Nehemiah 13:17
Balinese
What Does This Mean?
Nehemiah is speaking to the nobles of Judah, telling them that they are doing something wrong by profaning the Sabbath day. He questions why they would do such an evil thing.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have a special day where you're supposed to rest and play with your family. But some of your friends are trying to do their chores and work on that day. Nehemiah is upset because the nobles are doing work on the Sabbath day, which is supposed to be a special rest day for God.
Historical Background
Nehemiah, a layman and governor of Judah, wrote this during the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls after the Babylonian exile. The audience was the returned exiles who were trying to restore their religious practices and laws. The Sabbath was a crucial part of their religious life, symbolizing rest and worship.
Living It Out Today
In modern times, this could apply to a manager who insists on working on weekends, ignoring the need for rest and family time. It reminds us of the importance of setting aside time for rest and spiritual rejuvenation.