Nehemiah 13:22 - I commanded the Levites that they should purify themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the Sabbath day. Remember to me, my God, this also, and spare me according to the greatness of your loving kindness.
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What does "Nehemiah 13:22" mean?
Nehemiah 13:22 describes Nehemiah's actions and prayer regarding Sabbath observance and temple service. Let's break it down:
"I commanded the Levites that they should purify themselves...": Nehemiah noticed that the Sabbath was being profaned (likely through trade and work, as mentioned in the preceding verses). The Levites were responsible for various duties in the temple, including guarding the gates. To ensure proper Sabbath observance and maintain the sanctity of the temple, Nehemiah ordered the Levites to go through a ritual purification. This emphasizes the importance of being ceremonially clean before performing holy tasks.
"...and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the Sabbath day.": The Levites' duty was to guard the city gates to prevent merchants and traders from entering and engaging in business on the Sabbath. By keeping the gates closed, they would effectively prevent the profanation of the Sabbath, thereby sanctifying it (making it holy and set apart).
"Remember to me, my God, this also...": This is a prayer from Nehemiah to God. He's asking God to remember his actions, to acknowledge his efforts in restoring proper Sabbath observance. He's not asking for personal glory, but recognition for his faithfulness in serving God and the community.
"...and spare me according to the greatness of your loving kindness.": This continues the prayer, asking for God's mercy and grace. "Spare me" can be interpreted in a few ways:
Forgiveness: Nehemiah might be conscious of his own imperfections and asking for God to forgive any shortcomings in his efforts.
Protection: He might be asking for protection from those who opposed his reforms, or from any negative consequences related to his actions.
Continued favor: He might be praying for God's continued favor and blessing on his endeavors.
The phrase "according to the greatness of your loving kindness" appeals to God's abundant and unfailing love (Hebrew: chesed). Nehemiah isn't relying on his own merit, but on God's immense mercy.
In Summary:
The verse reflects Nehemiah's strong commitment to enforcing God's law and restoring religious order in Jerusalem. He took concrete action to ensure Sabbath observance, and then humbly prayed for God's remembrance, forgiveness, and grace, relying on God's great loving kindness rather than on his own merits. It shows that he understood the importance of both action (commanding the Levites) and prayer in serving God. It highlights the importance of keeping the Sabbath holy, and the reliance on God's grace for forgiveness and blessings.
Nehemiah 13:22 - I commanded the Levites that they should purify themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the Sabbath day. Remember to me, my God, this also, and spare me according to the greatness of your loving kindness.
What does "Nehemiah 13:22" mean?
Nehemiah 13:22 describes Nehemiah's actions and prayer regarding Sabbath observance and temple service. Let's break it down:
"I commanded the Levites that they should purify themselves...": Nehemiah noticed that the Sabbath was being profaned (likely through trade and work, as mentioned in the preceding verses). The Levites were responsible for various duties in the temple, including guarding the gates. To ensure proper Sabbath observance and maintain the sanctity of the temple, Nehemiah ordered the Levites to go through a ritual purification. This emphasizes the importance of being ceremonially clean before performing holy tasks.
"...and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the Sabbath day.": The Levites' duty was to guard the city gates to prevent merchants and traders from entering and engaging in business on the Sabbath. By keeping the gates closed, they would effectively prevent the profanation of the Sabbath, thereby sanctifying it (making it holy and set apart).
"Remember to me, my God, this also...": This is a prayer from Nehemiah to God. He's asking God to remember his actions, to acknowledge his efforts in restoring proper Sabbath observance. He's not asking for personal glory, but recognition for his faithfulness in serving God and the community.
"...and spare me according to the greatness of your loving kindness.": This continues the prayer, asking for God's mercy and grace. "Spare me" can be interpreted in a few ways:
Forgiveness: Nehemiah might be conscious of his own imperfections and asking for God to forgive any shortcomings in his efforts.
Protection: He might be asking for protection from those who opposed his reforms, or from any negative consequences related to his actions.
Continued favor: He might be praying for God's continued favor and blessing on his endeavors.
The phrase "according to the greatness of your loving kindness" appeals to God's abundant and unfailing love (Hebrew: chesed). Nehemiah isn't relying on his own merit, but on God's immense mercy.
In Summary:
The verse reflects Nehemiah's strong commitment to enforcing God's law and restoring religious order in Jerusalem. He took concrete action to ensure Sabbath observance, and then humbly prayed for God's remembrance, forgiveness, and grace, relying on God's great loving kindness rather than on his own merits. It shows that he understood the importance of both action (commanding the Levites) and prayer in serving God. It highlights the importance of keeping the Sabbath holy, and the reliance on God's grace for forgiveness and blessings.