Nehemiah 13:3

As soon as the people heard this law, they excluded from Israel all of foreign descent.

Study Bible

As soon as the people heard this law
This phrase indicates a prompt response from the people upon hearing the law. The law referred to here is likely the command found in Deuteronomy 23:3-6, which prohibits Ammonites and Moabites from entering the assembly of the Lord. This immediate action reflects a strong commitment to obedience and a desire to align with God's commands. Historically, this period follows the return from Babylonian exile, a time when the Israelites were particularly focused on re-establishing their identity and purity as God's chosen people.

they excluded from Israel
The act of exclusion signifies a separation to maintain the holiness of the community. This was not merely a social or ethnic separation but a spiritual one, intended to preserve the religious integrity of Israel. The exclusion was a practical application of the law to prevent the influence of foreign practices and idolatry, which had previously led Israel astray. This action echoes the reforms of Ezra and Nehemiah, who were instrumental in restoring the covenant relationship between God and His people.

all of foreign descent
The term "foreign descent" refers to those who were not part of the covenant community of Israel. This exclusion was not based on ethnicity alone but on religious and cultural practices that were contrary to the worship of Yahweh. The historical context includes the intermarriage with foreign nations, which had introduced idolatry and compromised the distinctiveness of Israel's worship. This separation is reminiscent of the call to holiness found throughout the Old Testament, such as in Leviticus 20:26, where God commands His people to be holy as He is holy.

In summary, Nehemiah 13:3 reflects a decisive moment of reform and commitment to God's law, emphasizing the importance of spiritual purity and obedience. This action is part of a broader narrative of restoration and covenant renewal, highlighting the ongoing struggle to maintain faithfulness amidst external influences.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Nehemiah
The central figure in the book, 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 a man of prayer and action, deeply committed to God's laws.

2. The Israelites
The people of Israel who had returned from exile and were in the process of re-establishing their identity and religious practices in Jerusalem.

3. Foreigners
Non-Israelites living among the Israelites. In this context, they were those who did not share in the covenant relationship with God and whose presence could lead to religious and cultural compromise.

4. Jerusalem
The city where these events took place, significant as the spiritual and political center of Jewish life.

5. The Law
Refers to the Mosaic Law, which the Israelites were rediscovering and recommitting to under Nehemiah's leadership. This law included commands about separation from foreign influences to maintain purity of worship.

Teaching Points

Commitment to God's Word
The Israelites' response to the law highlights the importance of aligning our lives with Scripture. We must be willing to make difficult decisions to obey God's commands.

Spiritual Purity
Just as the Israelites were called to separate from foreign influences, Christians today are called to maintain spiritual purity by avoiding influences that lead us away from God.

Community Accountability
The collective action of the Israelites shows the power of community in upholding God's standards. Believers should encourage and hold each other accountable in their walk with God.

Cultural Influence
The passage challenges us to consider how cultural influences can impact our faith and to be vigilant in guarding against those that compromise our relationship with God.

Renewal and Reform
Nehemiah's leadership in reforming the community serves as a model for spiritual renewal. We should seek leaders who guide us back to biblical principles and practices.

Bible Study Questions

1. What steps can we take to ensure that our lives are aligned with God's Word, similar to the Israelites' response in Nehemiah 13:3?

2. How can we identify and separate from influences in our lives that may lead us away from God, as the Israelites did with foreigners?

3. In what ways can our church community support each other in maintaining spiritual purity and accountability?

4. How do cultural influences today compare to the foreign influences faced by the Israelites, and how can we guard against them?

5. What lessons can we learn from Nehemiah's leadership in bringing about spiritual renewal and reform in our own communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 23:3-6
This passage provides the background for the exclusion of foreigners, specifically mentioning the Ammonites and Moabites, due to their historical opposition to Israel.

Ezra 9-10
These chapters describe a similar situation where the Israelites were called to separate from foreign influences to maintain their covenant relationship with God.

2 Corinthians 6:14-18
In the New Testament, Paul speaks about the importance of believers being separate from unbelievers, emphasizing spiritual purity and commitment to God.