Nehemiah 13:20

20 So the merchants and sellers of all kinds of merchandise lodged outside Jerusalem once or twice.

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 Did not your fathers do this, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us and upon this city? Yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath.

19 And it came to pass, that when shadow came to the gates of Jerusalem before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut and charged that they should not be opened until after the sabbath; and I set some of my servants at the gates, that no burden be brought in on the sabbath day.

20 So the merchants and sellers of all kinds of merchandise lodged outside Jerusalem once or twice.

21 Then I testified and protested against them and said unto them, Why do ye lodge about the wall? If ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth they came no more on the sabbath.

22 And I told the Levites that they should cleanse themselves and that they should come and guard the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.