Nehemiah 13:28

Even one of the sons of Jehoiada son of Eliashib the high priest had become a son-in-law to Sanballat the Horonite. Therefore I drove him away from me.

Study Bible

Even one of the sons of Jehoiada son of Eliashib the high priest
Jehoiada was a prominent priestly figure, and Eliashib was the high priest during Nehemiah's time. The high priest held significant religious authority in Israel, responsible for maintaining the sanctity of the temple and the purity of worship. This connection highlights the gravity of the situation, as it involves the priestly lineage, which was expected to uphold the highest standards of religious and cultural integrity. The involvement of Eliashib's family in compromising alliances reflects a broader issue of spiritual and cultural decline among the leadership.

had become a son-in-law to Sanballat the Horonite
Sanballat was a known adversary of Nehemiah, opposing the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. He was a Samaritan leader, and the term "Horonite" likely refers to his origin from Horonaim in Moab. This marriage alliance with Sanballat represents a significant breach of Israelite law, which prohibited intermarriage with foreign nations that could lead to idolatry and cultural assimilation (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). Such alliances were seen as threats to the religious purity and identity of the Jewish people, as they often led to the introduction of foreign gods and practices.

Therefore I drove him away from me
Nehemiah's response was decisive and uncompromising. By driving away the son-in-law, Nehemiah was upholding the law and protecting the community from potential spiritual corruption. This action reflects the broader theme of Nehemiah's leadership, characterized by a commitment to reform and the restoration of covenant faithfulness. Nehemiah's actions can be seen as a type of Christ, who also cleansed the temple and called for purity among God's people (John 2:13-17). This phrase underscores the importance of maintaining holiness and the willingness to take difficult stands for the sake of spiritual integrity.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Nehemiah
The governor of Jerusalem who led the rebuilding of the city's walls and instituted religious reforms.

2. Joiada
The son of Eliashib, who was the high priest during Nehemiah's time.

3. Eliashib
The high priest who had familial ties with Tobiah, an adversary of Nehemiah.

4. Sanballat the Horonite
A persistent opponent of Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild Jerusalem and restore its religious practices.

5. Jerusalem
The city where Nehemiah's reforms and rebuilding efforts took place.

Teaching Points

Guarding Against Compromise
Nehemiah's actions remind us of the importance of maintaining spiritual integrity and not compromising with those who oppose God's work.

Leadership and Accountability
Nehemiah demonstrates strong leadership by holding even the high priest's family accountable, showing that no one is above God's law.

The Danger of Unequal Yoking
The marriage alliance with Sanballat highlights the dangers of forming close relationships with those who do not share the same faith and values.

The Importance of Purity in Worship
Nehemiah's reforms emphasize the need for purity in worship and adherence to God's commands, which can be compromised by alliances with those outside the faith.

Resolute Action in the Face of Opposition
Nehemiah's decisive action in driving away the son-in-law of Sanballat serves as an example of taking firm steps to protect the community's spiritual health.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Nehemiah's response to the intermarriage issue reflect his commitment to God's law, and what can we learn from his example about handling compromise in our own lives?

2. In what ways does the relationship between Joiada's son and Sanballat illustrate the potential consequences of forming alliances with those who oppose God's work?

3. How can we apply Nehemiah's leadership principles in our own roles within the church or community, especially when faced with opposition?

4. What other biblical examples can you find where leaders took a stand for purity and obedience to God's commands, and how do these examples inspire us today?

5. How does the theme of purity in worship, as seen in Nehemiah's reforms, challenge us to evaluate our own worship practices and relationships?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezra 10
This chapter discusses the issue of intermarriage with foreign nations, which was a significant concern for both Ezra and Nehemiah as it threatened the purity of Israel's worship and obedience to God's laws.

Nehemiah 6
Sanballat's opposition to Nehemiah's work is detailed, showing his consistent role as an adversary.

Malachi 2
Addresses the issue of faithfulness in marriage, which can be related to the problem of intermarriage with foreign nations that Nehemiah confronted.