Neh 13:15-22 | Clarke | STEP | Verse 15 Treading wine-presses - The Sabbath appears to have been totally disregarded.

Nehemiah 13:15-22

Verse 15

Treading wine-presses - The Sabbath appears to have been totally disregarded. Verse 17

I contended with the nobles - These evils took place through their negligence; and this I proved before them. Verse 19

When the gates - began to be dark - After sunset on Friday evening he caused the gates to be shut, and kept them shut all the Sabbath; and, as he could not trust the ordinary officers, he set some of his own servants to watch the gates, that no person might enter for the purpose of traffic. Verse 20

So the merchants - lodged without Jerusalem - They exposed their wares for sale on the outside of the walls. Verse 21

I will lay hands on you - I will imprison every man of you. This had the desired effect; they came no more. Verse 22

Spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy - By some Nehemiah has been thought to deal with God too much on the principle of merit. That he wished God to remember him for good, is sufficiently evident; and who does not wish the same? But that he expected heaven because of his good deeds, does not appear. Indeed, the concluding clause of this verse proves the contrary, and shows that he expected nothing from God but through the greatness of his mercy. Shame on those who, with this evidence before them, brand this good man with the epithet of workmonger! a man who, in inward holiness, outward usefulness, and genuine love to God and man, was worth ten score of such self-called believers.