Definition: And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, [saying], Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Nehemiah 13:25. It’s a really powerful statement about justice and protecting people. Here's the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Situation: Nehemiah was overseeing rebuilding work in Jerusalem after a period of chaos and neglect. He found a group of people – likely thieves or those involved in shady dealings – who were refusing to give their daughters to their sons, and they weren’t allowing them to marry each other. Basically, they were perpetuating a cycle of poverty and harming others. What Nehemiah Did: Confronted Them: He directly addressed these people. Cursed Them: He gave them a bad name – essentially, he cursed them for their behavior. This meant he made it clear that they were wrong and deserved to be treated badly. Smote Them (Punished Them): He physically punished them – likely by striking them with lashes or other punishments. Plucked Off Their Hair: This is a really important part. He took their hair, symbolizing their shame and brokenness. It was like cutting off their dignity. Made Them Swear By God: Crucially, he commanded them to swear by God – meaning they had to publicly acknowledge that they were wrong and commit themselves to being held accountable. What He Was Doing - The Core Message: This verse is about protecting vulnerable people and upholding justice. It's a strong statement against greed, selfishness, and harming others. It emphasizes: Protecting the Vulnerable: Nehemiah was taking action to protect those who were being exploited or harmed. Holding People Accountable: He wasn’t just letting things go; he actively punished those who were causing harm. Maintaining Order and Justice: The verse is about restoring order and ensuring fairness in the community. In essence, it's a message of righteous indignation – condemning behavior that harms others and calling for accountability. --- Does this explanation help you understand the verse better? Would you like me to delve deeper into any specific aspect, such as: The historical context of Nehemiah’s actions? The meaning of the word "smote"? How this verse relates to broader themes of justice and morality?