Nehemiah 13:11

Authorized King James Version

Then contended I with the rulers, and said, Why is the house of God forsaken? And I gathered them together, and set them in their place.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וָֽאָרִ֙יבָה֙

H7378

Then contended

properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend

אֶת

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

הַסְּגָנִ֔ים

H5461

I with the rulers

a prfect of a province

וָאֹ֣מְרָ֔ה

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

מַדּ֖וּעַ

H4069

what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?

נֶֽעֱזַ֣ב

H5800

forsaken

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

בֵּית

H1004

Why is the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים

H430

of God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וָֽאֶ֨קְבְּצֵ֔ם

H6908

And I gathered them together

to grasp, i.e., collect

#10

וָאַֽעֲמִדֵ֖ם

H5975

and set

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

#11

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#12

עָמְדָֽם׃

H5977

them in their place

a spot (as being fixed)

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does the kingdom of God theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding kingdom of God as presented in this verse, particularly in light of providing hope in times of political and social upheaval?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?