INTRODUCTION: One revival or restoration is never enough for the people of God. God’s people follow the natural lines of spiritual degeneration. They will naturally slide backwards toward the ways of the world. They require periodic revivals in order to remain close to the Lord. When the revivals cease, the people will fall further and further away from the Lord.

1. THEIR SEPARATION FROM THE WORLD (Nehemiah 13:1-3 [1] On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of God for ever; [2] Because they met not the children of Israel with bread and with water, but hired Balaam against them, that he should curse them: howbeit our God turned the curse into a blessing. [3] Now it came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude.
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1. Their Reading of the Word (Nehemiah 13:1On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of God for ever;
   See All...; 8:1-3
   See All...); every true revival begins with a return to the word of God (2 Kings 22:8And Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it.
   See All...; 2 Kings 23:1-3 [1] And the king sent, and they gathered unto him all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem. [2] And the king went up into the house of the LORD, and all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem with him, and the priests, and the prophets, and all the people, both small and great: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant which was found in the house of the LORD. [3] And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all their heart and all their soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant.
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2. The Commandment of the Lord (Nehemiah 13:1-2 [1] On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of God for ever; [2] Because they met not the children of Israel with bread and with water, but hired Balaam against them, that he should curse them: howbeit our God turned the curse into a blessing.
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1. Rejection of the Ammonite and the Moabite (Nehemiah 13:1On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of God for ever;
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1. Forever (Nehemiah 13:1On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of God for ever;
   See All...); meaning this is a commandment that applies to the Jewish people forever.
2. To the tenth generation (Deuteronomy 23:3An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the LORD for ever:
   See All...); meaning one with a Moabite ancestor of less than ten generations past cannot be considered a Jew.
3. Understanding this law reveals the greatness of God’s grace in receiving Ruth:
1. As the great-grandmother of David (Ruth 4:13-17 [13] So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son. [14] And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel. [15] And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him. [16] And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it. [17] And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.
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2. As in the line of the Messiah (Matthew 1:5And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;
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2. Purpose of the restriction (Nehemiah 13:2Because they met not the children of Israel with bread and with water, but hired Balaam against them, that he should curse them: howbeit our God turned the curse into a blessing.
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1. Not because of the unhappy circumstances of their birth (Genesis 19:30-38 [30] And Lot went up out of Zoar, and dwelt in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he feared to dwell in Zoar: and he dwelt in a cave, he and his two daughters. [31] And the firstborn said unto the younger, Our father is old, and there is not a man in the earth to come in unto us after the manner of all the earth: [32] Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father. [33] And they made their father drink wine that night: and the firstborn went in, and lay with her father; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose. [34] And it came to pass on the morrow, that the firstborn said unto the younger, Behold, I lay yesternight with my father: let us make him drink wine this night also; and go thou in, and lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father. [35] And they made their father drink wine that night also: and the younger arose, and lay with him; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose. [36] Thus were both the daughters of Lot with child by their father. [37] And the first born bare a son, and called his name Moab: the same is the father of the Moabites unto this day. [38] And the younger, she also bare a son, and called his name Benammi: the same is the father of the children of Ammon unto this day.
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2. But because of the evil treatment the Jews received on their return to the Promised Land and because they sought to curse the Israelites (Deuteronomy 23:4-5 [4] Because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee. [5] Nevertheless the LORD thy God would not hearken unto Balaam; but the LORD thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the LORD thy God loved thee.
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3. The Obedience of the People (Nehemiah 13:3Now it came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude.
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1. They heard the law (James 1:25But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
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2. They separated from the mixed multitude (Exodus 12:38And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle.
