Nehemiah 5:13 — English NIRV 1996 - Copyrighted only for Website
I also shook out my pockets and emptied them. I said, "Some of you might decide not to keep the promise you have made. If that happens, may God shake you out of your house! May he empty you of everything you own! May you be left with nothing at all!" The whole community said, "Amen." They praised the Lord. And the leaders did what they had promised to do.
What Does This Mean?
Nehemiah is speaking and shaking his lap to make a promise. He says that if anyone doesn't keep this promise, God will make sure they lose everything. The people agreed and praised God, and they followed through with the promise.
Explained for Children
Imagine Nehemiah is shaking his lap like a magic trick and saying, 'If anyone breaks this promise, may they lose everything they have, just like I'm shaking everything out of my lap.' Everyone agreed and promised to do their best to keep the promise.
Historical Background
Nehemiah, a cupbearer to the Persian king, wrote this book around 445-420 BCE. He returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the city walls and restore order. This verse shows his commitment to fair treatment of the people and his reliance on God's justice.
Living It Out Today
Imagine you're on a team project and you make a promise to your team to get your part done. If you don't follow through, the whole project could fail. Nehemiah's promise shows the importance of keeping our commitments.
Shaking the lap is a symbolic act that Nehemiah uses to emphasize the gravity of the promise. It signifies a solemn oath and the potential consequences of breaking it.
How did the people react to Nehemiah's promise?
The people responded with 'Amen,' showing their agreement and commitment to follow through with the promise. They also praised the Lord, indicating their faith and trust in God.
What kind of promise was Nehemiah making?
Nehemiah was likely making a promise related to justice and fair treatment of the people, particularly concerning debts and loans. The promise reflects a commitment to moral and ethical standards.
What can we learn from Nehemiah's leadership style?
From Nehemiah, we learn the importance of leadership that is grounded in faith and integrity. His example shows how leaders should commit to their promises and hold themselves accountable to the community.
