Nehemiah 13:1
New International Version
On that day the Book of Moses was read aloud in the hearing of the people and there it was found written that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever be admitted into the assembly of God,

New Living Translation
On that same day, as the Book of Moses was being read to the people, the passage was found that said no Ammonite or Moabite should ever be permitted to enter the assembly of God.

English Standard Version
On that day they read from the Book of Moses in the hearing of the people. And in it was found written that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever enter the assembly of God,

Berean Standard Bible
At that time the Book of Moses was read aloud in the hearing of the people, and in it they found the passage stating that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever enter the assembly of God,

King James Bible
On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of God for ever;

New King James Version
On that day they read from the Book of Moses in the hearing of the people, and in it was found written that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever come into the assembly of God,

New American Standard Bible
On that day the Book of Moses was read aloud as the people listened; and there was found written in it that no Ammonite or Moabite was ever to enter the assembly of God,

NASB 1995
On that day they read aloud from the book of Moses in the hearing of the people; and there was found written in it that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever enter the assembly of God,

NASB 1977
On that day they read aloud from the book of Moses in the hearing of the people; and there was found written in it that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever enter the assembly of God,

Legacy Standard Bible
On that day they read from the book of Moses in the hearing of the people; and there was found written in it that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever enter the assembly of God,

Amplified Bible
On that day they read aloud from the book of Moses so that the people could hear [its words], and in it was found written that no Ammonite or Moabite could ever enter the assembly of God,

Christian Standard Bible
At that time the book of Moses was read publicly to the people. The command was found written in it that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever enter the assembly of God,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
At that time the book of Moses was read publicly to the people. The command was found written in it that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever enter the assembly of God,

American Standard Version
On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that an Ammonite and a Moabite should not enter into the assembly of God for ever,

Contemporary English Version
On that day when the Law of Moses was read aloud to everyone, it was discovered that Ammonites and Moabites were forbidden to belong to the people of God.

English Revised Version
On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that an Ammonite and a Moabite should not enter into the assembly of God for ever;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
On that day the Book of Moses was read while the people were listening. They heard the passage that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever be admitted into God's assembly.

Good News Translation
When the Law of Moses was being read aloud to the people, they came to the passage that said that no Ammonite or Moabite was ever to be permitted to join God's people.

International Standard Version
Later that day the book of Moses was read aloud so the people could hear it, and a written command was discovered therein permanently prohibiting the Ammonites and Moabites from coming into the congregation of God

Majority Standard Bible
At that time the Book of Moses was read aloud in the hearing of the people, and in it they found the passage stating that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever enter the assembly of God,

NET Bible
On that day the book of Moses was read aloud in the hearing of the people. They found written in it that no Ammonite or Moabite may ever enter the assembly of God,

New Heart English Bible
On that day they read in the scroll of Moses in the audience of the people; and in it was found written, that an Ammonite and a Moabite should not enter into the assembly of God forever,

Webster's Bible Translation
On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of God for ever:

World English Bible
On that day they read in the book of Moses in the hearing of the people; and it was found written in it that an Ammonite and a Moabite should not enter into the assembly of God forever,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
On that day there was read in the scroll of Moses, in the ears of the people, and it has been found written in it that an Ammonite and Moabite does not come into the assembly of God for all time,

Young's Literal Translation
On that day there was read in the book of Moses, in the ears of the people, and it hath been found written in it that an Ammonite and Moabite doth not come into the assembly of God -- unto the age,

Smith's Literal Translation
In that day was read in the book of Moses in the ears of the people; and it was found written in it that there shall not come in an Ammonite and a Moabite to the convocation of God, even to forever;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And on that day they read in the book of Moses in the hearing of the people: and therein was found written, that the Ammonites and the Moabites should not come in to the church of God for ever:

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now on that day, they read from the book of Moses in the hearing of the people. And in it, there was found written that the Ammonites and the Moabites must not enter the church of God, even for all time,

