Nehemiah Chapter 13

Distributed by: KJV Bible Studies

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Introduction: Last week, we covered how 9 out of 10 Jews were chosen to move outside of the city of Jerusalem in the surrounding areas and towns. Also, we discussed the priests and Levites that returned to the land and the official dedication of the temple. We complete our study on the book of Nehemiah this week as we cover Chapter 13.

Chapter 13 presents the spiritual problems which had crept back during the absence of Nehemiah and his unwavering stand for righteousness.

I. Nehemiah Turns Out the Mixed Multitude.

Neh 13:1 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;

Neh 13:2 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.

Neh 13:3 Now it came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude.

There is some difference of opinion as to when the events of this chapter take place. Some take the position it was a continuation of the events of the dedication as noted in chapter 12. The immediate context would seem to indicate this. Others, take the position chapter 13 is some time later after Nehemiah had gone to Babylon and returned. The latter view seems to make more sense in the greater context.

In any event, there was a day of public convocation of the people at the Temple, perhaps upon Nehemiah’s return. Then “they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people . . . that the Ammonite and Moabite should not come into the congregation of God for ever.”

Deu 23:3 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:

Deu 23:4 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.

As will be quickly noted, there had been flagrant violation of this command. Under Nehemiah’s leadership, they “separated from Israel all the mixed multitude.” Pagan, unbelieving gentiles had intermingled with God’s people. They were told to leave. As Christians, we have a responsibility to keep our selves separate from the world. In both our actions and in selecting a mate for our life, we should look to God for guidance.

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