Nehemiah 13:1

“On that day, etc.] Not when the wall of the city was dedicated, nor quickly after; for it cannot be thought that people should be so corrupted so soon as this chapter shows; but when Nehemiah had governed them twelve years, and had been at Babylon, and was returned again, as appears from (<161306>Nehemiah 13:6), compared with (<160201>Nehemiah 2:1,6 7:2), they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; for from the time of the reading of the law by Ezra, (<160801>Nehemiah 8:1) it became a custom to read the law publicly: and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of the Lord; that is, be admitted to marry with any of…”

“UPON THE READING OF THE LAW SEPARATION IS MADE FROM THE MIXED MULTITUDE. (Neh 13:1-9) On that day--This was not immediately consequent on the dedication of the city wall and gates, but after Nehemiah's return from the Persian court to Jerusalem, his absence having extended over a considerable period. The transaction here described probably took place on one of the periodical occasions for the public readings of the law, when the people's attention was particularly directed to some violations of it which called for immediate correction. There is another instance afforded, in addition to those which have already fallen under our notice, of the great advantages resulting from the public and…”

“On that day - Or, “at that time,” as in Nehemiah 12:44. The entire Pentateuch is probably meant by “the Book of Moses”. return to 'Top of Page'”

“That day - Not presently after the dedication of the wall and city, but upon a certain day, when Nehemiah was returned from the Persian court to Jerusalem, from which he had been absent for some considerable time, in which some errors and abuses had crept in. Not come - Not be incorporated into the common - wealth of Israel, nor be joined with any Israelite in marriage. Nehemiah 13:3”

“13:1-3 On the same day the Temple workers were appointed (12:44), the text from Deut 23:3-6 was read. It said that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever be permitted to enter the assembly of God. Nehemiah later discovered (Neh 13:4-14) that these teachings were no longer being observed.”

“that day: Some suppose that the events recorded in these verses took place several years after those related in the preceding chapter, while Nehemiah was absent at the Persian court; but the introductory language, on that day, seems rather to imply that they occurred immediately, or at least about that time. they read: Heb. there was read, Neh 8:3-8, Neh 9:3; Deu 31:11, Deu 31:12; Kg2 23:2; Isa 34:16; Luk 4:16-19, Luk 10:26; Act 13:15, Act 15:21 audience: Heb. ears the Ammonite: Neh 13:23; Deu 23:3-5; Isa. 15:1-16:14; Jer. 48:1-47; Eze 25:1-11; Amo 2:1-3 Moabite: Neh 2:10, Neh 2:19, Neh 4:3; Psa 83:7-9; Jer 49:1-6; Amo 1:13-15 Nehemiah 13:2”

“Public reading of the law, and separation from strangers. - Neh 13:1. At a public reading of the law, it was found written therein, that no Ammonite or Moabite should come into the congregation of God, because they met not the children of Israel with bread and with water, but hired Balaam to curse them, though God turned the curse into a blessing. This command, found in Deu 23:4-6, is given in full as to matter, though slightly abbreviated as to form. The sing. ישׂכּר relates to Balak king of Moab, Num 22:2., and the suffix of עליו to Israel as a nation; see the explanation of Deu 23:4. Nehemiah 13:3”