   See All...; 2 Corinthians 6:17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
   See All...; 2 Thessalonians 3:6Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
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2. THE PURIFICATION OF THE TEMPLE (Nehemiah 13:4-9 [4] And before this, Eliashib the priest, having the oversight of the chamber of the house of our God, was allied unto Tobiah: [5] And he had prepared for him a great chamber, where aforetime they laid the meat offerings, the frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes of the corn, the new wine, and the oil, which was commanded to be given to the Levites, and the singers, and the porters; and the offerings of the priests. [6] But in all this time was not I at Jerusalem: for in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon came I unto the king, and after certain days obtained I leave of the king: [7] And I came to Jerusalem, and understood of the evil that Eliashib did for Tobiah, in preparing him a chamber in the courts of the house of God. [8] And it grieved me sore: therefore I cast forth all the household stuff to Tobiah out of the chamber. [9] Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat offering and the frankincense.
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1. The Alliance with Tobiah (Nehemiah 13:4-5 [4] And before this, Eliashib the priest, having the oversight of the chamber of the house of our God, was allied unto Tobiah: [5] And he had prepared for him a great chamber, where aforetime they laid the meat offerings, the frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes of the corn, the new wine, and the oil, which was commanded to be given to the Levites, and the singers, and the porters; and the offerings of the priests.
   See All...; compare Nehemiah 6:17-19 [17] Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them. [18] For there were many in Judah sworn unto him, because he was the son in law of Shechaniah the son of Arah; and his son Johanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah. [19] Also they reported his good deeds before me, and uttered my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.
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1. Made by Eliashib the high priest (Nehemiah 13:4And before this, Eliashib the priest, having the oversight of the chamber of the house of our God, was allied unto Tobiah:
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2. Prepared a great chamber for Tobiah (Nehemiah 13:5And he had prepared for him a great chamber, where aforetime they laid the meat offerings, the frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes of the corn, the new wine, and the oil, which was commanded to be given to the Levites, and the singers, and the porters; and the offerings of the priests.
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1. In the place where the tithes had been stored (Malachi 3:10Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
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2. Depriving the Levites of their provision (Numbers 18:21-24 [21] And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation. [22] Neither must the children of Israel henceforth come nigh the tabernacle of the congregation, lest they bear sin, and die. [23] But the Levites shall do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they shall bear their iniquity: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations, that among the children of Israel they have no inheritance. [24] But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.
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2. The Absence of Nehemiah (Nehemiah 13:6-7 [6] But in all this time was not I at Jerusalem: for in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon came I unto the king, and after certain days obtained I leave of the king: [7] And I came to Jerusalem, and understood of the evil that Eliashib did for Tobiah, in preparing him a chamber in the courts of the house of God.
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1. Called to Babylon (Nehemiah 13:6But in all this time was not I at Jerusalem: for in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon came I unto the king, and after certain days obtained I leave of the king:
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1. In the service of king Artaxerxes
2. Until he obtained leave of the king
2. Returned to Jerusalem (Nehemiah 13:7And I came to Jerusalem, and understood of the evil that Eliashib did for Tobiah, in preparing him a chamber in the courts of the house of God.
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3. Discovered the evil done by Eliashib (Nehemiah 13:7And I came to Jerusalem, and understood of the evil that Eliashib did for Tobiah, in preparing him a chamber in the courts of the house of God.
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3. The Anger of Nehemiah (Nehemiah 13:8-9 [8] And it grieved me sore: therefore I cast forth all the household stuff to Tobiah out of the chamber. [9] Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat offering and the frankincense.
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1. Grieved over the evil that had been done (Nehemiah 13:8And it grieved me sore: therefore I cast forth all the household stuff to Tobiah out of the chamber.
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2. Casting out the stuff of Tobiah (Nehemiah 13:8And it grieved me sore: therefore I cast forth all the household stuff to Tobiah out of the chamber.
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3. Cleansing the chambers of the temple (Nehemiah 13:9Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat offering and the frankincense.
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4. Returned the vessels and tithes to the chambers (Nehemiah 13:9Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat offering and the frankincense.
