Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Nehemiah 13:21. It’s a really important and somewhat dramatic passage about justice and punishment. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: Nehemiah was in Jerusalem after a period of chaos and disobedience. He saw a group of people – likely priests and officials – who were stubbornly refusing to observe the Sabbath. They were dwelling near the temple, essentially building a wall around it. What Nehemiah Said & What He Did: Nehemiah told them, “I testified against you, and said to you: Why are you so fixated on building this wall? If you do this again, I will take action.” He was basically saying, "This behavior is wrong, and it's causing problems. You need to stop." What Happened Next: They Stopped: The people immediately stopped building the wall. He Took Action: Nehemiah then took action – he dealt with them. He essentially “laid hands on” them, meaning he gave them a punishment for their actions. The Meaning - It's About Rest and Sabbath: This verse is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition about the Sabbath. Here’s what it means: The Sabbath as a Reminder of God: The Sabbath wasn’t just a day off; it was a time for rest, reflection, and connection with God. It was a reminder to stop working and focus on spiritual things. Disobedience = Rebellion: By building a wall near the temple, they were essentially showing disrespect to God and rejecting the established order of the Sabbath. Punishment for Disrespect: Nehemiah’s action was a consequence for their disobedience – a punishment meant to remind them that they needed to respect the rules and traditions of the community. In short, the verse is about the importance of obeying God's laws and respecting established traditions. It's a cautionary tale about the consequences of refusing to follow what’s right and ordered by God. Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Give you a historical context for this passage? Discuss its significance within Jewish tradition?