Another issue Nehemiah had to deal with when he returned to Jerusalem after 12 years was the people’s violation of the Sabbath. Nehemiah 13:15-22 said he discovered that the people were working and conducting trade on the holy Sabbath, a severe violation that required immediate cessation.
He promptly acted and reprimanded
the nobles for neglect, reminding them of the dire consequences their
forefathers faced for similar Sabbath violations. He instilled in them a sense
of caution and respect for the Sabbath.
So, Nehemiah closed the city
gates during the Sabbath to prevent the people from bringing their goods into
the city to sell. He also prohibited selling outside the gates or preparing to
sell as soon as the Sabbath ended.
After fulfilling these
requirements, verse 22 mentions that he commanded the Levites to purify
themselves and come as gatekeepers to sanctify the Sabbath day. His swift and
decisive action underscored the urgency and importance of observing the Sabbath
rightly.
Nehemiah also made a heartfelt
plea to God, asking the Lord to
remember him and show him compassion according to His great lovingkindness.
This prayer reflected Nehemiah’s humility and deep reliance on God’s mercy and
grace in his leadership role.
This passage offers a lesson on
the importance of carefully observing the Sabbath, a day which believers are
prone to abuse. The Sabbath should be a day we set aside to honor God and renew
our relationship with Him. Sadly, many believers spend the Sabbath catching up
with chores left undone because of the week's busyness. In so doing, we
neglect the time God gave us to renew our relationship and fellowship with Him.
A good appreciation of the Sabbath will help us to manage our work-life
balance. We must learn to rest in God, especially on the Sabbath.
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