New American Bible
At that time, when the book of Moses was being read in the hearing of the people, it was found written there: “No Ammonite or Moabite may ever be admitted into the assembly of God;

New Revised Standard Version
On that day they read from the book of Moses in the hearing of the people; and in it was found written that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever enter the assembly of God,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
ON that day, when the book of the law of Moses was being read in the audience of the people, therein was found written that the Ammonites and the Moabites should never enter the congregation of the LORD for ever,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
In that day the writing of the Law of Moshe was read in the ears of the people, and it was found which was written in it: “The Ammonites and the Moabites shall not enter the assembly of LORD JEHOVAH until eternity
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
On that day they read in the book of Moses in the hearing of the people; and therein was found written, that an Ammonite and a Moabite should not enter into the assembly of God for ever;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
In that day they read in the book of Moses in the ears of the people; and it was found written in it, that the Ammonites and Moabites should not enter into the congregation of God for ever;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Foreigners Excluded
1At that time the Book of Moses was read aloud in the hearing of the people, and in it they found the passage stating that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever enter the assembly of God, 2because they had not met the Israelites with food and water, but had hired Balaam to call down a curse against them (although our God had turned the curse into a blessing).…

Cross References
Deuteronomy 23:3-5
No Ammonite or Moabite or any of their descendants may enter the assembly of the LORD, even to the tenth generation. / For they did not meet you with food and water on your way out of Egypt, and they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in Aram-naharaim to curse you. / Yet the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam, and the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the LORD your God loves you.

Ezra 9:1-2
After these things had been accomplished, the leaders approached me and said, “The people of Israel, including the priests and Levites, have not kept themselves separate from the surrounding peoples whose abominations are like those of the Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians, and Amorites. / Indeed, the Israelites have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and their sons, so that the holy seed has been mixed with the people of the land. And the leaders and officials have taken the lead in this unfaithfulness!”

Nehemiah 9:2
Those of Israelite descent separated themselves from all the foreigners, and they stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers.

Nehemiah 10:28-30
“The rest of the people—the priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, temple servants, and all who had separated themselves from the people of the land to obey the Law of God—along with their wives and all their sons and daughters who are able to understand, / hereby join with their noble brothers and commit themselves with a sworn oath to follow the Law of God given through His servant Moses and to obey carefully all the commandments, ordinances, and statutes of the LORD our Lord. / We will not give our daughters in marriage to the people of the land, and we will not take their daughters for our sons.

Numbers 22:5-6
he sent messengers to summon Balaam son of Beor at Pethor, which is by the Euphrates in the land of his people. “Behold, a people has come out of Egypt,” said Balak. “They cover the face of the land and have settled next to me. / So please come now and put a curse on this people, because they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I may be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land; for I know that those you bless are blessed, and those you curse are cursed.”

Numbers 23:7-8
And Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Balak brought me from Aram, the king of Moab from the mountains of the east. ‘Come,’ he said, ‘put a curse on Jacob for me; come and denounce Israel!’ / How can I curse those whom God has not cursed? How can I denounce those whom the LORD has not denounced?

Numbers 24:9-10
He crouches, he lies down like a lion, like a lioness—who dares to rouse him? Blessed are those who bless you and cursed are those who curse you.” / Then Balak’s anger burned against Balaam, and he struck his hands together and said to Balaam, “I summoned you to curse my enemies, but behold, you have persisted in blessing them these three times.

Joshua 23:12-13
For if you turn away and cling to the rest of these nations that remain among you, and if you intermarry and associate with them, / know for sure that the LORD your God will no longer drive out these nations before you. Instead, they will become for you a snare and a trap, a scourge in your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land that the LORD your God has given you.

Judges 3:5-6
Thus the Israelites continued to live among the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. / And they took the daughters of these people in marriage, gave their own daughters to their sons, and served their gods.

