Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Nehemiah 13:19
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.
19. the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark ] The rare word for ‘began to be dark’ gives rise to the renderings LXX. , Vulg. ‘cum quievissent port.’ Another suggested rendering is ‘had their bells rung,’ is very ludicrous, deriving the word from the same root as the word for ‘cymbals.’
before the sabbath ] From this we should gather that the Sabbath began as soon as it was dark; not absolutely at sunset, but at the termination of the brief twilight.
gates ] R.V. doors.
charged ] R.V. commanded. Same word as in the previous clause.
servants ] Literally ‘youths,’ , i.e. personal attendants, cf. Neh 4:10.
at the gates ] R.V. over the gates, i.e. to superintend the watch.
that there should no burden, &c.] The object of the watch was not to bar the free passage in and out, but only to prevent the introduction of merchandise on that day.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
The gates were closed at the sunset of the day before the Sabbath; since the Sabbath was regarded as commencing on the previous evening.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 19. When the gates – began to be dark] After sunset on Friday evening he caused the gates to be shut, and kept them shut all the Sabbath; and, as he could not trust the ordinary officers, he set some of his own servants to watch the gates, that no person might enter for the purpose of traffic.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
When the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark; which was about sun-setting, by reason of the mountains which were round about and near Jerusalem, Psa 125:2.
Some of my servants set I at the gates, out of a diffidence in those to whom the keeping of the gates was committed.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath,…. Or “were shaded” g; that is, as Jarchi interprets it, when the shadows of the eve of the sabbath were stretched out upon the gates; the sabbath did not begin till sun setting, and the stars appeared; but before that, as the sun was declining, the shadows through the houses in Jerusalem, and mountains about it, spread themselves over the gates: and when it was near dusk, and as soon as it was so,
I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath; until sun setting the next day:
and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should be burden brought in on the sabbath day; the porters being not to be trusted, being liable to be bribed and corrupted, which he knew his servants were not; and therefore, since it might be necessary on a few occasions to open the gates to let some persons in and out, and especially such who dwelt near, and came to worship, he placed his servants there, to take care that none were admitted that had any burdens upon them.
g “obumbratae”, Pagninus, Montanus; “obumbrarentur”, Junius Tremellius, Piscator, Rambachius “incidentibus umbris”, Tigurine version.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
(19) Some of my servants.These are several times mentioned as employed in public duty. Here they are used provisionally, to keep out traffickers until the formal appointment of the Levitical guard (Neh. 13:22), after which they would be relieved.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
Neh 13:19. Some of my servants set I at the gates It seems as if matters were come to such a pass, that Nehemiah could not trust the common porters of the gates, and therefore appointed some of his own domestics, who he knew would neither be careless nor corrupted, to see that the gates were kept shut, and all traffic prohibited. He, however, appointed the Levites afterwards to this office, Neh 13:22 because he not only thought that by virtue of their character they would meet with more deference and respect than his domestic servants; but also because he resolved, when he and his servants were gone from Jerusalem, to have the watch continued, till the vile custom of admitting dealers into the city on the sabbath-day should be quite abolished. See Bishop Patrick.
REFLECTIONS.1st, Nehemiah’s back was scarcely turned, before great abominations crept in, which called for his speedy return, and required all his zeal and authority to redress.
1. The people had joined in affinity with strangers, Ammonites and Moabites, in direct opposition to the divine injunctions, Deu 23:3-5. This portion, therefore, of God’s law he caused to be read to them; and, convinced of their sin and duty, they separated themselves from these sinful connections. Note; (1.) The people of God must keep from evil company, if they would avoid the ways of wickedness. (2.) When God’s word convinces us of sin, we cannot be too eager to get rid of the serpent from our bosom.
