Definition: In those days also saw I Jews [that] had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, [and] of Moab:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Nehemiah 13:23. It’s a really important and slightly unsettling part of the story. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse tells us that after rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, the Jewish people – specifically, those who were living in Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab – had been married to women from these regions. Let’s unpack it further: “In those days also saw I…” : This is a formal way of saying “This happened during this time.” It's a historical record. “…Jewish [that] had married wives…” : This means that Jewish people, specifically those who were living in Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab , were engaged to women from these areas. "...of Ashdod, of Ammon, and of Moab:" : This lists the specific regions where these marriages occurred. What’s the Significance? This verse is significant because it highlights a historical problem . It reveals that there was a significant number of Jewish people living in these areas, but they weren't fully integrated into the Jewish community – and this wasn’t just a small number of individuals. It suggests a situation where the Jewish population was fragmented and potentially facing challenges within the larger Jewish community. Why is it important? This story is often seen as a reminder that even when communities are rebuilding and striving for unity, there can be divisions and lingering issues. It’s a subtle but powerful illustration of potential challenges in maintaining a cohesive Jewish identity over time. In short, this verse points to a historical situation where certain Jewish people were married to women from other regions, which was a point of concern for the rebuilding efforts of Jerusalem. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Talk about the context of this story in the Bible? Explore the potential meaning or implications of this event?