1 Kings 11:1-2
King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh—women of Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Sidon, as well as Hittite women. / These women were from the nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, for surely they will turn your hearts after their gods.” Yet Solomon clung to these women in love.

2 Kings 17:33-34
They worshiped the LORD, but they also served their own gods according to the customs of the nations from which they had been carried away. / To this day they are still practicing their former customs. None of them worship the LORD or observe the statutes, ordinances, laws, and commandments that the LORD gave the descendants of Jacob, whom He named Israel.

2 Chronicles 20:1-2
After this, the Moabites and Ammonites, together with some of the Meunites, came to make war against Jehoshaphat. / Then some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the Sea; they are already in Hazazon-tamar” (that is, En-gedi).

Psalm 106:34-36
They did not destroy the peoples as the LORD had commanded them, / but they mingled with the nations and adopted their customs. / They worshiped their idols, which became a snare to them.

Isaiah 13:19-22
And Babylon, the jewel of the kingdoms, the glory of the pride of the Chaldeans, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah. / She will never be inhabited or settled from generation to generation; no nomad will pitch his tent there, no shepherd will rest his flock there. / But desert creatures will lie down there, and howling creatures will fill her houses. Ostriches will dwell there, and wild goats will leap about. ...

Jeremiah 25:12-14
But when seventy years are complete, I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation, the land of the Chaldeans, for their guilt, declares the LORD, and I will make it an everlasting desolation. / I will bring upon that land all the words I have pronounced against it, all that is written in this book, which Jeremiah has prophesied against all the nations. / For many nations and great kings will enslave them, and I will repay them according to their deeds and according to the work of their hands.’”


Treasury of Scripture

On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of God for ever;

that day.

they read.

Nehemiah 8:3-8
And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law…

Nehemiah 9:3
And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the LORD their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God.

Deuteronomy 31:11,12
When all Israel is come to appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose, thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing…

audience.

Nehemiah 13:23
In those days also saw I Jews that had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, and of Moab:

Deuteronomy 23:3-5
An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the LORD for ever: …

Isaiah 15:1-16:14
The burden of Moab. Because in the night Ar of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence; because in the night Kir of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence; …

Moabite.

Nehemiah 2:10,19
When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel…

Nehemiah 4:3
Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall.

Psalm 83:7-9
Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre; …

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Nehemiah 13
1. Upon the reading of the law, separation is made from the mixed multitude.
4. Nehemiah, at his return, causes the chambers to be cleansed.
10. He reforms the offices in the house of God;
15. the violation of the Sabbath;
23. and the marriages with the strange wives.














On that day
This phrase sets a specific time frame, indicating a particular moment of significance. Historically, this refers to a period after the completion of the wall of Jerusalem and the dedication ceremonies. It suggests a time of reflection and renewal for the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of returning to God's laws. The phrase underscores the immediacy and relevance of the events that follow, highlighting a pivotal moment in the spiritual life of the community.

the Book of Moses
This refers to the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament, traditionally attributed to Moses. The reading of the Book of Moses signifies a return to foundational teachings and laws that governed the Israelites. It underscores the authority of Scripture in guiding the community's spiritual and social life. The emphasis on the "Book of Moses" highlights the continuity of God's covenant and the importance of adhering to His commandments.

was read aloud
The public reading of Scripture was a common practice in ancient Israel, serving both educational and communal functions. It ensured that all people, regardless of literacy, could hear and understand God's laws. This practice reflects the communal nature of worship and the importance of collective adherence to God's word. The act of reading aloud also signifies transparency and accountability within the community.

in the hearing of the people
This phrase emphasizes the inclusivity and communal aspect of the event. It suggests that the reading was meant for everyone, reinforcing the idea that God's laws are for all members of the community. The public nature of the reading also serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility to uphold God's commandments and the collective identity of the Israelites as God's chosen people.

and there was found written
This indicates a rediscovery or reaffirmation of a specific commandment within the Scriptures. It suggests that the people may have been unaware or had forgotten this particular law, highlighting the importance of regular engagement with God's word. The phrase underscores the revelatory power of Scripture and its role in guiding the community back to righteousness.

