Old Testament

Nehemiah 13:31

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

At a Glance

In Nehemiah 13:31, Nehemiah emphasizes the importance of maintaining the offerings of wood and firstfruits at the designated times.

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

CBTClear Bible Translation

and for the wood offering at appointed times, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, my God, for good.

KJVKing James Version

And for the wood offering, at times appointed, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, for good.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Nehemiah 13:31, Nehemiah emphasizes the importance of maintaining the offerings of wood and firstfruits at the designated times. These offerings were essential for the temple worship and the sustenance of the priests. By mentioning these specific offerings, Nehemiah shows his commitment to the proper worship of God and the upkeep of the temple practices. His plea, 'Remember me, my God, for good,' reflects his desire for God's favor and acknowledgment of his efforts to restore and maintain the spiritual life of the community. Nehemiah's leadership involved not only rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem but also ensuring that the people remained faithful in their worship and offerings. This verse encapsulates his dedication to God and his hope that his actions would be remembered positively by God, highlighting the connection between faithfulness in worship and divine remembrance.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Nehemiah 13:31 to your life

This verse encourages us to be diligent in our commitments to God, particularly in our worship and service. Just as Nehemiah sought to honor God through offerings, we should reflect on how we can contribute to our faith communities and seek God's favor through our actions and intentions.

Curated for this public verse page. Nehemiah Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What is the significance of wood offerings in Nehemiah 13:31?

In Nehemiah 13:31, wood offerings were crucial for maintaining the fire on the altar in the temple, which was essential for sacrifices and worship. These offerings symbolize the community's commitment to God and the proper functioning of temple rituals. Nehemiah's mention of wood offerings highlights the importance of fulfilling religious duties and ensuring that worship practices are upheld.

What does Nehemiah mean by 'Remember me, my God, for good'?

When Nehemiah says, 'Remember me, my God, for good,' he is expressing a desire for God's favor and acknowledgment of his efforts to restore the community's spiritual life. This plea reflects Nehemiah's humility and recognition that his leadership and actions are ultimately dependent on God's grace. It serves as a reminder that our intentions and efforts in serving God should be aligned with seeking His approval.

How can we apply Nehemiah 13:31 to our lives today?

Nehemiah 13:31 encourages us to be diligent in our commitments to God, particularly in our worship and service. We can apply this by actively participating in our faith communities, honoring our commitments, and ensuring that our actions reflect our dedication to God. This verse reminds us that our contributions, no matter how small, are significant in maintaining the spiritual health of our communities.

What role did Nehemiah play in the restoration of Jerusalem?

Nehemiah played a pivotal role in the restoration of Jerusalem by leading the effort to rebuild the city's walls and reestablish proper worship practices. His leadership was characterized by a focus on both physical restoration and spiritual renewal. Nehemiah's commitment to God and his community helped to restore not only the city's infrastructure but also the people's faith and dedication to God.

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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