The situation then changes. The practices condemned in this section all involve disobedience to God’s commands. The first is a failure to maintain the sanctity of the temple and to fulfill other religious responsibilities (13:4–14). The second is disobedience to God in regard to keeping the Sabbath holy (13:15–22), and the third is disobedience in regard to marriage with non-Jews (13:23–29).

The phrase “before this” (13:4) refers to a period prior to Nehemiah’s return to Jerusalem after he has been absent for a time. But it does not tell us how long before. Some suggest that the events of this chapter occurred earlier than the dedication ceremony; however, it is best to consider it later, during the time Nehemiah has returned to his service for King Artaxerxes (13:6). Why does Nehemiah c…