What is the definition of Nehemiah 13:17?

Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing [is] this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day?

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Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Nehemiah 13:17. It's a really important verse about justice and holding people accountable for their actions. Here’s what it means in simpler terms:
The Basic Situation:
Nehemiah was a leader in Jerusalem who was trying to clean up the city and restore order. He was meeting with some of the powerful leaders – the nobles – and they were behaving badly. They were breaking God's Sabbath (a day of rest and holiness), and it was causing problems for everyone.
What Nehemiah Said:
Nehemiah calmly and firmly said to them, “This is wrong! What evil thing are you doing? You’re desecrating the holy day.”
Let’s unpack it further:
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“I contended with…”
: This means he was actively challenging and questioning their behavior. He wasn't just complaining; he was taking a stand against something they were doing that was harmful to the community and God’s purpose. 💎
“…the nobles of Judah”
: This refers to a specific group of influential leaders in Jerusalem – the nobility. They held significant power and influence. 💎
"...and said unto them..."
: He was speaking directly to them. 💎
"...What evil thing [is] this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day?"
: This is the core of the verse. He asked them 💎exactly💎 what they were doing that was wrong. "Profane" means to violate something sacred or holy. “The sabbath day” refers to the Sabbath – a time for rest and worship dedicated to God.
What does it mean in bigger picture terms?
This verse is a call for justice and righteousness. It’s about: 💎
Protecting Sacred Things:
The Sabbath is incredibly important to Jewish people, representing God's law and order. 💎
Holding People Accountable:
Nehemiah wasn’t just criticizing them; he was urging them to stop their bad behavior and restore the proper standards of conduct. 💎
Moral Leadership:
It highlights the importance of those who lead with integrity and stand up for what is right – even when it's difficult.
In short, this verse is a warning about the dangers of sin and the need for righteous leadership.
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Do you want me to:
💎 Explain another part of the passage? 💎 Connect this verse to other stories in the Bible? 💎 Give you some examples of how this principle applies today?