2. The high-priest himself had led the way to the evil, and been the chief in the transgression, having contracted affinity with Tobiah, an avowed enemy of God’s people, and in direct opposition to the express command. Not content with this, he had received him into the temple; fitted up for him a noble apartment, by casting down the partitions of the store-chambers; and he, who ought not to be admitted into the congregation, has his abode in the midst of the very sanctuary. But no sooner did Nehemiah, at his return, gain a knowledge of this vile transaction, than, with holy indignation, he set himself to dispossess the usurper, and restore these hallowed chambers to their proper use; grieved that a priest, a high-priest too, should bring such dishonour upon his high vocation. Tobiah is instantly ejected; his goods, as polluted, cast out of the temple; the chambers cleansed from the pollution which they had contracted from such profane intrusion, by the water of purification; and the vessels and stones, which had been removed, again deposited in their appointed places. Note; (1.) The higher a man’s station, and the holier his office, the more scandalous are his sins. (2.) No dignity must plead exemption from rebuke. They who sin before all, should be put to shame before all. (3.) When we would cleanse the temple of our hearts, the world’s stuff and the most precious iniquities must be cast out with abhorrence. (4.) Unless our hearts be sprinkled with atoning blood, they never can be prepared for the reception of the sacred treasures of divine grace.
2nd, One corruption generally makes way for another; and the high-priest’s ill example could not but have the worst influence on the people.
1. The tithes had not been given to the Levites: either they were embezzled, or the people neglected to bring them in; the consequence of which was, that the Levites were forced to seek a maintenance from their farms, instead of the temple; or, perhaps, their attention to their worldly concerns, and neglect of their divinely-appointed service, occasioned the evil. The people might well judge that they deserved not to eat what they refused to earn.
2. Nehemiah expostulates with the magistrates hereupon, for suffering such abuse, whose care it should have been to see the service observed, and the due provision made for the ministers of the sanctuary. He, therefore, summons the Levites to return to their post; engages the people to pay their just dues; and appoints faithful men to make an equitable distribution of them, that so there might be no want nor interruption in the sacred service. Note; (1.) Negligent pastors should be admonished to take heed to their ministry. (2.) When the workman shews himself worthy of his hire, his maintenance will be no longer counted burdensome.
3. He looks up to God for that reward which he did not expect from man; not claiming it, indeed, as a matter of merit, but begging God’s favourable acceptance of his well-meant duty; and God is not unrighteous, to forget our works of faith and labours of love; they shall be remembered to the everlasting comfort of God’s people.
3rdly, Another grievous offence is here remarked and remedied.
1. The sabbath had been greatly polluted, in opposition to the most express commands. They trod their wine-presses, gathered in their corn, worked their beasts of burden, trafficked in the markets, bought and sold, and turned the Lord’s day into a day of merchandize; the consequence of which conduct could not but be fatal to the manners of the people, and beget a total neglect of God and religion. Note; Irreligious neglect of the Lord’s day is the proof of an abandoned temper, and the way to perdition of body and soul.
2. Nehemiah zealously set himself to reform so gross a profanation. He severely rebuked the people who committed the evil, and remonstrated against the rulers who connived at it; admonishing them of the dire effects of such a conduct in their fathers, and warning them of the aggravated guilt that they incurred, and the wrath that they provoked. Note; (1.) Public sins deserve sharp rebukes. (2.) Connivance at sin in others makes us partakers with them in guilt. (3.) The kindest office we can do to our neighbour is, to endeavour to convince him of his danger, and pluck him as a brand from the burning.
3. While he used the arguments of persuasion as a good man, he employed the power with which he was invested as a magistrate, to restrain the open transgression of God’s law. On the approach of the sabbath, at evening, he commanded the city gates to be shut, and guarded by his own servants till the next evening, when the sabbath ended; and during this time no burdens might enter, and only those be admitted who came to worship. Note; (1.) Magistrates must not bear the sword in vain. (2.) If the laws were faithfully put in execution, though it could not convert men’s hearts, yet open vice must hide its head. (3.) When faithful ministers co-operate with active magistrates, much may be hoped from their united labours.
4. He cries to God for a gracious remembrance in this thing, and for that mercy without which his duty would destroy him. Though we may rejoice in our services, as evidences of our fidelity, we must renounce all self-dependance, casting our souls as sinners on God’s free mercy to us in Christ Jesus.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Neh 13:19 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.
Ver. 19. When the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark ] As it did early, because the mountains were around Jerusalem, Psa 125:2 .
