Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 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.
14. Remember me ] For this ejaculation see note on Neh 5:19, and cf. Neh 13:22; Neh 13:31; Psa 106:4.
wipe not out my good deeds ] R.V. marg. ‘Heb. kindnesses ’. The actual phrase is not found elsewhere in the O.T. The metaphor, which is that of sponging off from the leathern roll of record, is familiar to us from Exo 17:14; Exo 32:32-33.
my good deeds ] Literally, ‘my mercies or kindnesses’ (LXX. , Vulg. ‘miserationes’). At first sight the word seems scarcely appropriate. Does it signify Nehemiah’s acts of kindness on behalf of the Levites? or his acts of love and reverence, ‘good deeds,’ towards his God? The word in the Hebrew ‘ khesed ’ is the one commonly used of God’s mercy towards mankind and of the loving-kindness of man towards man. It occurs however also, though more rarely, of man’s love responding to the Divine mercy. In this sense probably it is found, as here, in the plural in 2Ch 32:32 ‘the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and his good deeds,’ 2Ch 35:26 ‘the rest of the acts of Josiah and his good deeds.’ These ‘good deeds’ (the plur. of ‘ khesed ’) are clearly the efforts of these two kings to live in more thorough compliance with the ceremonial of the Law. We may remember too that the ‘pious’ Israelite was the ‘khasd,’ and in the 2nd cent. b.c. ‘Asideans’ ( khasidim) was the name given to the most fanatical of the forerunners of the Pharisees.
It is not likely that Hosea’s use of the word in the singular (Neh 6:4 ‘your goodness is as a morning cloud,’ 6 ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice’) throws any light upon its usage in the present verse beyond showing that it was possibly applied in his time to man’s attitude towards God; but this interpretation is very doubtful. The Rabbinical teaching on the subject of khasadim made ‘the bestowal of kindness’ equivalent to ‘man’s duty to his neighbour.’ Compare the saying of Simon the Just quoted in the note on Neh 10:37, and see Taylor’s note in Sayings of the Jewish Fathers, pp. 26, 27.
the house of my God ] See on Neh 2:8; Neh 2:12. As compared with ‘the house of our God’ in Neh 13:4, the phrase is appropriate to the writer’s change from narrative to soliloquy.
the offices ] R.V. the observances. The word means literally ‘that which is or is to be kept,’ cf. Neh 13:30 and Neh 12:9; Neh 12:24 (= ‘ward’). Its meaning here is probably quite general, denoting ‘observances,’ ‘customs,’ and ‘usages,’ and not any particular functions as Vulg. ‘crimoniis.’ LXX. omit.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Neh 13:14-22
Remember me, O my God, concerning this
The mercy of God Chin origin of the reward of good works
Learn–
I.
That to make provision for maintenance of Gods worship and the ministers thereof is a worthy work, and of high esteem and favour with God (1Ch 29:17-18; Deu 12:19; 2Ki 4:1-44.; Luk 7:3-5; Mat 10:41; Php 4:18; 2Ti 1:16-18).
II. That God rewardeth these and all our other good deeds and works not for any merit or worthiness that is in them, but of His free mercy and goodness.
1. The Scriptures encourage us to work in hope of reward (Psa 19:11; Pro 11:18; Mat 5:11-12; Mat 10:41-42; Luk 6:35; 2Jn 1:8).
2. Whence this reward cometh. According to Thy great mercy (Hos 10:12; Rom 6:23; Psa 62:12).
III. That it is lawful to do good works with respect to the recompense of reward. It is plain Nehemiah here did so. So did Moses Heb 11:25-26). (Joseph Mede, B. D.)
The law of reward
Nehemiahs prayer occurs thrice in this chapter, at the close of each section recounting his reforming acts. In the first instance (verse 14) it is most full, and puts very plainly the merit of good deeds as a plea with God. The same thing is implied in its form in verse 22. But while, no doubt, the tone of the prayer is startling to us, and is not such as should be offered now by Christians, it but echoes the principle of retribution which underlies the law. This do, and thou shalt live, was the very foundation of Nehemiahs form of Gods revelation. We do not plead our own merits, because we are not under the law, but under grace, and the principle underlying the gospel is life by impartation of unmerited mercy and Divine life. But the law of retribution still remains valid for Christians in so far as that God will never forget any of their works, and will give them full recompense for their work of faith and labour of love. Eternal life here and hereafter is wholly the gift of God; but that fact does not exclude the notion of the recompense of reward from the Christian conception of the future. It becomes not us to present our good deeds before the Judge, since they are stained and imperfect, and the goodness in them is His gift. But it becomes Him to crown them with His gracious approbation and to proportion the cities ruled in that future world to the talents faithfully used here. We need not be afraid of obscuring the truth that we are saved not of works, lest any man should boast, though we insist that a Christian man is rewarded according to his works. (A. Maclaren, D. D.)
Nehemiahs sincerity
Paul assures the believing Hebrews that God will not forget their work of faith and labour of love, and this prayer of Nehemiahs is nothing more than a petition that God will be pleased to fulfil Hie own promise regarding him. It was not the dictate of a self-righteous spirit. There is no self-righteousness in the humble prayer that God would look upon him in love; that He would deign to accept of his feeble services as proof and evidences of a religious spirit; that He would be pleased to verify His promise, that it shall be well with them that fear the Lord, and that godliness is profitable unto all things, having the promise of the life that now is, as well as of that which is to come. Consider–
I. A sketch of Nehemiahs history.
II. Nehemiahs character.
1. His steady religious principle. Dwelling amid scenes very uncongenial to the progress of piety in the heart, he displayed a firmness of principle and an ardour of religious feeling truly admirable. Amidst the enticements of a splendid and licentious court he sought the glory of God and not the gratification of vanity, ambition, or worldly desire. Surrounded by the ensigns of a gross and impious superstition, he reared a standard for the true God, and stood forth as a witness for Him, in the midst of His enemies. Confidence in God kept him steady in the scene of danger; and the lofty aims of a devoted spirit raised him above the grovelling pursuits Of sense.
2. His self-denial. This is one of the best evidences of sound religious principle. When the will is subjugated to the will of God; when the mind feels itself completely satisfied with the wisdom and goodness of the Divine economy; when self is thrown into the background, and a noble disinterestedness gives its tone to the character, then we have some good proof that our religion is sincere. Nehemiah improved his advantages at the Persian court not for his individual good, but for the good of his countrymen. He lost sight of selfish considerations, and feeling for the humblest of the people, he gave them the full value of his labours, without the slightest remuneration. That which he asked not from man he knew God would bestow; hence the prayer of the text.
3. His zeal for the worship and ordinances of God. This is specially displayed in his anxiety to vindicate Gods ordinances from abuse, and to enforce their punctual observance. The public reading and expounding the law, for the edification of the people, testified his regard for Gods Holy Word. The exactness with which the appointed rites in the feasts of trumpets end tabernacles were gone about, under his superintendence, testified his reverence for the law, in all the minuteness of its requisitions. His zeal for the sanctification of the Sabbath proved the high sense he entertained of its value.
4. His enlightened and consistent perseverance in the discharge of personal and official duty. (Robert Burns, D. D.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 14. Wipe not out my good deeds] If thou wert strict to mark what is done amiss, even my good deeds must be wiped out; but, Lord, remember me in thy mercy, and let my upright conduct be acceptable to thee!
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Concerning this: what I have done with an upright heart for thy house and service be pleased graciously to accept, and remember for my good, according to thy promise.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
Remember me, O my God, concerning this,…. Not in a way of strict justice, as if he thought he merited anything at the hand of God for what he had done; but in a way of grace and mercy, that he would graciously accept thereof, as done for the honour of his name, and overlook all failings and infirmities therein, see Ne 13:22
and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof; for the support of the worship of God in the temple, and for the regulating of the wards and courses in it, both priests and Levites, and for the maintenance of them; which being done from a right principle, love to God, and with a right view, the glory of his name, might be truly reckoned good works: and which he desires might not be wiped or blotted out of the book of his remembrance, see Ho 6:10.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
(14) Remember me.Once more the faithful servant of God begs a merciful remembrance of what he had done for the honour of God in the observances of His Temple.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
14. Remember me Comp. Neh 5:19, note.
Wipe not out Nehemiah conceives of his work as recorded in a book, and prays that it may not be erased, nor blotted out and forgotten. Having been wrought and registered, he desired that it might stand. “He does not say, Publish to the world my good deeds, but, Wipe them not out; he does not say, Reward me, but, Remember me the prayer of the penitent on the cross.”
Wordsworth.
Good deeds Hebrew, kindnesses; that is, pious acts, springing out of tender regard for the house of God.
Offices thereof That is, its usages and rites.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
I admire the frequent expression of Nehemiah in which he prays to be remembered. It is not said by way of heightening his labours; for let the Reader remark with me , he doth not ask for a reward, but only the Lord’s remembrance of him. Sweetly, Lord Jesus, doth it suggest thy desire of being remembered by thy disciples, when in the holy supper thou didst provide a standing token for a memorial.
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Neh 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.
Ver. 14. Remember me, O my God ] See Neh 5:19 .
And wipe not out my good deeds
That I have done
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
good deeds = kindnesses.
offices = charges.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Remember me: Neh 13:22, Neh 13:31, Neh 5:19, Psa 122:6-9, Heb 6:10, Rev 3:5
wipe not: If thou wert strict to mark what is done amiss, even my good deeds must be wiped out: but, Lord, remember me in thy mercy, and let my upright conduct be acceptable to Thee! By some, Nehemiah has been thought to deal too much with God on the principle of merit. That he wished God to remember him for good is sufficiently evident, and who does not wish the same? But that he expected heaven for his good deeds does not appear; for it is perfectly clear that he expected nothing from God but through the greatness of his mercy. Neh 13:22
good deeds: Heb. kindnesses
house: 1Ch 29:3, 2Ch 24:16, 2Ch 31:20, 2Ch 31:21, Ezr 7:20, Ezr 7:24, Ezr 7:27, Psa 122:6-9
offices: or, observations
Reciprocal: Gen 8:1 – God remembered Gen 19:29 – that God Lev 2:2 – the memorial 1Sa 26:23 – render 2Ki 20:3 – remember Psa 26:11 – and Psa 106:4 – Remember Psa 122:9 – I will seek Isa 38:3 – Remember 2Ti 1:16 – Lord
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Neh 13:14. Remember me, O my God, concerning this What I have done with an upright heart for thy house and service, be pleased graciously to accept, and remember for my good, according to thy promise. Nehemiah receiving no recompense, perhaps not even thanks, from those for whose benefit he did these things, he looks up to God as his paymaster, and refers himself and his actions to his consideration; not in pride, or as boasting of what he had done, much less depending upon it as his righteousness, or as if he thought he had made God his debtor, but in an humble appeal to him concerning his integrity and pure intention in all this service, and a believing expectation that God would not be unrighteous to forget his work and labour of love. And wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, &c. Deeds done for the house of God, and the offices thereof, for the support of religion, and the encouragement of it, are good deeds; there is both righteousness and godliness in them; both mercy to men, and piety toward God; and God will certainly remember them, and not wipe them out. They shall in nowise lose their reward. Here again we find, (see Neh 5:19,) that Nehemiah was employed much in pious ejaculations; and on every occasion looked up to God, and committed himself and his affairs to him. He here reflects with comfort upon what he had done for the house and service of God, and it afforded him much satisfaction to think that he had been any way instrumental to revive and support religion in his country, and to reform what was amiss. In like manner the kindness which any show to Gods ministers and people, and the care and labour they take to aid his cause, shall be returned into their own bosoms, in the secret joy they shall have there, not only through a consciousness of having done well, but of having glorified God, and done good of the best kind, spiritual good, to the souls of men.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
13:14 Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my {f} good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof.
(f) He protests that he did his duty with a good conscience yet he does not justify himself in it, but desires God to favour him and to be merciful to him for his own goodness’ sake, as in Neh 13:22; Neh 13:31.