that no Ammonite or Moabite
The mention of Ammonites and Moabites refers to specific groups historically antagonistic to Israel. This prohibition is rooted in historical events, such as the refusal of these nations to assist the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt (Deuteronomy 23:3-4). The exclusion of these groups serves as a reminder of the consequences of opposing God's people and the importance of maintaining the purity and sanctity of the assembly.

should ever enter the assembly of God
This phrase underscores the holiness and exclusivity of the community of believers. The "assembly of God" refers to the congregation of Israelites gathered for worship and communal decision-making. The prohibition against Ammonites and Moabites entering the assembly highlights the need to protect the spiritual integrity of the community. It serves as a call to maintain faithfulness to God's covenant and to separate from influences that could lead the community astray.

XIII.

(1-3) Reform as to mixed marriages.

(1) On that day.--Probably the season of the Feast of Tabernacles, as before. But portions were selected to be read.

They read in the book of Moses.--"It was read" in the Pentateuch, and specially Deuteronomy 23. This is introduced for the sake of the action taken, and the history is given in brief, with a striking and characteristic parenthesis of Nehemiah's own concerning the curse turned into a blessing.

Therein was found written.--What to the people generally was not known.

For ever.--No Ammonite or Ammonite family could have legal standing in the congregation, "even to their tenth generation;" and this interdict was to last "for ever." It virtually though not actually amounted to absolute exclusion.

(3) The mixed multitude.--For the "mixed multitude," or Ereb, which plays so prominent a part in Jewish history, see on Exodus 12:38. The process here was that of shutting out heathens who were in the habit of mingling with the people in the services. In Nehemiah 9 it was, as we saw, the people's separation from the practices and spirit of the heathen.

Verse 1. - On that day. See Nehemiah 12:44. The phrase seems to mean, in Nehemiah, "About that time." They read in the book of Moses. It is uncertain whether this was a casual reading, like that of Ezra's, recorded in Nehemiah 8:1-8, or whether it was the prescribed reading (Deuteronomy 31:11) at the time of the feast of tabernacles. Therein was found written. See Deuteronomy 23:3-5. It seems to be implied that the nation at large had no knowledge of the law, except that which they derived from the occasional public reading of the Pentateuch, or portions of it. Copies of the law were extremely scarce; and even if an ordinary Jew possessed one, he would not have been able to understand it (comp. above, Nehemiah 8:8).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
At that
הַה֗וּא (ha·hū)
Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

time
בַּיּ֣וֹם (bay·yō·wm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

the Book
בְּסֵ֥פֶר (bə·sê·p̄er)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5612: A missive, document, writing, book

of Moses
מֹשֶׁ֖ה (mō·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver

was read aloud
נִקְרָ֛א (niq·rā)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

in the hearing
בְּאָזְנֵ֣י (bə·’ā·zə·nê)
Preposition-b | Noun - fdc
Strong's 241: Broadness, the ear

of the people,
הָעָ֑ם (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

and in it
בּ֔וֹ (bōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

they found
וְנִמְצָא֙ (wə·nim·ṣā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present

the passage stating
כָּת֣וּב (kā·ṯūḇ)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 3789: To grave, to write

that
אֲ֠שֶׁר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

no
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

Ammonite
עַמֹּנִ֧י (‘am·mō·nî)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5984: Ammonite -- descendants of Ammon

or Moabite
וּמֹאָבִ֛י (ū·mō·’ā·ḇî)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4125: Moabite -- descendant of Moab

should ever
עַד־ (‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

enter
יָב֨וֹא (yā·ḇō·w)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

the assembly
בִּקְהַ֥ל (biq·hal)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6951: Assembly, convocation, congregation

of God,
הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative


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OT History: Nehemiah 13:1 On that day they read (Neh Ne)
Nehemiah 12:47
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