Nehemiah 13:22 Meaning and Explanation
“And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Nehemiah set the cleansed Levites to guard the gates and keep the sabbath holy, then prayed for God to remember him in His mercy.
What Does Nehemiah 13:22 Mean?
To secure the sabbath, Nehemiah commanded the Levites to purify themselves and guard the gates, keeping the day holy. Then he prayed again, asking God to remember him and to spare him according to the greatness of His mercy.
Notice that Nehemiah, even after such faithful labor, appeals not to his own worth but to God's mercy. He works diligently yet rests his hope on grace, not merit. This is the posture of every true servant: to labor with all one's strength and still cast oneself wholly upon the abundant mercy of God.
Nehemiah 13:22 in the Original Language
qadash (קָדַשׁ), 'to sanctify' -- to set apart and treat as holy unto God.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nehemiah 13:22
What does Nehemiah 13:22 mean?
Nehemiah set the cleansed Levites to guard the gates and keep the sabbath holy, then prayed for God to remember him in His mercy.