Nehemiah 13:20

20 Once or twice the traders and sellers of all kinds of merchandise spent the night outside Jerusalem.

Nehemiah 13:20 Meaning and Commentary

Nehemiah 13:20

For the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware
The Tyrians particularly, ( Nehemiah 13:16 ) lodged without Jerusalem once or twice; one sabbath day or two, not being able to get into the city, such strict watch and care being taken to keep the gates shut; this they did, hoping the Jews would come out to them and buy their goods, though they were not admitted to bring them within the city.

Nehemiah 13:20 In-Context

18 This is just what your ancestors did, and God brought all this evil upon us and upon this city. And now you are bringing more wrath upon Israel by making the Sabbath impure!"

19 So when it began to grow dark at the gates of Jerusalem before the Sabbath, I gave orders that the doors should be shut. I also ordered that they shouldn't be reopened until after the Sabbath. To make sure that no load would come into the city on the Sabbath, I stationed some of my own men at the gates.

20 Once or twice the traders and sellers of all kinds of merchandise spent the night outside Jerusalem.

21 But I warned them: "Why are you spending the night by the wall? If you do that again, I will lay hands on you!" At that point, they stopped coming on the Sabbath.

22 I also commanded the Levites to purify themselves and to come and guard the gates in order to keep the Sabbath day holy. Remember this also in my favor, my God, and spare me according to the greatness of your mercy.