Old Testament
Nehemiah 13:28
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Nehemiah highlights a troubling connection between the priestly family and Sanballat, a known adversary of the Jews.
- Author
- Nehemiah, with Ezra
- Written
- Around 430 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The post-exilic Jewish community
And one of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was son-in-law to Sanballat the Horonite. So I drove him away from me.
And one of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was son in law to Sanballat the Horonite: therefore I chased him from me.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Nehemiah highlights a troubling connection between the priestly family and Sanballat, a known adversary of the Jews. Joiada's son, who is related to Sanballat through marriage, represents a compromise in loyalty and faithfulness to God's people. Nehemiah's response is decisive; he drives this individual away to protect the integrity of the community and uphold the covenant with God. This action underscores the importance of maintaining purity and separation from influences that could lead the people away from their commitments to God. Nehemiah's leadership reflects a commitment to righteousness, showing that sometimes difficult decisions must be made to preserve the spiritual health of the community. The verse serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of alliances that can undermine faith and the necessity of taking a stand against such influences.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Nehemiah 13:28 to your life
This verse encourages us to evaluate our relationships and associations. Are there influences in our lives that compromise our values or lead us away from our commitments? Like Nehemiah, we may need to make tough choices to protect our integrity and the integrity of our community.
Curated for this public verse page. Nehemiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Nehemiah 13:28 mean?
Nehemiah 13:28 highlights a troubling alliance between the priestly family and Sanballat, an enemy of the Jews. Nehemiah's decision to drive away Joiada's son-in-law emphasizes the importance of maintaining loyalty to God's people and protecting the community's integrity.
What is the significance of Joiada's son-in-law in Nehemiah 13:28?
Joiada's son-in-law represents a compromise in faithfulness, as he is connected to Sanballat through marriage. This relationship poses a threat to the community's commitment to God, prompting Nehemiah to take action.
What does Nehemiah's action in this verse teach us?
Nehemiah's decision to chase away Joiada's son-in-law teaches the importance of making difficult choices to protect community integrity. It serves as a reminder that sometimes we must separate from influences that could undermine our values.
How does Nehemiah 13:28 relate to community integrity?
Nehemiah 13:28 illustrates the need for vigilance in maintaining community integrity. By addressing problematic relationships, Nehemiah reinforces the idea that loyalty to God's covenant is essential for the spiritual health of the community.
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