Reading for July 31st

 Read Nehemiah 13.23-31. In verse 27: This great evil; Just as in Ezra, the intermarriage of the community with the surrounding peoples is portrayed in graphic terms a most serious violation of divine order. The discovery of intermarriage was contrary to the pledges of the community in 10.30. While in ch 10 the community voluntarily takes on an oath, here Nehemiah made them take an oath, with a strong public display of anger. In verse 28: One of the sons of Jehoiada: Just as Tobiah's relationship to certain priests presented a problem at the beginning of this section, now Sanballat's relationship to a member of the high priestly family presents another challenge. In verse 30: I cleansed them from everything foreign: The community, as a "house of God," has been cleansed of patterns that would pull them away from their strict observance of the law. Just as David and Solomon made specific provisions for the care of the Temple personnel, Nehemiah places himself in the same company for establishing the duties of the priests and Levites, each in his work. In verse 31: For good, that is, all the good that Nehemiah has accomplished on behalf of the community. Comments or Questions..