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Nehemiah 13:20

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Nehemiah 13:20 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “So the merchants and sellers of all kind of wares lodged without Jerusalem once or twice.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

So the merchants and sellers of all kind of wares lodged without Jerusalem once or twice.
Nehemiah 13:20 — American Standard Version

Context — Nehemiah 13

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
17Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day?
18Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath.
19And it came to pass that, when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the doors should be shut, and 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.
20So the merchants and sellers of all kind of wares lodged without Jerusalem once or twice.
21Then 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.
22And 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.
23In those days also saw I the Jews that had married women of Ashdod, of Ammon, [and] of Moab:
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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
“For the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware, etc.] The Tyrians particularly, (<161316>Nehemiah 13:16) lodged without Jerusalem once or twice; one sabbath day or two, not being able to get into the city, such strict watch and care being taken to keep the gates shut; this they did, hoping the Jews would come out to them and buy their goods, though they were not admitted to bring them within the city.”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification