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On the sabbath day

Nehemiah 13:15 "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."

There had always been financial incentives for Israel to work on the sabbath. But God commanded them not to work.

At this time in Jerusalem, when the wall had been restored, and when the people sought to hear and obey the law of God again, this was a very obvious violation of that law.

Instead of a sin they may have committed in private, or an old pagan belief that may have still embraced in their own hearts, this was a very public disobedience.

Commerce continued on a day that should have been set aside for the Lord.

Nehemiah commanded that the gates be closed, so that no goods could come through on that day. They were to sanctify it unto the Lord.

Nehemiah 13:15 "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."