracing the God of Israel. Ruth the Moabitess is a clear biblical example of this principle, showing that the Law did not prohibit sincere conversion but condemned persistent opposition and half hearted association.

The historical reason for this command reached back centuries. The Ammonites and Moabites actively opposed Israel during their journey to the Promised Land and attempted to undermine God’s plan through spiritual manipulation. God had already declared long before, “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” (Genesis 12:3) Their exclusion from the assembly was a continuation of God’s covenant justice and faithfulness.

Yet even in recalling this hostility, the text highlights God’s sovereignty and grace. Balaam intended to curse Israel, but God overruled him. “Howbeit our God turned the curse into a blessing.” This recalls the events recorded in Numbers chapters 22 through 24, where Balaam repeatedly attempted to curse Israel and was instead compelled to pronounce blessing. This stands as a lasting testimony that no weapon formed against God’s people can prosper unless God permits it.

2. (Nehemiah 13:3) After hearing God’s command, Israel obeys and separates from the mixed multitude

“Now it came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude.”

The response of the people is immediate and decisive. They did not debate, delay, or reinterpret the command. They heard the Word of God and obeyed it. This marks a significant spiritual maturity in the restored community. In earlier generations, Israel often heard God’s Law and resisted it. Here, obedience follows hearing without hesitation.

The people could have justified disobedience in many familiar ways. They could have claimed the command was outdated, inconvenient, or culturally insensitive. They could have formed committees, sought compromise, or delayed action under the appearance of wisdom. Instead, they submitted themselves to Scripture as the final authority. Obedience is the true measure of reverence for God’s Word.

The “mixed multitude” refers to those who associated with Israel outwardly but had not fully committed themselves to the covenant of God. This phrase echoes “And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle.” (Exodus 12:38) From the beginning, Israel struggled with those who traveled alongside God’s people without sharing their faith or obedience. Such people often became a source of spiritual compromise and temptation.

This does not mean that outsiders were unwelcome to hear the Word or observe Israel’s worship. Rather, it means that covenant identity required covenant commitment. Association without transformation was not sufficient. The people of God were called to holiness, not hostility, but holiness demands clear spiritual boundaries.

The principle remains relevant today. There may be people of good character and sincere interest within the visible community of faith who have not truly embraced God’s covenant of salvation. They may respect God, admire Christian values, and participate in religious activity, yet remain unconverted. They are welcome to hear and learn, but Scripture is clear that spiritual unity cannot exist without spiritual regeneration. “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)

1. (Nehemiah 13:4–9) Temple reforms

“And before this, Eliashib the priest, having the oversight of the chamber of the house of our God, was allied unto Tobiah: And he had prepared for him a great chamber, where aforetime they laid the meat offerings, the frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes of the corn, the new wine, and the oil, which was commanded to be given to the Levites, and the singers, and the porters; and the offerings of the priests. But in all this time was not I at Jerusalem: for in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon came I unto the king, and after certain days obtained I leave of the king: And I came to Jerusalem, and understood of the evil that Eliashib did for Tobiah, in preparing him a chamber in the courts of the house of God. And it grieved me sore: therefore I cast forth all the household stuff of Tobiah out of the chamber. Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat offering and the frankincense.”

This passage marks the beginning of Nehemiah’s final reforms and exposes how quickly spiritual compromise can take root when godly leadership is absent. Nehemiah explains that during this period he was no longer in Jerusalem but had returned to his duties in the Persian court under King Artaxerxes. Historically, this absence likely lasted ten to twelve years. The revival recorded in earlier chapters was genuine, but this passage proves that revival must be sustained through vigilance and obedience over time, not merely experienced in a moment.

During Nehemiah’s absence, Eliashib the priest, who had authority over the storerooms of the house of God, entered into an alliance with Tobiah. Tobiah was not a neutral figure but a long standing enemy of God’s work, previously identified as an Ammonite and a vocal opponent of the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall. Eliashib’s compromise was not minor. He repurposed a large chamber within the temple complex, a room formerly dedicated to sacred storage, and gave it to Tobiah for personal use.

The seriousness of this act cannot be overstated. The chamber Tobiah occupied had been used for the grain offerings, the frankincense, the vessels, and the tithes that supported the Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and priests. This was not merely poor judgment, it was a violation of God’s holiness and a misuse of what had been consecrated to Him. Spiritual compromise almost always begins with misplaced alliances and ends with the corruption of what is holy.

When Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem and discovered what had happened, he immediately recognized it as evil. His response was not passive or diplomatic. The text says it grieved him sore, indicating deep moral outrage rooted in reverence for God. Nehemiah acted decisively. He physically removed all of Tobiah’s household goods from the chamber, commanded that the rooms be cleansed, and restored them to their proper function in the worship life of Israel.

