Nehemiah 13:22 Meaning
And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.
Context Explained
20So the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware 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 cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.
23In those days also saw I Jews that had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, and of Moab:
24And their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews' language, but according to the language of each people.
Key Themes
Related Cross References
Numbers 8:6
This verse outlines the need for the Levites to be cleansed before serving, paralleling Nehemiah's call for purity.
Matthew 23:25
Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for their outward purity while neglecting inner righteousness, contrasting with Nehemiah's focus on external observance.
2 Corinthians 7:1
This verse encourages believers to cleanse themselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, similar to Nehemiah's command.
Source: Nehemiah 13:22