Nehemiah 13:27

Arabic 2016 (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)

فَهَلْ نَسْمَعُ لَكُمْ وَنَرتَكِبُ هَذَا الشَّرَّ العَظِيمَ، وَنَخُونُ إلَهَنَا فَنَتَزَوَّجُ نِسَاءً غَرِيبَاتٍ؟»

What Does This Mean?

In Nehemiah 13:27, Nehemiah is questioning the people about their decisions to marry non-Israelite women. He's concerned that these marriages will lead them to sin and abandon their faith.

Explained for Children

Imagine if you were part of a special team and your coach told you to play only with your teammates to stay strong. But some players wanted to play with kids from other teams. Your coach would ask if you really want to listen to them and risk losing your team's strength, right?

Historical Background

Nehemiah wrote this chapter around 430 BC after returning to Jerusalem to rebuild the city walls. He was addressing the Israelites who were considering intermarrying with non-Israelite women, which was seen as a violation of their covenant with God.

Living It Out Today

Consider a scenario where a church youth group is faced with the temptation to socialize with friends who have very different values and lifestyles. The group leader reminds them of the potential negative impact on their faith and encourages sticking with those who share their beliefs.

Topics

• marriage
• faithfulness
• identity
• community
• covenant
• God's commands

Related Verses

• Deuteronomy 7:3
• Ezra 10:2
• Malachi 2:11
• 1 Corinthians 7:39
• 1 Timothy 4:12

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the main issue Nehemiah was addressing in Nehemiah 13:27?

Nehemiah was addressing the issue of intermarriage with non-Israelite women, which could lead to the Israelites abandoning their faith and covenant with God.

How does this verse relate to the concept of faithfulness?

This verse highlights the importance of faithfulness to one's beliefs and community, emphasizing the potential consequences of compromising one's faith.

What can we learn from Nehemiah's approach in this verse?

Nehemiah's questioning approach teaches us to critically evaluate our decisions and consider their impact on our spiritual well-being and community.

How can this verse guide our decision-making process today?

This verse can guide us to make decisions that align with our values and faith, considering the long-term effects on our spiritual and communal life.