The Pulpit Commentary on Nehemiah 13:11

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Then contended I with the rulers. While the guilt of profaning the temple lay especially with the priestly class, that of withholding the tithes was mainly chargeable on the "rulers," or "nobles." These persons, as wealthy landowners, had of course a pecuniary interest in keeping back the tithe.

When they felt the control of a strong hand they made the payments regularly enough (Nehemiah 12:47; Nehemiah 13:12); but no sooner was this control removed by Nehemiah's departure than they relapsed into the covetous habits in which they had indulged before he was made governor (Nehemiah 10:37).

The Church in all ages has suffered wrong from the cupidity of wealthy men among its members. Why is the house of God forsaken? Why, contrarily to the distinct pledge given at the time of the renewal of the covenant (Nehemiah 10:39), have you suffered the house of God to become a solitude, driving the Levites away from it by depriving them of their legal sustenance?

I gathered them together. Nehemiah brought the Levites back to the temple from their country residences, and re-established them in their proper offices.

More for Nehemiah 13:11

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

The Pulpit Commentary on Nehemiah 13:1-31Nehemiah 13:1-31 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe blessing of God on an active life founded upon his word. I. THE TRUE RELIGIOUS REFORMATION, both negative and positive. 1. Abuses must be vigorously attacked and cleansed away. The house of God has to be purified of…The Pulpit Commentary on Nehemiah 13:1-31Nehemiah 13:1-31 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION NEHEMIAH'S EFFORTS FOR THE REFORM OF RELIGION (Nehemiah 13:1-31). After having exercised the office of governor for twelve years, from b.c. 444 to b.c. 432, Nehemiah had had occasion to visit the Persian cour…Matthew Henry on Nehemiah 13:10-14Nehemiah 13:10-14 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryIf a sacred character will not keep men from setting an evil example, it must not shelter any one from deserved blame and punishment. The Levites had been wronged; their portions had not been given them. They were gone…Abuses Rectified. (b. c. 434.)Nehemiah 13:10-14 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleABUSES RECTIFIED. (B. C. 434.) Here is another grievance redressed by Nehemiah. I. The Levites had been wronged. This was the grievance: their portions had not been given them, Nehemiah 13:10. Perhaps Tobiah, when he to…The Pulpit Commentary on Nehemiah 13:10-14Nehemiah 13:10-14 · The Pulpit CommentaryPractical Christian wisdom. Nehemiah must have been shocked indeed to find on his return to Jerusalem (verse 7) what a sad relapse had taken place during his absence from the city. Most painful of all must it have been…The Pulpit Commentary on Nehemiah 13:10-14Nehemiah 13:10-14 · The Pulpit CommentarySuspended ministrations restored. Nehemiah, on his return, soon discovers another serious evil which his absence had occasioned; and, with his usual promptness, ability, and energy, corrects it. I. THE SERIOUS IRREGULAR…

commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Nehemiah 13:1-31The blessing of God on an active life founded upon his word. I. THE TRUE RELIGIOUS REFORMATION, both negative and positive. 1. Abuses must be vigorously attacked and cleansed away. The house of God has to be purified of…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Nehemiah 13:1-31EXPOSITION NEHEMIAH'S EFFORTS FOR THE REFORM OF RELIGION (Nehemiah 13:1-31). After having exercised the office of governor for twelve years, from b.c. 444 to b.c. 432, Nehemiah had had occasion to visit the Persian cour…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryMatthew Henry on Nehemiah 13:10-14If a sacred character will not keep men from setting an evil example, it must not shelter any one from deserved blame and punishment. The Levites had been wronged; their portions had not been given them. They were gone…Matthew Henry commentaryAbuses Rectified. (b. c. 434.)ABUSES RECTIFIED. (B. C. 434.) Here is another grievance redressed by Nehemiah. I. The Levites had been wronged. This was the grievance: their portions had not been given them, Nehemiah 13:10. Perhaps Tobiah, when he to…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Nehemiah 13:10-14Practical Christian wisdom. Nehemiah must have been shocked indeed to find on his return to Jerusalem (verse 7) what a sad relapse had taken place during his absence from the city. Most painful of all must it have been…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Nehemiah 13:10-14Suspended ministrations restored. Nehemiah, on his return, soon discovers another serious evil which his absence had occasioned; and, with his usual promptness, ability, and energy, corrects it. I. THE SERIOUS IRREGULAR…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Nehemiah 13:11Forsaking the house of God. "Why is the house of God forsaken?" The question addressed by Nehemiah to the rulers may well have had respect at once to their own neglect, the withholding of contributions by the people, an…Joseph S. Exell and contributors