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3. THE RESTORATION OF THE TITHE (Nehemiah 13:10-14 [10] And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given them: for the Levites and the singers, that did the work, were fled every one to his field. [11] 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. [12] Then brought all Judah the tithe of the corn and the new wine and the oil unto the treasuries. [13] And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah: for they were counted faithful, and their office was to distribute unto their brethren. [14] Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof.
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1. The Fleeing of the Levites (Nehemiah 13:10And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given them: for the Levites and the singers, that did the work, were fled every one to his field.
   See All...); “that did the work” (Proverbs 3:27Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.
   See All...; 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 [13] Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? [14] Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.
   See All...; 1 Timothy 5:17-18 [17] Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. [18] For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
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1. They had not received their portions
2. They had had to work their fields to survive
3. The work of the Lord was left undone
2. The Scolding of the Rulers (Nehemiah 13:11-12 [11] 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. [12] Then brought all Judah the tithe of the corn and the new wine and the oil unto the treasuries.
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1. The rulers corrected (Nehemiah 13:11Then 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.
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1. Why is the house of God forsaken?
2. He “set them in their place.”
2. The tithe restored (Nehemiah 13:12Then brought all Judah the tithe of the corn and the new wine and the oil unto the treasuries.
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3. The Establishing of a Plan (Nehemiah 13:13-14 [13] And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah: for they were counted faithful, and their office was to distribute unto their brethren. [14] Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof.
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1. The treasurers (Nehemiah 13:13And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah: for they were counted faithful, and their office was to distribute unto their brethren.
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1. Their record: counted faithful (Proverbs 20:6Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?
   See All...; Luke 16:10He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
   See All...; 1 Corinthians 4:2Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
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2. Their office: to distribute (Acts 6:1-3 [1] And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. [2] Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. [3] Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
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2. Nehemiah’s request (Nehemiah 13:14Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof.
   See All...; Psalm 25:7Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD.
   See All...; Psalm 106:4Remember me, O LORD, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people: O visit me with thy salvation;
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1. Remember me concerning this (Nehemiah 13:14Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof.
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2. Remember me concerning this also (Nehemiah 13:22And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.
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3. Remember me for good (Nehemiah 13:31And for the wood offering, at times appointed, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, for good.
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4. THE RESTORATION OF THE SABBATH (Nehemiah 13:15-22 [15] In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals. [16] There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem. [17] Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day? [18] Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath. [19] And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day. [20] So the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged without Jerusalem once or twice. [21] 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. [22] And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.
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1. The Breaking of the Sabbath (Nehemiah 13:15-16 [15] In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals. [16] There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem.
   See All...); the requirements of the law (Exodus 20:8-11 [8] Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. [9] Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: [10] But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: [11] For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
   See All...; Exodus 31:12-17 [12] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, [13] Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you. [14] Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. [15] Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. [16] Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. [17] It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.
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1. They tread their wine presses (Nehemiah 13:15In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals.
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2. They carried all manner of burdens (Nehemiah 13:15In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals.
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3. They bought and sold on the Sabbath (Nehemiah 13:16There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem.
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2. The Scolding of the Nobles (Nehemiah 13:17-18 [17] Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day? [18] Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath.
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1. Their profaning of the Sabbath (Nehemiah 13:17Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day?
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2. The judgment on the fathers for this sin (Nehemiah 13:18Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath.
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3. The Commandment of Nehemiah (Nehemiah 13:19-22 [19] And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day. [20] So the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged without Jerusalem once or twice. [21] 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. [22] And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.
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1. Concerning the gates (Nehemiah 13:19And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day.
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1. To be shut at night before the Sabbath
2. Not to be opened until after the Sabbath
2. To the merchants (Nehemiah 13:20-21 [20] So the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged without Jerusalem once or twice. [21] 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.
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1. Their attempt to ignore the law (Nehemiah 13:20So the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged without Jerusalem once or twice.
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2. Nehemiah’s threat to lay hands on them (Nehemiah 13:21Then 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.
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3. To the Levites (Nehemiah 13:22And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.
