Nehemiah 13:19
Arabic SVD 1865 Version (Smith and Van Dyke)
What Does This Mean?
Nehemiah tells us that he ordered the gates of Jerusalem to be closed as the Sabbath approached and to stay closed until after the Sabbath. He also placed guards at the gates to prevent any goods from being brought in on the Sabbath. This shows Nehemiah's dedication to keeping the Sabbath holy.
Explained for Children
Imagine your house as a big castle. Nehemiah, like a castle's king, made sure that once it was almost time for rest day, he closed the big doors of the castle and told his helpers to keep them closed until the next day. This was to make sure no one could bring in any work things while everyone was supposed to rest and pray.
Historical Background
Nehemiah was a Jewish leader who lived in the 5th century BCE and served as a cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes. He wrote the book of Nehemiah, which is part of the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament. The audience of this book includes the Jews who returned from exile and the wider community of believers.
Living It Out Today
Today, we can apply this by respecting set times of rest and reflection, like Sabbath or Sunday for Christians. For example, if your workplace asks you to check emails or do tasks on your day off, consider setting clear boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance.