Neh 13:4 | MHM | STEP | v. 4-5 : The story then focuses on Tobiah, an Ammonite who was an enemy of Israel. Eliashib, the high priest, allowed Tobiah to stay in a room in the temple because they were connected by family and friendship (Nehemiah 13:4; Nehemiah 13:28 ). This was wrong, because the high priest was supposed to marry someone from his own people (Leviticus 21:14-15 ). Eliashib even cleared out the temple storerooms, which were meant for offerings and supplies, just to make a special place for Tobiah (Nehemiah 13:5 ). Allowing an Ammonite into the temple went directly against God's law, and it was a serious mistake.

‏ Nehemiah 13:4

v. 4-5: The story then focuses on Tobiah, an Ammonite who was an enemy of Israel. Eliashib, the high priest, allowed Tobiah to stay in a room in the temple because they were connected by family and friendship (Nehemiah 13:4; Nehemiah 13:28 ^a). This was wrong, because the high priest was supposed to marry someone from his own people (Leviticus 21:14-15 ^b). Eliashib even cleared out the temple storerooms, which were meant for offerings and supplies, just to make a special place for Tobiah (Nehemiah 13:5 ^c). Allowing an Ammonite into the temple went directly against God's law, and it was a serious mistake.