Nehemiah 13:15
In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals.
Nehemiah 13:15 · King James Version
Meaning
During the time described in this verse, there were people in Judah who were not observing the Sabbath day as it was commanded. The Sabbath was meant to be a day of rest and worship, but some individuals were seen treading wine presses, bringing in sheaves, and lading asses - essentially performing work and bringing in produce to Jerusalem on the Sabbath. This behavior was a violation of the Sabbath law, which prohibited work on that day. The speaker in this verse, presumably Nehemiah, testified against these actions, pointing out the disobedience and lack of reverence for the Sabbath. This passage serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring and keeping the Sabbath holy, as it was intended to be a day of rest and reflection on God's goodness. It also highlights the need for accountability within the community to uphold the principles and laws set forth in the Scriptures.
Theological Overview
This verse from Nehemiah 13:15 recounts a time when the people of Judah were found working on the Sabbath, going against the commandments of God which call for rest on the Sabbath day. The act of treading wine presses and bringing in sheaves and burdens on the Sabbath was a violation of the sacred day of rest. Nehemiah testified against them, standing up for the observance of the Sabbath. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the importance of honoring and keeping God's commandments, especially those relating to the Sabbath. It serves as a reminder to the readers to prioritize spiritual matters and obedience to God's laws over worldly pursuits. This passage also emphasizes the significance of standing up for righteousness and speaking out against wrongdoing, as demonstrated by Nehemiah's actions in confronting those who were breaking the Sabbath laws. Word studies on this verse may delve into the meanings of terms like "victuals" and "sheaves," providing further insight into the context in which these events took place. Overall, this verse serves as a lesson in maintaining reverence for the Sabbath and upholding the principles of God's law in everyday life.
Nehemiah 13:15 in other translations
American Standard Version
In those days saw I in Judah some men treading wine-presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses [therewith] ; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified [against them] in the day wherein they sold victuals.
World English Bible
In those days saw I in Judah some men treading wine presses on the Sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and loading donkeys; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all kinds of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day: and I testified against them in the day in which they sold food.
Douay-Rheims
In those days I saw in Juda some treading the presses on the sabbath, and carrying sheaves, and lading asses with wine, and grapes, and figs, and all manner of burthens, and bringing them into Jerusalem on the sabbath day. And I charged them that they should sell on a day on which it was lawful to sell.
Geneva Bible (1599)
In those dayes saw I in Iudah them, that trode wine presses on ye Sabbath, and that brought in sheaues, and which laded asses also with wine, grapes, and figges, and all burdens, and brought them into Ierusalem vpon the Sabbath day: and I protested to them in the day that they sold vitailes.