Nehemiah 13:1 - On that day they read in the book of Moses in the hearing of the people; and it was found written in it that an Ammonite and a Moabite should not enter into the assembly of God forever,
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What does "Nehemiah 13:1" mean?
Nehemiah 13:1, "On that day they read in the book of Moses in the hearing of the people; and it was found written in it that an Ammonite and a Moabite should not enter into the assembly of God forever," refers to a specific event in post-exilic Judah where a passage from the Pentateuch (specifically the Law of Moses) was read publicly and a particular restriction regarding Ammonites and Moabites was discovered or reaffirmed. Let's break it down:
"On that day they read in the book of Moses in the hearing of the people...": This highlights the importance of public Scripture reading in Nehemiah's time. The "book of Moses" refers to the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy), which were attributed to Moses. Public reading was a way to instruct and remind the people of God's law and their covenant obligations.
"...and it was found written in it that an Ammonite and a Moabite should not enter into the assembly of God forever": This refers to a specific law found in Deuteronomy 23:3-6: "No Ammonite or Moabite or any of their descendants may enter the assembly of the LORD, even down to the tenth generation. For they did not come to meet you with bread and water on your way when you came out of Egypt, and they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in Aram Naharaim to pronounce a curse on you. However, the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam but turned the curse into a blessing for you. As long as you live, do not seek their peace or prosperity."
Ammonites and Moabites: These were neighboring peoples to Israel with a historically fraught relationship. They were often in conflict with Israel and were known for their idolatrous practices.
"Should not enter into the assembly of God forever": This phrase is significant. It means they were excluded from full participation in the religious life of the Israelite community, specifically likely referencing their exclusion from worship services, festivals, and possibly even intermarriage within the community. The duration "forever" should not be taken literally, as this law does not apply today, and there are examples in the Bible of certain exceptions.
The Reasons for the Prohibition:
The prohibition stemmed from a few historical factors recounted in Deuteronomy:
1. Lack of Hospitality During the Exodus: The Ammonites and Moabites did not provide food and water to the Israelites as they journeyed from Egypt through their territories. This was seen as a lack of kindness and a sign of hostility.
2. Hiring Balaam to Curse Israel: The Moabites hired the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites as they approached Moab. Although God intervened and turned the curse into a blessing, the attempt itself was seen as an act of aggression and hostility.
Significance in Nehemiah:
In the context of Nehemiah, this verse introduces the problem that Nehemiah addresses in the subsequent verses. After reading this law, the Israelites realized that they had been lax in enforcing it. This law became the basis for expelling foreigners (specifically, Ammonites and Moabites) who had integrated into the community, especially those who had intermarried with Israelites and were holding positions of influence. This was part of Nehemiah's broader effort to purify the Jewish community and restore obedience to God's law.
In Summary:
Nehemiah 13:1 is a historical account that highlights the importance of adherence to the Law of Moses in post-exilic Judah. The verse records the discovery of a law prohibiting Ammonites and Moabites from full participation in the Israelite community due to their historical opposition to Israel. This discovery became the basis for reform and purification within the Jewish community during Nehemiah's leadership.
Nehemiah 13:1 - On that day they read in the book of Moses in the hearing of the people; and it was found written in it that an Ammonite and a Moabite should not enter into the assembly of God forever,
What does "Nehemiah 13:1" mean?
Nehemiah 13:1, "On that day they read in the book of Moses in the hearing of the people; and it was found written in it that an Ammonite and a Moabite should not enter into the assembly of God forever," refers to a specific event in post-exilic Judah where a passage from the Pentateuch (specifically the Law of Moses) was read publicly and a particular restriction regarding Ammonites and Moabites was discovered or reaffirmed. Let's break it down:
"On that day they read in the book of Moses in the hearing of the people...": This highlights the importance of public Scripture reading in Nehemiah's time. The "book of Moses" refers to the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy), which were attributed to Moses. Public reading was a way to instruct and remind the people of God's law and their covenant obligations.
"...and it was found written in it that an Ammonite and a Moabite should not enter into the assembly of God forever": This refers to a specific law found in Deuteronomy 23:3-6: "No Ammonite or Moabite or any of their descendants may enter the assembly of the LORD, even down to the tenth generation. For they did not come to meet you with bread and water on your way when you came out of Egypt, and they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in Aram Naharaim to pronounce a curse on you. However, the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam but turned the curse into a blessing for you. As long as you live, do not seek their peace or prosperity."
Ammonites and Moabites: These were neighboring peoples to Israel with a historically fraught relationship. They were often in conflict with Israel and were known for their idolatrous practices.
"Should not enter into the assembly of God forever": This phrase is significant. It means they were excluded from full participation in the religious life of the Israelite community, specifically likely referencing their exclusion from worship services, festivals, and possibly even intermarriage within the community. The duration "forever" should not be taken literally, as this law does not apply today, and there are examples in the Bible of certain exceptions.
The Reasons for the Prohibition:
The prohibition stemmed from a few historical factors recounted in Deuteronomy:
1. Lack of Hospitality During the Exodus: The Ammonites and Moabites did not provide food and water to the Israelites as they journeyed from Egypt through their territories. This was seen as a lack of kindness and a sign of hostility.
2. Hiring Balaam to Curse Israel: The Moabites hired the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites as they approached Moab. Although God intervened and turned the curse into a blessing, the attempt itself was seen as an act of aggression and hostility.
Significance in Nehemiah:
In the context of Nehemiah, this verse introduces the problem that Nehemiah addresses in the subsequent verses. After reading this law, the Israelites realized that they had been lax in enforcing it. This law became the basis for expelling foreigners (specifically, Ammonites and Moabites) who had integrated into the community, especially those who had intermarried with Israelites and were holding positions of influence. This was part of Nehemiah's broader effort to purify the Jewish community and restore obedience to God's law.
In Summary:
Nehemiah 13:1 is a historical account that highlights the importance of adherence to the Law of Moses in post-exilic Judah. The verse records the discovery of a law prohibiting Ammonites and Moabites from full participation in the Israelite community due to their historical opposition to Israel. This discovery became the basis for reform and purification within the Jewish community during Nehemiah's leadership.