Nehemiah 5:13 - Also I shook out my lap, and said, “So may God shake out every man from his house, and from his labor, that doesn’t perform this promise; even be he shaken out, and emptied like this.” All the assembly said, “Amen,” and praised Yahweh. The people did according to this promise.
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What does "Nehemiah 5:13" mean?
This verse from Nehemiah 5:13 describes a symbolic act and a subsequent oath taken by the people of Jerusalem, promising to forgive debts and release land pledged to creditors. Let's break it down:
"Also I shook out my lap...": Nehemiah performed a physical act of shaking out the fold of his garment (his "lap"). This was a symbolic gesture meant to represent the act of completely emptying or relinquishing something.
"...and said, “So may God shake out every man from his house, and from his labor, that doesn’t perform this promise; even be he shaken out, and emptied like this.”: Nehemiah invoked a curse upon anyone who broke the oath they were about to make. He prayed that God would "shake out" such a person from their home and livelihood, meaning that they would be dispossessed and lose everything, just as he had symbolically shaken out his garment to empty it. It's a powerful and vivid image of divine retribution.
"All the assembly said, “Amen,” and praised Yahweh.": The assembled people wholeheartedly agreed with Nehemiah's oath and curse, affirming it with "Amen" (meaning "so be it"). They also praised Yahweh (God), acknowledging His power to uphold the covenant and to punish those who broke it.
"The people did according to this promise.": This is the crucial part. The people actually followed through with their oath. This emphasizes the success of Nehemiah's leadership and the people's willingness to act justly and alleviate the economic hardship of their fellow Israelites.
In summary, the verse describes:
1. A symbolic act: Nehemiah dramatically demonstrates what will happen to those who break their promise.
2. A solemn oath: The people make a serious promise to forgive debts and return land, knowing there will be consequences for disobedience.
3. Divine confirmation: The people acknowledge God's involvement and power to enforce the oath.
4. Action and obedience: Most importantly, the people follow through with their promise, showing true repentance and a commitment to social justice.
The verse highlights the importance of keeping promises, the consequences of breaking them, and the role of divine justice in holding people accountable. It showcases Nehemiah's strong leadership and the people's willingness to reform their behavior to align with God's will. It's a powerful moment of unity and commitment to doing what is right.
Nehemiah 5:13 - Also I shook out my lap, and said, “So may God shake out every man from his house, and from his labor, that doesn’t perform this promise; even be he shaken out, and emptied like this.” All the assembly said, “Amen,” and praised Yahweh. The people did according to this promise.
What does "Nehemiah 5:13" mean?
This verse from Nehemiah 5:13 describes a symbolic act and a subsequent oath taken by the people of Jerusalem, promising to forgive debts and release land pledged to creditors. Let's break it down:
"Also I shook out my lap...": Nehemiah performed a physical act of shaking out the fold of his garment (his "lap"). This was a symbolic gesture meant to represent the act of completely emptying or relinquishing something.
"...and said, “So may God shake out every man from his house, and from his labor, that doesn’t perform this promise; even be he shaken out, and emptied like this.”: Nehemiah invoked a curse upon anyone who broke the oath they were about to make. He prayed that God would "shake out" such a person from their home and livelihood, meaning that they would be dispossessed and lose everything, just as he had symbolically shaken out his garment to empty it. It's a powerful and vivid image of divine retribution.
"All the assembly said, “Amen,” and praised Yahweh.": The assembled people wholeheartedly agreed with Nehemiah's oath and curse, affirming it with "Amen" (meaning "so be it"). They also praised Yahweh (God), acknowledging His power to uphold the covenant and to punish those who broke it.
"The people did according to this promise.": This is the crucial part. The people actually followed through with their oath. This emphasizes the success of Nehemiah's leadership and the people's willingness to act justly and alleviate the economic hardship of their fellow Israelites.
In summary, the verse describes:
1. A symbolic act: Nehemiah dramatically demonstrates what will happen to those who break their promise.
2. A solemn oath: The people make a serious promise to forgive debts and return land, knowing there will be consequences for disobedience.
3. Divine confirmation: The people acknowledge God's involvement and power to enforce the oath.
4. Action and obedience: Most importantly, the people follow through with their promise, showing true repentance and a commitment to social justice.
The verse highlights the importance of keeping promises, the consequences of breaking them, and the role of divine justice in holding people accountable. It showcases Nehemiah's strong leadership and the people's willingness to reform their behavior to align with God's will. It's a powerful moment of unity and commitment to doing what is right.