Papua New Guinea Tok Pisin (Buk Baibel Long Tok Pisin 2008 + DC)
Na taim ol Israel i harim dispela lo, ol i rausim ol manmeri, papa o mama bilong ol i bilong ol haiden, na ol i no moa larim ol i stap long lain manmeri bilong Israel. As bilong dispela lo i olsem. Taim ol Israel i lusim Isip na i kam, ol Amon na ol Moap i no bin givim kaikai na wara long ol. Na ol dispela lain i bin baim profet Balam long tok bai God i bagarapim ol Israel. Tasol God i no larim Balam i tok olsem. Nogat. Balam i tok long God bai i mekim gut long ol.
What Does This Mean?
Nehemiah explains why the Moabites and Ammonites are not welcome. They did not help the Israelites with food or water and even hired a man named Balaam to curse them, but God turned the curse into a blessing.
Explained for Children
Imagine if your friend refused to share their snacks with you and even tried to get someone to say mean things about you. That's what happened to the Israelites. But just like when you turn a frown upside down, God turned the mean words into nice ones.
Historical Background
Nehemiah wrote this during the time when he was rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. The Israelites had returned from exile and were rebuilding their city. Nehemiah is reminding them of past conflicts to guide their decisions about who to trust.
Living It Out Today
In a modern scenario, imagine a colleague who did not help you with a project and even tried to sabotage your success. But you found a way to turn their negativity into a positive outcome, just as God did with the Israelites.