Nehemiah 13:20

20 And they lodge -- the merchants and sellers of all ware -- at the outside of 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 Thus did not your fathers do? and our God bringeth in on us all this evil, and on this city, and ye are adding fierceness on Israel, to pollute the sabbath.'

19 And it cometh to pass, when the gates of Jerusalem have been dark before the sabbath, that I speak, and the doors are shut, and I say, that they do not open them till after the sabbath; and of my servants I have stationed at the gates; there doth not come in a burden on the sabbath-day.

20 And they lodge -- the merchants and sellers of all ware -- at the outside of Jerusalem, once or twice,

21 and I testify against them, and say unto them, `Wherefore are ye lodging over-against the wall? if ye repeat [it], a hand I put forth upon you;' from that time they have not come in on the sabbath.

22 And I say to the Levites, that they be cleansed, and, coming in, keeping the gates, to sanctify the sabbath-day. Also, this, remember for me, O my God, and have pity on me, according to the abundance of Thy kindness.