Old Testament

Nehemiah 13:13

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Nehemiah 13:13, Nehemiah takes steps to ensure the proper management of resources in Jerusalem after the wall's completion.

Author: Nehemiah, with Ezra
Written: Around 430 BC
Genre: Historical narrative
Original Audience: The post-exilic Jewish community

CBTClear Bible Translation

I appointed Shelemiah the priest, Zadok the scribe, and Pedaiah of the Levites as treasurers over the storehouses. Next to them was Hanan, son of Zaccur, son of Mattaniah. They were considered faithful, and their duty was to distribute to their brothers.

KJVKing James Version

And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah: for they were counted faithful, and their office was to distribute unto their brethren.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Nehemiah 13:13, Nehemiah takes steps to ensure the proper management of resources in Jerusalem after the wall's completion. He appoints Shelemiah, a priest, Zadok, a scribe, and Pedaiah, a Levite, as treasurers responsible for the storehouses. Their role is crucial as they are tasked with distributing supplies to the people, ensuring that everyone receives what they need. Hanan, who is mentioned as the son of Zaccur and grandson of Mattaniah, is also included in this group. The emphasis on their faithfulness highlights the importance of integrity and trustworthiness in leadership roles, especially when handling communal resources. This verse illustrates the need for organized leadership and accountability in managing the community's needs, reflecting a structured approach to governance and support for the people.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Nehemiah 13:13 to your life

This verse encourages us to recognize the importance of trustworthy leadership in our communities. We should strive to be faithful in our responsibilities, whether in church, work, or family, ensuring that we support and uplift those around us through our actions and decisions.

Curated for this public verse page. Nehemiah Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Nehemiah 13:13 teach about leadership?

Nehemiah 13:13 emphasizes the importance of appointing trustworthy leaders in the community. By selecting Shelemiah, Zadok, Pedaiah, and Hanan as treasurers, Nehemiah highlights that integrity and faithfulness are crucial traits for those in positions of responsibility, especially when managing communal resources. This teaches us that effective leadership requires accountability and a commitment to serving the needs of others.

Why were Shelemiah, Zadok, and Pedaiah chosen as treasurers?

Shelemiah, Zadok, and Pedaiah were chosen as treasurers because they were considered faithful individuals. Their roles involved managing the storehouses and distributing supplies to the community, which required a high level of trustworthiness. Nehemiah's decision reflects the need for reliable leaders who can handle resources responsibly and ensure that everyone in the community is supported.

What is the significance of Hanan's mention in this verse?

Hanan, the son of Zaccur and grandson of Mattaniah, is mentioned in Nehemiah 13:13 as part of the group of treasurers. His inclusion signifies the importance of collaboration and teamwork in leadership roles. It also highlights that leadership is not solely about one individual but involves a community of trusted people working together to meet the needs of others.

How can we apply the lessons from Nehemiah 13:13 in our lives?

We can apply the lessons from Nehemiah 13:13 by striving to be trustworthy and responsible in our own roles, whether at work, in our families, or within our communities. This verse encourages us to support and uplift those around us through our actions, ensuring that we are accountable and reliable in managing resources and helping others.

Book Summary

The Book of Nehemiah

Nehemiah 1: Nehemiah's Prayer

The book begins with the words of Nehemiah, the son of Hachaliah. In the month of Chislev, during the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes' reign, Nehemiah is in the palace at Shushan when his brother Hanani and other men arrive from Judah. Nehemiah asks them about the Jewish remnant that has survived the exile and about the condition of Jerusalem. They report that the survivors in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.

Upon hearing this news, Nehemiah sits down, weeps, and mourns for several days. He fasts and prays to the God of heaven, addressing Him as the great and awesome God who keeps His covenant of love with those who love Him and obey His commands. He confesses the sins of the Israelites, including himself and his own family, acknowledging that they have acted corruptly and have not obeyed the commands, decrees, and laws given through Moses. He reminds God of His promise to scatter them if they are unfaithful but to gather them from the farthest lands if they return to Him and obey His commands. Nehemiah concludes his prayer by asking God to be attentive to his prayer and to grant him favor in the sight of the king, for he is the king's cupbearer. Nehemiah 2: Nehemiah Sent to Jerusalem In the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, Nehemiah is serving wine to the king. The king notices Nehemiah's sadness, as he had never appeared sad before. The king asks why he looks sad when he is not ill, concluding it must be a sadness of heart. Nehemiah is fearful but explains that he is sad because the city where his ancestors are buried lies in ruins with its gates destroyed by fire. The king asks what he wants, and after praying to the God of heaven, Nehemiah requests that the king send him to Judah to rebuild the city of his fathers. The king, with the queen sitting beside him, agrees and asks how long the journey will take and when he will return. Nehemiah sets a time. He also asks for letters to the governors of the province Beyond the River, to grant him safe passage, and a letter to Asaph, the keeper of the king's forest, to supply him with timber for the gates of the citadel by the temple, for the city wall, and for the house he will occupy. The king grants his requests because the gracious hand of God is upon him. When Nehemiah arrives and delivers the letters, the governors are accompanied by army officers and horsemen sent by the king. However, when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official hear of his arrival, they are very displeased that someone has come to promote the welfare of the Israelites. After three days in Jerusalem, Nehemiah secretly inspects the city walls by night, finding them in ruins. He then reveals his plan to the Jewish officials, priests, and nobles, telling them of God's gracious hand upon him and the king's support. They are encouraged and reply, "Let us rise up and build." But Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem the Arab mock and ridicule them, accusing them of rebelling against the king. Nehemiah replies that the God of heaven will give them success and that they, His servants, will start rebuilding, but that his opponents have no share, right, or claim in Jerusalem.

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