I was greatly displeased and threw all of Tobiah’s household possessions out of the room. —Nehemiah 13:8
After serving in Jerusalem for twelve years, Nehemiah returned to Persia. He was shocked to discover the people flagrantly disobeying God’s Word. The worst offense involved Tobiah the Ammonite, who had opposed rebuilding the city walls. Over time, the Jews socialized with their former enemy, which led to more intimate relationships, including marriage between Tobiah’s family and that of Eliashib the priest. Eventually, any distinction between Tobiah and God’s “set apart” people had nearly disappeared.
By Nehemiah’s return, Tobiah was living in the temple—directly violating God’s command. This didn’t happen overnight. One compromise led to another and another. To Nehemiah, who cared deeply about holiness, this was unthinkable. He hurled Tobiah and his possessions out of the temple, ordered the rooms purified, denounced the evil, and called the priests and people to repent.
Why such a strong response? Why not just obey God and leave others alone? Because Nehemiah was compelled by a passion for God’s glory to be displayed in His people.
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Holiness: The Heart God Purifies
©2004, 2005 Revived Hearts Foundation
Scripture taken from The CSB
Make it Personal
Ask God to ignite in you a passion for holiness—both in your life and in the lives of His people.