Nehemiah 13:4

Now before this, Eliashib the priest, a relative of Tobiah, had been put in charge of the storerooms of the house of our God

Study Bible

Now before this
This phrase sets the temporal context for the events described. It indicates that the actions of Eliashib occurred prior to the reforms Nehemiah was implementing. The Hebrew word for "before" (לִפְנֵי, lifnei) often denotes precedence in time, suggesting that the issues Nehemiah addresses were longstanding. This highlights the ongoing struggle to maintain spiritual purity and adherence to God's laws, a theme prevalent throughout the book of Nehemiah.

Eliashib the priest
Eliashib was a high-ranking religious leader, which underscores the gravity of his actions. The name "Eliashib" means "God restores," which is ironic given his role in compromising the sanctity of the temple. As a priest, Eliashib was expected to uphold the holiness of the temple, yet his actions reveal a failure in leadership. This serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of integrity and faithfulness among those in spiritual authority.

who had been appointed over the chambers of the house of our God
The "chambers" refer to the storerooms in the temple complex, which were used to store offerings, tithes, and other sacred items. Being "appointed" over these chambers was a position of trust and responsibility. The Hebrew root for "appointed" (נָתַן, natan) means "to give" or "to set," indicating that Eliashib was entrusted with a significant duty. This highlights the sacred responsibility of stewardship in God's house, a theme that resonates with the New Testament teachings on faithful service.

and who was related to Tobiah
Tobiah was an Ammonite official and an adversary of Nehemiah, known for opposing the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. The Hebrew word for "related" (קָרוֹב, qarov) can mean "near" or "close," suggesting a familial or close personal relationship. This connection between Eliashib and Tobiah represents a compromise with the enemies of God's people, illustrating the dangers of forming alliances that can lead to spiritual corruption. It serves as a reminder of the need for discernment in relationships, especially those that can influence one's spiritual commitments.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Eliashib the Priest
Eliashib was a high priest in Jerusalem during the time of Nehemiah. He was responsible for the chambers of the house of God, which were used for storing offerings, tithes, and other sacred items.

2. Tobiah
Tobiah was an Ammonite official and an adversary of Nehemiah. Despite his opposition to the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, he had familial ties to Eliashib, which led to his inappropriate influence within the temple.

3. The Chambers of the House of God
These were rooms within the temple complex used for storing sacred items and offerings. They were meant to be kept holy and separate from secular influences.

4. Nehemiah
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Nehemiah is the central figure in the book. He was a leader who returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the city walls and reform the community.

5. Jerusalem
The city where these events took place, significant as the center of Jewish worship and the location of the temple.

Teaching Points

Guarding Sacred Spaces
Just as the chambers of the temple were meant to be kept holy, we must guard our hearts and lives from influences that compromise our faith.

The Danger of Compromise
Eliashib's relationship with Tobiah serves as a warning against compromising our values for the sake of personal or familial ties.

Leadership Accountability
Leaders in the faith community must be held accountable to maintain the integrity of their roles and responsibilities.

The Influence of Relationships
Our relationships can significantly impact our spiritual walk, for better or worse. We must choose our associations wisely.

Reform and Renewal
Nehemiah's actions later in the chapter remind us of the need for continual reform and renewal in our spiritual lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from Eliashib's failure to maintain the sanctity of the temple chambers, and how can we apply this to our personal lives?

2. How does the relationship between Eliashib and Tobiah illustrate the potential dangers of compromising with those who oppose God's work?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our spiritual "chambers" (hearts, minds, homes) remain dedicated to God?

4. How do the actions of Nehemiah later in this chapter demonstrate the importance of accountability and reform in our faith communities?

5. Reflect on a time when a relationship influenced your spiritual journey. How can you apply the lessons from Nehemiah 13:4 to ensure your relationships honor God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Nehemiah 2:10
This verse introduces Tobiah as an adversary to Nehemiah's mission, highlighting the ongoing conflict between them.

Nehemiah 6:17-19
These verses describe the alliances and correspondence between Tobiah and some of the nobles of Judah, showing his influence and the challenges Nehemiah faced.

Leviticus 21:6
This verse emphasizes the holiness required of priests, which Eliashib compromised by allowing Tobiah into the temple chambers.

2 Corinthians 6:14-16
This New Testament passage warns against being unequally yoked with unbelievers, paralleling the inappropriate alliance between Eliashib and Tobiah.