Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Nehemiah 13:19. It's a really interesting story about how he managed to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem before the Sabbath. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: Nehemiah was trying to speed up the rebuilding of the city after a period of unrest and chaos. He wanted to get things done quickly and efficiently. He made a rule – a very specific instruction – that the gates of Jerusalem would be locked down before the Sabbath, and only people allowed inside were those who were prepared for it. Let’s unpack the details: “When the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath…” This means he was anticipating a time when the city needed to be secured and rebuilt – essentially, the Sabbath was approaching. “Dark” likely refers to a period of quiet or uncertainty. "...I commanded that the gates should be shut..." He made a direct order to close the gates. "...and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath:…” This is key! He charged (told someone) that the gates wouldn’t be opened until after the Sabbath day had passed. "[some] of my servants set I at the gates, [that] there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day." This part is a little more detailed. He assigned specific people to be stationed at the gate. The important part is that these people were specifically instructed to not allow anyone to enter or leave the city during the Sabbath day. This was a way to prevent chaos and ensure everything was handled carefully. In short, it’s a plan to rebuild the city with a strict schedule, prioritizing order and security. What does this tell us about Nehemiah? He was a planner: He anticipated challenges and took steps to address them proactively. He valued order: His instructions demonstrate a focus on maintaining control and preventing problems. He prioritized the Sabbath: This passage highlights his deep respect for the Sabbath, recognizing it as a holy time of rest and purification. Does this have any deeper meaning? It’s often interpreted as a reminder to be mindful of the importance of planning and preparation in times of difficulty – a good idea is worth doing before a challenge arises. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Connect this passage to a larger story or biblical theme (like faith, diligence, or order)?