Nehemiah 13:16-22

Nehemiah 13:16-22

[16] There dwelt  men of Tyre  also therein, which brought  fish,  and all manner of ware,  and sold  on the sabbath  unto the children  of Judah,  and in Jerusalem.  [17] Then I contended  with the nobles  of Judah,  and said  unto them, What evil  thing  is this that ye do,  and profane  the sabbath  day?  [18] Did  not your fathers  not our God  bring  all this evil  upon us, and upon this city?  yet ye bring  wrath  upon Israel  by profaning  the sabbath.  [19] And it came to pass, that when the gates  of Jerusalem  began to be dark  before  the sabbath,  I commanded  that the gates  should be shut,  and charged  that they should not be opened  till after  the sabbath:  and some of my servants  set  I at the gates,  that there should no burden  be brought in  on the sabbath  day.  [20] So the merchants  and sellers  of all kind of ware  lodged  without  Jerusalem  once  or twice.  [21] Then I testified  against them, and said  unto them, Why lodge  ye about  the wall?  if ye do so again,  I will lay  hands  on you. From that time  forth came  they no more on the sabbath.  [22] And I commanded  the Levites  that they should cleanse  themselves, and that they should come  and keep  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.