Nehemiah 13:25 Meaning
And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves.
Context Explained
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.
25And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves.
26Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin.
27Shall we then hearken unto you to do all this great evil, to transgress against our God in marrying strange wives?
Key Themes
Related Cross References
Proverbs 22:6
This verse emphasizes the importance of training children in their heritage, akin to Nehemiah's concerns for language.
Matthew 5:14
Jesus calls His followers to be the light of the world, which relates to maintaining cultural and spiritual identity.
Deuteronomy 6:7
This verse instructs parents to teach their children diligently, reflecting Nehemiah's concern for the next generation.
Source: Nehemiah 13:25