Nehemiah 10:31 - and if the peoples of the land bring wares or any grain on the Sabbath day to sell, that we would not buy from them on the Sabbath, or on a holy day; and that we would forego the seventh year, and the exaction of every debt.
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What does "Nehemiah 10:31" mean?
This verse from Nehemiah 10:31 is part of a collective oath taken by the Jewish people to reaffirm their commitment to the Law of Moses after returning from exile in Babylon. Let's break down the meaning:
"And if the peoples of the land bring wares or any grain on the Sabbath day to sell...": This refers to the non-Jewish inhabitants of the region who were likely engaging in commerce on the Sabbath (Saturday). The Sabbath was meant to be a day of rest and worship according to Jewish law.
"...that we would not buy from them on the Sabbath, or on a holy day...": The Jewish people are vowing not to participate in any transactions on the Sabbath or other designated holy days (festivals, religious days). This was to avoid profaning the sanctity of these days with worldly business and to ensure they kept the commandment to rest.
"...and that we would forego the seventh year, and the exaction of every debt.": This refers to the Sabbatical year and the Year of Jubilee (although only the Sabbatical year is explicitly mentioned here).
Sabbatical Year (Seventh Year): According to Jewish law (Deuteronomy 15), every seventh year was to be a year of rest for the land (fields were left uncultivated) and a time when debts were to be released. This was a social safety net to prevent long-term poverty and a demonstration of trust in God's provision.
"...and the exaction of every debt": This specifies that they would not demand payment for debts during the seventh year, effectively forgiving those debts. This was a significant economic commitment that demonstrated their obedience to God's law and their care for the poor.
In summary, Nehemiah 10:31 represents a pledge to:
1. Uphold the sanctity of the Sabbath and holy days: By refusing to engage in trade on these days.
2. Observe the Sabbatical year: By allowing the land to rest and forgiving debts.
This verse demonstrates the people's commitment to religious observance and social justice, aiming to create a society that aligned with God's laws and showed compassion to its members. They are taking specific steps to avoid temptation and prioritize spiritual values over economic gain.
Nehemiah 10:31 - and if the peoples of the land bring wares or any grain on the Sabbath day to sell, that we would not buy from them on the Sabbath, or on a holy day; and that we would forego the seventh year, and the exaction of every debt.
What does "Nehemiah 10:31" mean?
This verse from Nehemiah 10:31 is part of a collective oath taken by the Jewish people to reaffirm their commitment to the Law of Moses after returning from exile in Babylon. Let's break down the meaning:
"And if the peoples of the land bring wares or any grain on the Sabbath day to sell...": This refers to the non-Jewish inhabitants of the region who were likely engaging in commerce on the Sabbath (Saturday). The Sabbath was meant to be a day of rest and worship according to Jewish law.
"...that we would not buy from them on the Sabbath, or on a holy day...": The Jewish people are vowing not to participate in any transactions on the Sabbath or other designated holy days (festivals, religious days). This was to avoid profaning the sanctity of these days with worldly business and to ensure they kept the commandment to rest.
"...and that we would forego the seventh year, and the exaction of every debt.": This refers to the Sabbatical year and the Year of Jubilee (although only the Sabbatical year is explicitly mentioned here).
Sabbatical Year (Seventh Year): According to Jewish law (Deuteronomy 15), every seventh year was to be a year of rest for the land (fields were left uncultivated) and a time when debts were to be released. This was a social safety net to prevent long-term poverty and a demonstration of trust in God's provision.
"...and the exaction of every debt": This specifies that they would not demand payment for debts during the seventh year, effectively forgiving those debts. This was a significant economic commitment that demonstrated their obedience to God's law and their care for the poor.
In summary, Nehemiah 10:31 represents a pledge to:
1. Uphold the sanctity of the Sabbath and holy days: By refusing to engage in trade on these days.
2. Observe the Sabbatical year: By allowing the land to rest and forgiving debts.
This verse demonstrates the people's commitment to religious observance and social justice, aiming to create a society that aligned with God's laws and showed compassion to its members. They are taking specific steps to avoid temptation and prioritize spiritual values over economic gain.