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
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Neh 13:19-22
19It came about that just as it grew dark at the gates of Jerusalem before the sabbath, I commanded that the doors should be shut and that they should not open them until after the sabbath. Then I stationed some of my servants at the gates so that no load would enter on the sabbath day. 20Once or twice the traders and merchants of every kind of merchandise spent the night outside Jerusalem. 21Then I warned them and said to them, Why do you spend the night in front of the wall? If you do so again, I will use force against you. From that time on they did not come on the sabbath. 22And I commanded the Levites that they should purify themselves and come as gatekeepers to sanctify the sabbath day. For this also remember me, O my God, and have compassion on me according to the greatness of Your lovingkindness.
Neh 13:19 Nehemiah uses his official governmental authority to close the city on the Sabbath. Godly leadership can affect society.
Neh 13:20 the traders and merchants of every kind of merchandise spent the night outside Jerusalem The reason that Nehemiah would not allow this was because of the temptation for the citizens to walk outside and purchase goods on the Sabbath. Also, the visible reminder of their presence caused problems.
Neh 13:22 the Levites. . .as gatekeepers The city as a whole was considered holy to Nehemiah, and he appointed Levites to guard the city gates (cf. Neh 7:1).
For this also remember me, O my God This is another of Nehemiah’s prayers for God to remember his covenant deeds and leadership (e.g., Neh 13:14; Neh 13:22; Neh 13:31; Neh 5:19). This is in contrast to Nehemiah’s prayers for God to remember those who violated His covenant (cf. Neh 6:14; Neh 13:29).
The paradox of biblical faith is clearly seen in this verse. Nehemiah asked God to remember (BDB 209, Qal IMPERATIVE) his deeds, but he based the request on the covenant faithfulness (hesed, BDB 338) of God! God’s relationship with fallen humanity is both relational and obedient (cf. Luke 4:46).
Your lovingkindness See Special Topic: Lovingkindness (Hesed) .
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
Neh 13:19-22
Neh 13:19-22
NEHEMIAH’S STRONG MEASURES AGAINST SABBATH BREAKING
“And it came to pass that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that they should not be opened till after the sabbath; and some of my servants set I over the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day. So the merchants and sellers of all kind of wares 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 purify themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember unto me, O my God, this also, and spare me, according to the greatness of thy lovingkindness.”
“When the gates o f Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath” (Neh 13:19). These words take account of the Jewish custom of counting every day from sunset to sunset; thus the sabbath, as we would reckon time, actually began at sundown on the preceding day. “The Jews grounded this practice on the Genesis account of creation, where the successive days are listed after the formula, `There was evening and morning, one day,’ etc. (Gen 1:5).”
Nehemiah closed the gates on the sabbath and threatened violence against those who camped outside waiting for the end of it; and these stern measures were effective, as long as Nehemiah was governor with authority to enforce them; but the reform, in all probability, did not last ten days after Nehemiah’s governorship was terminated.
“O my God spare me according to the greatness of thy lovingkindness” (Neh 13:22). Again, we have one of Nehemiah’s spontaneous prayers. This one is of special interest. “Here Nehemiah acknowledges that his salvation is dependent upon the greatness of God’s lovingkindness, and not upon the multiplicity of his good deeds. The doctrine of God’s grace in the O.T. is often tragically overlooked.”
E.M. Zerr:
Neh 13:19. Gates . . . began to be dark means that darkness began to fall on the gates. As soon as Nehemiah saw that condition in the evening before the sabbath, he ordered the gates closed to remain so until after the sabbath. As a precaution against any attempt to override the rule and bring in the produce, some guards were placed.
Neh 13:20-21. It was well that the watchmen were set at the gates. Some commercial men lingered near them a time or two, hoping doubtless to catch an opportunity for trading contrary to the regulations that had been established. Nehemiah warned them that they would be given rough treatment if they did not leave. They heeded the warning and came no more on the sabbath days.
Neh 13:22. The Levites were all eligible for the service about the holy city, but ceremonial fitness under the law required them to be entirely separated from any common objects or practices. Hence they were commanded to make the necessary adjustments in their condition, that they could serve as guards at the gates on the sabbath.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
began to be: Lev 23:22
I commanded: Neh 7:3, Exo 31:14-17, Jer 17:19-22
Reciprocal: Jos 2:5 – of shutting 1Sa 9:17 – reign over 2Ch 14:4 – commanded Isa 60:11 – thy gates
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
13:19 And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be {i} 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.
(i) About the time that the sun went down, for the sabbath lasted from the sun setting one day, to the sun setting the next day.