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1. To cleanse themselves
2. To keep the gates
3. To sanctify the Sabbath Day
5. THE PURIFICATION OF THE PEOPLE (Nehemiah 13:23-27 [23] In those days also saw I Jews that had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, and of Moab: [24] And their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews' language, but according to the language of each people. [25] 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. [26] Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin. [27] Shall we then hearken unto you to do all this great evil, to transgress against our God in marrying strange wives?
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1. The Problem of Corruption (Nehemiah 13:23-24 [23] In those days also saw I Jews that had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, and of Moab: [24] And their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews' language, but according to the language of each people.
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1. The wives of the Jews (Nehemiah 13:23In those days also saw I Jews that had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, and of Moab:
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1. Of Ashdod
2. Of Ammon
3. Of Moab
2. The language of the children (Nehemiah 13:24And their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews' language, but according to the language of each people.
   See All...; Ephesians 4:29Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
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1. Learning the speech of Ashdod – the Philistines
2. Not learning the language of the Jews – Hebrew
3. Compare to children of supposed Christian parents who are brought up around the world (Matthew 26:73And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.
   See All...; Colossians 3:8But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
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2. The Reaction of Nehemiah (Nehemiah 13:25-27 [25] 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. [26] Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin. [27] Shall we then hearken unto you to do all this great evil, to transgress against our God in marrying strange wives?
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1. Physical punishment (Nehemiah 13:25And 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.
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1. He contended with them
2. He cursed them
3. He smote certain of them
4. He plucked off their hair
5. He made them swear to separate from the heathen
2. Verbal correction (Nehemiah 13:26-27 [26] Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin. [27] Shall we then hearken unto you to do all this great evil, to transgress against our God in marrying strange wives?
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1. The warning of Solomon (Nehemiah 13:26Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin.
   See All...; 1 Kings 11:1-8 [1] But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites: [2] Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. [3] And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. [4] For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father. [5] For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. [6] And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father. [7] Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon. [8] And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods.
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2. The transgression of the people (Nehemiah 13:27Shall we then hearken unto you to do all this great evil, to transgress against our God in marrying strange wives?
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6. THE PURIFICATION OF THE PRIESTHOOD (Nehemiah 13:28-31 [28] And one of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was son in law to Sanballat the Horonite: therefore I chased him from me. [29] Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood, and the covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites. [30] Thus cleansed I them from all strangers, and appointed the wards of the priests and the Levites, every one in his business; [31] And for the wood offering, at times appointed, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, for good.
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1. The Son-in-Law of Sanballat (Nehemiah 13:28And one of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was son in law to Sanballat the Horonite: therefore I chased him from me.
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1. The complicity of Eliashib the high priest
2. The chasing of Eliashib from Nehemiah
2. The Cleansing of the Priests and Levites (Nehemiah 13:29-30 [29] Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood, and the covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites. [30] Thus cleansed I them from all strangers, and appointed the wards of the priests and the Levites, every one in his business;
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1. Called on God to remember those who defiled the priesthood (Nehemiah 13:29Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood, and the covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites.
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2. Cleansed the priesthood of all strangers (Nehemiah 13:30Thus cleansed I them from all strangers, and appointed the wards of the priests and the Levites, every one in his business;
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3. Nehemiah’s Trust in the Lord (Nehemiah 13:31And for the wood offering, at times appointed, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, for good.
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CONCLUSION: Revival is much more than emotional release and joyous ecstasy. This can come without revival. From the standpoint of man, revival is taking care of business with God. It means getting back to the word of God, learning what God has for us, and doing it. It means separating from the world and turning from our sins. It requires us to restore God to His original place of supreme importance in our lives. When we have done these things, then we can say that we have had revival.

Nehemiah 13:3Now it came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude.
See All... – Now it came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude.

Nehemiah 13:14Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof.
See All... – Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof.

Ephesians 4:29Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
See All... – Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.