Definition: Also I shook my lap, and said, So God shake out every man from his house, and from his labour, that performeth not this promise, even thus be he shaken out, and emptied. And all the congregation said, Amen, and praised the LORD. And the people did according to this promise.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Nehemiah 5:13 together. It’s a pretty interesting and slightly unsettling passage about God's power and how He can handle things. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where God is actively removing people from their lives – specifically, those who aren't fulfilling His promises. It’s like a gentle but firm nudge to redirect someone away from a path that isn’t leading them towards good things. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Also I shook my lap…” : This is an image of God taking action – He’s moving, shifting, and adjusting things. It suggests a powerful, active force at work. “…and said, So God shake out every man from his house, and from his labour, that performeth not this promise, even thus be he shaken out, and emptied.” : This is the core of the verse. “Shake out” means to remove or discard someone. This part breaks down: “Every man from his house…” : It’s talking about everyone – all the people in the community, not just a few. “…and from his labour, that performeth not this promise…” : This means those who aren't working diligently or following God’s instructions are being removed. “This promise” refers to something God has given them (perhaps a covenant, a blessing, or a specific goal). “even thus be he shaken out, and emptied.” : This is the crucial part. It means that this person will be completely discarded – they’ll be left behind without anything left for them. They’ll be emptied of their livelihood and purpose. “And all the congregation said, Amen, and praised the LORD.” : The people were shocked and praising God. This shows that they recognized the seriousness of what was happening. It wasn't just a feeling; it was a recognition of God's power. “And the people did according to this promise.” : This is the outcome – the community did something – they acknowledged God’s power and acted in accordance with His will. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: Nehemiah 5:13 is a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and that He has ultimate control over people's lives. It speaks to the idea that God can gently but decisively remove those who are not following His path, leading to a shift in focus back towards righteousness. It’s a message of responsibility – we are accountable for our actions and choices, and God will hold us responsible for the consequences of our path. Important Note: It's important to remember that this verse doesn’t necessarily mean God is angry or punishing people. He simply wants to guide them back towards fulfilling His purpose. It’s a call to repentance and a reminder to live a life that honors Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss its context within the larger story of Nehemiah? Talk about what this passage might teach us about our relationship with God or with others?