This action mirrors later events in the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ, when He cleansed the temple of those who had turned it into a place of corruption. Nehemiah understood that love for God does not mean tolerance of sin, and leadership sometimes requires firm, even uncomfortable action. Holiness cannot coexist with compromise, especially within the house of God.

2. (Nehemiah 13:10–14) Financial reforms

“And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given them: for the Levites and the singers, that did the work, were fled every one to his field. Then contended I with the rulers, and said, Why is the house of God forsaken? And I gathered them together, and set them in their place. Then brought all Judah the tithe of the corn and the new wine and the oil unto the treasuries. And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah: for they were counted faithful, and their office was to distribute unto their brethren. 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 next identifies a direct consequence of the earlier compromise. The Levites and singers were no longer receiving the portions appointed to them by the Law. As a result, those who were meant to devote themselves fully to the service of God were forced to abandon their ministry and return to agricultural labor in order to survive. The neglect of financial obedience led directly to the neglect of worship.

Nehemiah rightly frames this issue as a spiritual failure rather than a logistical one. He confronts the rulers and asks a piercing question, “Why is the house of God forsaken?” The failure to give was not merely an inconvenience to the Levites, it was an act of neglect toward God Himself. When God’s house is neglected, it is evidence that God’s priorities have been displaced in the hearts of the people.

Nehemiah responds by restoring order. He gathers the Levites and singers back to their rightful roles and ensures that the system of giving is reestablished. All Judah brings the tithe of grain, new wine, and oil into the storehouse, demonstrating that obedience was possible once leadership confronted the issue clearly and decisively.

To prevent future abuse or neglect, Nehemiah appoints treasurers who were known to be faithful. Integrity is emphasized because handling what belongs to God requires trustworthiness. Faithful men were placed in charge of distribution so that resources would be used exactly as God intended, for the support of those who ministered.

Nehemiah closes this section with a prayer, not rooted in pride, but in a desire for God to remember his faithfulness. His concern was not personal recognition from men but divine acknowledgment that his actions had been done for the honor of God and the preservation of proper worship. This prayer reflects humility and accountability before God, recognizing that even righteous reforms depend upon God’s mercy and approval.

Nehemiah’s Reforms
B. Nehemiah’s reforms

3. (Nehemiah 13:15–22) Priority reform

“In those days saw I in Judah some treading winepresses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals. There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem. Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day? Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath. And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day. So the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged without Jerusalem once or twice. Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the sabbath. 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.”

Nehemiah personally observed widespread Sabbath violation throughout Judah. Ordinary labor continued, wine presses were worked, goods were transported, and commerce flourished as if the Sabbath were no different from any other day. The problem was not ignorance but willful disregard of a clear command of God under the Mosaic Covenant. The people chose economic activity over covenant obedience.

Foreign merchants from Tyre exploited this compromise. They brought fish and merchandise into Jerusalem, and the people of Judah willingly bought from them. Israel’s failure to guard holiness invited external pressure that magnified internal disobedience. When God’s people blur boundaries, the world is always ready to step in and profit from the compromise.

Nehemiah confronted the nobles directly, because leadership bears responsibility for what is tolerated. He reminded them that Sabbath violation was not a small issue but one that previously led to national judgment. The Babylonian exile itself was connected to Israel’s disregard for God’s commands, including Sabbath rest. By repeating the same sin, they were inviting renewed judgment.

This was fundamentally an issue of priority. Buying and selling were not evil in themselves, but when making money and spending money displaced obedience to God, the heart was exposed. The Sabbath required trust, trust that God could provide without constant labor. Their actions revealed self reliance rather than faith.

Nehemiah acted decisively. He ordered the city gates shut before sundown on Friday and kept them closed until after the Sabbath. He posted guards to enforce obedience and warned merchants directly that further violations would result in physical enforcement. This was not empty rhetoric. Nehemiah understood that leadership without enforcement collapses into irrelevance.

He also involved the Levites, commanding them to cleanse themselves and guard the gates. This restored the Sabbath as a sacred institution and reinforced that obedience must be protected, not merely preached. Nehemiah ends this section with prayer, not claiming perfection, but appealing to God’s mercy, acknowledging that even faithful reformers depend upon grace.

4. (Nehemiah 13:23–31a) Relationship reform

“In those days also saw I Jews that had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, and of Moab: And their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews’ language, but according to the language of each people. And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves. Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin. Shall we then hearken unto you to do all this great evil, to transgress against our God in marrying strange wives? 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. Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood, and the covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites. Thus cleansed I them from all strangers, and appointed the wards of the priests and the Levites, every one in his business; And for the wood offering, at times appointed, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, for good.”

Nehemiah next confronts what he clearly regarded as the most spiritually dangerous sin, intermarriage with pagan nations. This was not about ethnicity but covenant loyalty. These marriages brought foreign gods, foreign values, and foreign priorities into Jewish homes. The evidence of damage was already visible in the next generation, children who could not speak the language of Judah and therefore could not fully participate in Israel’s worship or understand the Law.

