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Nehemiah 13:11

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Nehemiah 13:11 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Then contended I with the rulers, and said, Why is the house of God forsaken? And I gathered them together, and set them in their place.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Then contended I with the rulers, and said, Why is the house of God forsaken? And I gathered them together, and set them in their place.
Nehemiah 13:11 — American Standard Version

Context — Nehemiah 13

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
8And it grieved me sore: therefore I cast forth all the household stuff of Tobiah out of the chamber.
9Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meal-offerings and the frankincense.
10And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given them; so that the Levites and the singers, that did the work, were fled every one to his field.
11Then contended I with the rulers, and said, Why is the house of God forsaken? And I gathered them together, and set them in their place.
12Then brought all Judah the tithe of the grain and the new wine and the oil unto the treasuries.
13And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah; for they were counted faithful, and their business was to distribute unto their brethren.
14Remember 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 observances thereof.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Then I contended with the rulers; etc.] The ecclesiastical rulers, the priests that were appointed over those chambers, (<161244>Nehemiah 12:44), he expostulated with them warmly, and chode them severely for their conduct: and said, why is the house of God forsaken? no care being taken of the maintenance of the ministers of it, contrary to the promise made (<161037>Nehemiah 10:37), and l gathered them together; the Levites and singers that were dispersed in the countries round about: and set them in their place; in the temple, and in the course of their ministry there.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“I gathered them together - Nehemiah gathered the Levites from their lands, and reinstated them in their set offices. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Contended - I sharply reproved those priests to whom the management of those things was committed, for neglect of their duty, and breach of their late solemn promise. Why, &c. - You have not only injured men in with - holding their dues, but you have occasioned the neglect of God's house and service. Gathered - To Jerusalem from their several country possessions. Set - Restored them to the exercise of their office. Nehemiah 13:12”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“contended: Neh 13:17, Neh 13:25, Neh 5:6-13; Job 31:34; Pro 28:4 Why is the house: Neh 10:39; Sa1 2:17; Mal 3:8-11 place: Heb. standing Nehemiah 13:12”
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Related study paths

Read Nehemiah 13 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification