Nehemiah 13:9
New International Version
I gave orders to purify the rooms, and then I put back into them the equipment of the house of God, with the grain offerings and the incense.

New Living Translation
Then I demanded that the rooms be purified, and I brought back the articles for God’s Temple, the grain offerings, and the frankincense.

English Standard Version
Then I gave orders, and they cleansed the chambers, and I brought back there the vessels of the house of God, with the grain offering and the frankincense.

Berean Standard Bible
Then I ordered that the rooms be purified, and I had the articles of the house of God restored to them, along with the grain offerings and frankincense.

King James Bible
Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat offering and the frankincense.

New King James Version
Then I commanded them to cleanse the rooms; and I brought back into them the articles of the house of God, with the grain offering and the frankincense.

New American Standard Bible
Then I gave an order, and they cleansed the rooms; and I returned the utensils of the house of God there with the grain offering and the frankincense.

NASB 1995
Then I gave an order and they cleansed the rooms; and I returned there the utensils of the house of God with the grain offerings and the frankincense.

NASB 1977
Then I gave an order and they cleansed the rooms; and I returned there the utensils of the house of God with the grain offerings and the frankincense.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then I said the word, and they cleansed the chambers; and I returned there the utensils of the house of God with the grain offerings and the frankincense.

Amplified Bible
Then I gave an order, and they cleaned the rooms; and I put back there the utensils of the house of God with the grain offerings and the frankincense.

Christian Standard Bible
I ordered that the rooms be purified, and I had the articles of the house of God restored there, along with the grain offering and frankincense.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I ordered that the rooms be purified, and I had the articles of the house of God restored there, along with the grain offering and frankincense.

American Standard Version
Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meal-offerings and the frankincense.

Contemporary English Version
Then I ordered the room to be cleaned and the temple utensils, the grain offerings, and the incense to be brought back into the room.

English Revised Version
Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meal offerings and the frankincense.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then I told them to cleanse the rooms, and I put back in there the utensils from God's temple, the offerings, and the incense.

Good News Translation
I gave orders for the rooms to be ritually purified and for the Temple equipment, grain offerings, and incense to be put back.

International Standard Version
I ordered them to purify the chambers, and then they brought back the vessels from the Temple of God, along with the grain offerings and incense.

Majority Standard Bible
Then I ordered that the rooms be purified, and I had the articles of the house of God restored to them, along with the grain offerings and frankincense.

NET Bible
Then I gave instructions that the storerooms should be purified, and I brought back the equipment of the temple of God, along with the grain offering and the incense.

New Heart English Bible
Then I commanded, and they cleansed the rooms: and there brought I again the vessels of God's house, with the meal offerings and the frankincense.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither I brought again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat-offering and the frankincense.

World English Bible
Then I commanded, and they cleansed the rooms. I brought into them the vessels of God’s house, with the meal offerings and the frankincense again.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and I command, and they cleanse the chambers, and I bring back there the vessels of the house of God with the present and the frankincense.

Young's Literal Translation
and I speak, and they cleanse the chambers, and I bring back thither the vessels of the house of God with the present and the frankincense.

Smith's Literal Translation
And saying, and they will purify the cells: and I shall turn back there the vessels of the house of God, with the gift and the frankincense.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And I commanded and they cleansed the storehouses: and I brought thither again the vessels of the house of God, the sacrifice, and the frankincense.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And I gave instructions, and they cleansed again the storeroom. And I brought back, into that place, the vessels of the house of God, the sacrifice, and the frankincense.

New American Bible
Then I gave orders to purify the chambers, and I brought back the vessels of the house of God, the grain offerings, and the incense.

New Revised Standard Version
Then I gave orders and they cleansed the chambers, and I brought back the vessels of the house of God, with the grain offering and the frankincense.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then I commanded, and they cleansed the court; and I brought back thither the vessels of the house of the LORD, with the meal offerings and the frankincense.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And I spoke and they purified the courtyard, and I returned there the vessels of the house of LORD JEHOVAH, and the offerings and the frankincense.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers; and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meal-offerings and the frankincense.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And I gave orders, and they purified the treasuries: and I restored thither the vessels of the house of God, and the offerings, and the frankincense.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Temple Cleansed
8And I was greatly displeased and threw all of Tobiah’s household goods out of the room. 9Then I ordered that the rooms be purified, and I had the articles of the house of God restored to them, along with the grain offerings and frankincense.

Cross References
2 Chronicles 29:5
“Listen to me, O Levites,” he said. “Consecrate yourselves now and consecrate the house of the LORD, the God of your fathers. Remove from the Holy Place every impurity.

2 Chronicles 29:15-16
When they had assembled their brothers and consecrated themselves, they went in to cleanse the house of the LORD, according to the command of the king by the words of the LORD. / So the priests went inside the house of the LORD to cleanse it, and they brought out to the courtyard all the unclean things that they found in the temple of the LORD. Then the Levites took these things and carried them out to the Kidron Valley.

2 Chronicles 29:18-19
Then they went in to King Hezekiah and reported, “We have cleansed the entire house of the LORD, the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, and the table of the showbread with all its utensils. / Moreover, we have prepared and consecrated all the articles that King Ahaz in his unfaithfulness cast aside during his reign. They are now in front of the altar of the LORD.”

2 Chronicles 31:11-12
Then Hezekiah commanded them to prepare storerooms in the house of the LORD, and they did so. / And they faithfully brought in the contributions, tithes, and dedicated gifts. Conaniah the Levite was the officer in charge of them, and his brother Shimei was second.

1 Kings 8:6
Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the LORD to its place in the inner sanctuary of the temple, the Most Holy Place, beneath the wings of the cherubim.

1 Kings 8:21
And there I have provided a place for the ark, which contains the covenant of the LORD that He made with our fathers when He brought them out of the land of Egypt.”

2 Chronicles 5:7
Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the LORD to its place in the inner sanctuary of the temple, the Most Holy Place, beneath the wings of the cherubim.

2 Chronicles 5:10
There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets that Moses had placed in it at Horeb, where the LORD had made a covenant with the Israelites after they had come out of Egypt.

2 Chronicles 6:11
And there I have placed the ark, which contains the covenant of the LORD that He made with the children of Israel.”

2 Chronicles 23:6
No one is to enter the house of the LORD except the priests and those Levites who serve; they may enter because they are consecrated, but all the people are to obey the requirement of the LORD.

Matthew 21:12-13
Then Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling doves. / And He declared to them, “It is written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer.’ But you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’”

John 2:14-16
In the temple courts He found men selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and money changers seated at their tables. / So He made a whip out of cords and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle. He poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. / To those selling doves He said, “Get these out of here! How dare you turn My Father’s house into a marketplace!”

Hebrews 9:2-3
A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place. / Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place,

Hebrews 9:6
When everything had been prepared in this way, the priests entered regularly into the first room to perform their sacred duties.

Hebrews 9:21
In the same way, he sprinkled with blood the tabernacle and all the vessels used in worship.


Treasury of Scripture

Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat offering and the frankincense.

they cleansed.

Nehemiah 12:45
And both the singers and the porters kept the ward of their God, and the ward of the purification, according to the commandment of David, and of Solomon his son.

2 Chronicles 29:5,15-19
And said unto them, Hear me, ye Levites, sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of the LORD God of your fathers, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy place

Jump to Previous
Cereal Chambers Clean Cleansed Commanded Equipment Frankincense Grain House Meal Meal-Offerings Meat Meat-Offering Oblation Offering Offerings Order Orders Perfume Purified Purify Rooms Thither Utensils Vessels
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Cereal Chambers Clean Cleansed Commanded Equipment Frankincense Grain House Meal Meal-Offerings Meat Meat-Offering Oblation Offering Offerings Order Orders Perfume Purified Purify Rooms Thither Utensils Vessels
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.














Then I ordered that the rooms be purified
Nehemiah's command to purify the rooms reflects the importance of maintaining holiness in the temple, which had been defiled by Tobiah's presence. This act of purification is reminiscent of the cleansing rituals prescribed in the Law of Moses (Leviticus 14:49-53). The need for purification underscores the separation between the sacred and the profane, a theme prevalent throughout the Old Testament. Nehemiah's actions demonstrate his commitment to restoring proper worship and adherence to God's commandments.

and I had the articles of the house of God restored to them
The restoration of the temple articles signifies the reestablishment of proper worship practices. These articles, which included items like the lampstand, altar, and various utensils, were essential for the daily functions of the temple (Exodus 25-30). Their removal by Tobiah represented a disruption in the worship of God. Nehemiah's restoration of these items highlights the importance of reverence and respect for the sacred objects dedicated to God's service.

along with the grain offerings and frankincense
The inclusion of grain offerings and frankincense points to the restoration of sacrificial practices as outlined in Levitical law (Leviticus 2:1-16). Grain offerings were a form of tribute to God, symbolizing dedication and thanksgiving. Frankincense, a costly and fragrant resin, was used in the temple for its pleasing aroma, representing the prayers of the people ascending to God (Psalm 141:2; Revelation 8:3-4). This restoration signifies a return to covenant faithfulness and the proper worship of God, aligning with the broader theme of renewal and reform found throughout the book of Nehemiah.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nehemiah
The central figure in this passage, Nehemiah was a Jewish leader who played a crucial role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and the spiritual renewal of the people. He was known for his strong leadership and commitment to God's laws.

2. The Temple
The house of God in Jerusalem, which had been desecrated by the improper use of its rooms. Nehemiah's actions were part of a broader effort to restore the sanctity of the Temple.

3. Tobiah
Although not mentioned directly in this verse, Tobiah was an Ammonite official who had been given a room in the Temple by Eliashib the priest. Nehemiah's cleansing of the rooms was a direct response to this inappropriate arrangement.

4. Eliashib the Priest
The high priest who had allowed Tobiah to use a room in the Temple, compromising its sanctity.

5. The Articles of the House of God
Sacred items used in worship, which Nehemiah restored to their rightful place in the Temple.
Teaching Points
Restoration of Holiness
Nehemiah's actions remind us of the importance of maintaining the sanctity of our places of worship. We must be vigilant in ensuring that our churches remain dedicated to God's purposes.

Leadership and Accountability
Nehemiah demonstrates strong leadership by taking decisive action to correct wrongs. As Christians, we are called to hold ourselves and others accountable to God's standards.

The Importance of Worship
By restoring the articles and offerings, Nehemiah underscores the significance of proper worship. We should prioritize our worship practices and ensure they align with biblical teachings.

Cleansing and Renewal
Just as Nehemiah cleansed the Temple, we are called to cleanse our hearts and lives from anything that defiles our relationship with God.

Obedience to God's Commands
Nehemiah's adherence to God's laws serves as a model for us to follow. We should strive to obey God's commands in every aspect of our lives.(9) Cleansed.--There was a formal purification. It is a note of minute accuracy that there is no mention of tithes being brought back as yet; the next verses show why.

Verse 9. - I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers. Regarding the sacred place as polluted by its conversion to secular uses, Nehemiah had it purified, and so reconsecrated. He then ordered the restoration to their former place of the various stores which had been removed to make room for Tobiah's furniture.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then I ordered
וָאֹ֣מְרָ֔ה (wā·’ō·mə·rāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

that the rooms
הַלְּשָׁכ֑וֹת (hal·lə·šā·ḵō·wṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 3957: Room, chamber, hall, cell

be purified,
וַֽיְטַהֲר֖וּ (way·ṭa·hă·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 2891: To be clean or pure

and I had the articles
כְּלֵי֙ (kə·lê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3627: Something prepared, any apparatus

of the house
בֵּ֣ית (bêṯ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

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

restored
וָאָשִׁ֣יבָה (wā·’ā·šî·ḇāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

to them,
שָּׁ֗ם (šām)
Adverb
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither

along with the grain offerings
הַמִּנְחָ֖ה (ham·min·ḥāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4503: A donation, tribute, a sacrificial offering

and incense.
וְהַלְּבוֹנָֽה׃ (wə·hal·lə·ḇō·w·nāh)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3828: Frankincense


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OT History: Nehemiah 13:9 Then I commanded and they cleansed (Neh Ne)
Nehemiah 13:8
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