Book of Nehemiah - Chapter 13 - Verse 28

The verse "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." from Nehemiah 13:28 reveals a significant event in the history of Israel. It describes a situation where a member of the high priest's family had married into a family that was in opposition to the work of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. This marriage alliance between the priestly line and their enemies was seen as a betrayal and a compromise of their sacred responsibilities. Nehemiah, who was tasked with restoring the purity of Israel, took swift action to remove this individual from his presence in order to uphold the sanctity and integrity of the priestly office. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining faithfulness and loyalty to God's purposes, even when faced with personal relationships that may compromise one's values.

In this verse from Nehemiah 13:28, we see an interesting theological interpretation regarding the relationship between God's chosen people and their adherence to His commandments. The mention of Joiada's son being married to Sanballat the Horonite, who was an enemy of the Jews, highlights the dangers of intermingling with those who do not share the same faith and values. The fact that Nehemiah chased him away signifies the importance of maintaining purity and loyalty to God's people. By removing the son-in-law from his presence, Nehemiah is demonstrating a commitment to upholding the standards and beliefs of the community. This serves as a reminder to us today to be careful in our associations and to remain steadfast in our faith, so as not to be led astray by those who do not share our convictions. By examining the deeper meaning behind this verse, we can glean valuable insights into the importance of staying true to our beliefs and standing firm in the face of opposition.