Nehemiah 13:21

In context

19So when the gateways of Jerusalem began to fall into shadow before the Sabbath, I gave the order and the doors were shut, and I said they were not to be opened until the Sabbath was over. I stationed some of my own men at the gates, so that no load could come in on the Sabbath day. 20Once or twice the traders and the dealers in goods of every kind spent the night outside Jerusalem. 21So I warned them: “Why are you camping in front of the wall? If you do it again, I will lay hands on you.” From that time on they did not come on the Sabbath. 22And I told the Levites to purify themselves and come and guard the gates, so that the Sabbath day would be kept holy. Remember this too for me, my God, and spare me in the greatness of your faithful love. 23In those days I also saw Jews who had married women of Ashdod, of Ammon and of Moab.