Nehemiah 10 -13

Purification

Nehemiah continues with his campaign to restore Jerusalem back to a holy city before God.  In chapter 10, we read the vow the people take to remain true to the Law of God as issued by His servant, Moses (v. 29). They even swear an oath asking the Lord to bring curses on them if they disobey. Their list of promises is extensive and comprehensive covering all aspects of their daily lives.

Nehemiah was not content to just swear an oath.  He put his intentions into actions.  He removed all Ammonite and Moabite people from the assembly. He restored the stores rooms back to the purpose of Temple storage.  He made certain the Levites received their portion of income.  He confronted those who bought and sold on the Sabbath, even to the point of locking the gates of the city and guarding them at the start of Sabbath to the end of Sabbath. He reprimanded those who disobeyed. Those who married pagan women were greatly rebuked and made to swear they would never do this again.

His actions made the people realize the seriousness of God's Word. Nehemiah caused the remnant to respect and remember the God of Moses.

May God bless you and bless the reading of His Word.