15
In thosedays I saw in Judah some who were treadingwinepresses on the sabbath, and bringing in sacks of grain and loading them on donkeys, as well as wine, grapes, figs and all kinds of loads, and they brought them into Jerusalem on the sabbathday. So I admonished them on the day they soldfood.
16
Also men of Tyre were living there who importedfish and all kinds of merchandise, and sold them to the sons of Judah on the sabbath, even in Jerusalem.
18
"Did not your fathersdo the same, so that our Godbrought on us and on thiscityallthistrouble? Yet you are adding to the wrath on Israel by profaning the sabbath."
19
It came about that just as it grewdark at the gates of Jerusalembefore the sabbath, I commanded that the doors should be shut and that they should not open them untilafter the sabbath. Then I stationed some of my servants at the gates so that noload would enter on the sabbathday.
21
Then I warned them and said to them, "Why do you spend the night in front of the wall? If you do so again, I will useforce against you." From that time on they did not come on the sabbath.
22
And I commanded the Levites that they should purify themselves and come as gatekeepers* to sanctify the sabbathday. For thisalsoremember me, O my God, and havecompassion on me according to the greatness of Your lovingkindness.