And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day.
When evening came on the day before the Sabbath and the gates of Jerusalem were growing dark, I ordered the gates to be closed. I commanded that they should not be opened again until after the Sabbath was over. I stationed some of my own servants at the gates to make sure no goods or merchandise would be brought into the city on the Sabbath day.
Nehemiah is taking strong action to protect the Sabbath by closing Jerusalem's gates and posting guards to prevent any business or trade from happening on God's holy day.
📚 Historical Context
In the time of Nehemiah, the Jewish people had returned from exile in Babylon and were rebuilding Jerusalem while facing challenges in maintaining their religious practices. Nehemiah, as governor appointed by the Persian king, was implementing reforms to enforce the Mosaic Law, including the prohibition of work on the Sabbath to prevent the community from slipping back into habits of neglect. This verse specifically highlights his practical measures to protect the Sabbath by closing the city gates and stationing guards.
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