Nehemiah’s response is severe, and intentionally so. He contended with them publicly, pronounced judgment, physically disciplined some, and forced them to swear obedience. This reaction reflects the seriousness of covenant betrayal. Romantic compromise had already destroyed Israel once before, and Nehemiah was determined not to allow it again.

He cites Solomon as the ultimate warning. Solomon was uniquely blessed, wise, and beloved by God, yet his marriages to pagan women led his heart away from the Lord. “Nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin.” If Solomon fell through romantic compromise, no one could claim immunity. Nehemiah exposes the arrogance of assuming strength where God has already given warning.

The corruption reached even into the priesthood. A grandson of the high priest Eliashib had married into the family of Sanballat, one of Israel’s fiercest enemies. This was intolerable. Nehemiah drove him away, recognizing that compromise in leadership multiplies corruption throughout the nation.

Nehemiah then summarizes his reforms. He cleansed Israel from foreign influence, restored proper priestly and Levitical duties, reestablished offerings, and ordered worship according to God’s design. His final prayer is simple and humble, asking God to remember him for good. He does not claim perfection, only faithfulness.

5. (Nehemiah 13:31b) Conclusion, Nehemiah’s clear conscience

“Remember me, O my God, for good.”

This final prayer is short, personal, and weighty. Nehemiah closes his record not with self praise, but with an appeal to God’s righteous remembrance. He knew that he had acted faithfully as a leader, confronting sin, restoring order, and calling the people back to obedience. He strengthened the city physically, but more importantly, he labored to strengthen the people spiritually, leading them toward purity, worship, and obedience to God’s Word. His conscience was clear, even though the outcome was imperfect.

Yet this prayer also carries a sober realism. Nehemiah understood that, despite genuine revival and solemn promises, the people had repeatedly failed. Earlier, the nation had entered into a binding covenant before God, pledging obedience in three specific areas.

“And that we would not give our daughters unto the people of the land, nor take their daughters for our sons.” (Nehemiah 10:30, KJV)

“And if the people of the land bring ware or any victuals on the sabbath day to sell, that we would not buy it of them on the sabbath, or on the holy day: and that we would leave the seventh year, and the exaction of every debt.” (Nehemiah 10:31, KJV)

“Also we made ordinances for us, to charge ourselves yearly with the third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God; For the shewbread, and for the continual meat offering, and for the continual burnt offering, of the sabbaths, of the new moons, for the set feasts, and for the holy things, and for the sin offerings to make an atonement for Israel, and for all the work of the house of our God… And the priests, the Levites, and the people, cast the lots 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: And to bring the firstfruits of our ground, and the firstfruits of all fruit of all trees, year by year, unto the house of the LORD: Also the firstborn of our sons, and of our cattle, as it is written in the law, and the firstlings of our herds and of our flocks, to bring to the house of our God, unto the priests that minister in the house of our God: And that we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground unto the Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes in all the cities of our tillage… And we will not forsake the house of our God.” (Nehemiah 10:32–39, KJV)

However, ten to twelve years later, Nehemiah found the nation once again guilty of the very sins they had sworn to abandon. They had resumed ungodly marriages, violated the Sabbath through commerce, and neglected the financial support of God’s house.

Nehemiah was forced to ask a painful question.

“Then contended I with the rulers, and said, Why is the house of God forsaken?” (Nehemiah 13:11, KJV)

This contrast makes a central biblical truth unmistakably clear. The law, including vows, covenants, promises, and resolutions, is ultimately powerless to change the human heart. Rules can restrain behavior temporarily, but they cannot conquer sin. Promises made in moments of conviction often collapse under the pressure of time, comfort, and compromise.

The apostle Paul explains this reality plainly.

“For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.” (Romans 8:3, KJV)

The failure was not in God’s law, but in human flesh. Too many people, including sincere believers, look for victory through stricter rules, stronger vows, or renewed commitments. Yet these approaches tend to turn the heart inward, toward self effort, instead of upward, toward Christ. True victory over sin comes only through the grace of God, applied by faith.

The entire Old Testament history of Israel illustrates this truth. At the Exodus, despite miraculous deliverance, visible glory, and direct revelation of God’s law, the people quickly turned to idolatry, crediting a golden calf with their salvation. Now, at the close of Israel’s Old Testament history in the land, Nehemiah is again contending with covenant breaking, compromise, and disobedience. Human nature had not changed.

If salvation or sanctification could be achieved by promises, then the death of Christ would have been admirable, but unnecessary. Scripture teaches otherwise. We are not saved by vows we make, resolutions we keep, or commitments we renew. We are saved by trusting wholly in who Jesus Christ is and what He has done on our behalf.

Nehemiah ends where every faithful servant must end, not resting in visible results, but in the righteous judgment and mercy of God. His final appeal is not to history, nor to the people, but to the Lord Himself.