Nehemiah 13:16

Afrikaans 1933/1953

Ook die Tiriërs wat daar gewoon het, het vis en allerhande koopware ingebring en op die sabbat aan die kinders van Juda selfs in Jerusalem verkoop.

What Does This Mean?

This verse describes how people from Tyre were living in Jerusalem and selling fish and other goods on the Sabbath, which was against Jewish law. The key message is about the importance of keeping the Sabbath holy and the challenges of maintaining religious purity.

Explained for Children

Imagine if your friends brought toys to play with during quiet time at school. That's what this verse is talking about. Some people from another city came to Jerusalem and were selling things on a special day when they weren't supposed to work or sell anything. It's like if someone tried to play loud music during quiet time!

Historical Background

Nehemiah 13 was written by Nehemiah, a Jewish leader who rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem. This chapter describes his efforts to reform the religious practices of the people of Jerusalem. The book was written around the 5th century BC, and the audience was the people of Jerusalem who were trying to rebuild their city and follow the laws of their faith.

Living It Out Today

In today's context, imagine a community that values rest and family time on Sundays. If a local business decides to operate on Sundays despite community rules, it could create tension and division. This verse reminds us of the importance of respecting communal values and traditions.

Topics

• Sabbath
• Purity
• Community
• Laws
• Reformation
• Idolatry

Related Verses

• Exodus 20:8-11
• Isaiah 58:13-14
• Matthew 12:1-14
• Luke 6:1-11
• Acts 15:19-21

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was selling on the Sabbath a problem?

Selling on the Sabbath was against Jewish law because the Sabbath was meant to be a day of rest and worship, not a day for business activities.

Who were the people from Tyre?

The people from Tyre were foreigners who lived in Jerusalem. Tyre was a city known for its trade and commerce, and these people were selling goods, including fish.

What was Nehemiah's role in this situation?

Nehemiah was a leader who was trying to reform religious practices in Jerusalem. He would have seen the selling on the Sabbath as a violation of Jewish law.

How can we apply this to our modern lives?

We can apply this by respecting communal values and traditions, especially those related to rest and worship, and by being mindful of how our actions might impact others in our community.