Definition: 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?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Nehemiah 13:17. It's a really important verse about justice and holding people accountable for their actions. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Nehemiah was a leader in Jerusalem who was trying to clean up the city and restore order. He was meeting with some of the powerful leaders – the nobles – and they were behaving badly. They were breaking God's Sabbath (a day of rest and holiness), and it was causing problems for everyone. What Nehemiah Said: Nehemiah calmly and firmly said to them, “This is wrong! What evil thing are you doing? You’re desecrating the holy day.” Let’s unpack it further: “I contended with…” : This means he was actively challenging and questioning their behavior. He wasn't just complaining; he was taking a stand against something they were doing that was harmful to the community and God’s purpose. “…the nobles of Judah” : This refers to a specific group of influential leaders in Jerusalem – the nobility. They held significant power and influence. "...and said unto them..." : He was speaking directly to them. "...What evil thing [is] this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day?" : This is the core of the verse. He asked them exactly what they were doing that was wrong. "Profane" means to violate something sacred or holy. “The sabbath day” refers to the Sabbath – a time for rest and worship dedicated to God. What does it mean in bigger picture terms? This verse is a call for justice and righteousness. It’s about: Protecting Sacred Things: The Sabbath is incredibly important to Jewish people, representing God's law and order. Holding People Accountable: Nehemiah wasn’t just criticizing them; he was urging them to stop their bad behavior and restore the proper standards of conduct. Moral Leadership: It highlights the importance of those who lead with integrity and stand up for what is right – even when it's difficult. In short, this verse is a warning about the dangers of sin and the need for righteous leadership. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the passage? Connect this verse to other stories in the Bible? Give you some examples of how this principle applies today?