Nehemiah 13:20

20 Once or twice the merchants and sellers of all kinds of goods spent the night outside Jerusalem.

Nehemiah 13:20 in Other Translations

20 So the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged without Jerusalem once or twice.

20 Then the merchants and sellers of all kinds of wares lodged outside Jerusalem once or twice.

20 The merchants and tradesmen with a variety of wares camped outside Jerusalem once or twice.

20 Traders and dealers in various goods camped outside the gates once or twice.

20 So the merchants and sellers of all kind of wares lodged without Jerusalem once or twice.

20 Once or twice merchants and those who sell all kinds of goods spent the night outside Jerusalem.

20 Once or twice the merchants and those who sell all kinds of goods camped outside Jerusalem,

20 Once or twice some traders and sellers spent the night outside Jerusalem. They were hoping to sell all kinds of goods.

Nehemiah 13:20 Meaning and Commentary

Nehemiah 13:20

For the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware
The Tyrians particularly, ( Nehemiah 13:16 ) lodged without Jerusalem once or twice; one sabbath day or two, not being able to get into the city, such strict watch and care being taken to keep the gates shut; this they did, hoping the Jews would come out to them and buy their goods, though they were not admitted to bring them within the city.

Nehemiah 13:20 In-Context

18 Didn’t your ancestors do the same things, so that our God brought all this calamity on us and on this city? Now you are stirring up more wrath against Israel by desecrating the Sabbath.”

19 When evening shadows fell on the gates of Jerusalem before the Sabbath, I ordered the doors to be shut and not opened until the Sabbath was over. I stationed some of my own men at the gates so that no load could be brought in on the Sabbath day.

20 Once or twice the merchants and sellers of all kinds of goods spent the night outside Jerusalem.

21 But I warned them and said, “Why do you spend the night by the wall? If you do this again, I will arrest you.” From that time on they no longer came on the Sabbath.

22 Then I commanded the Levites to purify themselves and go and guard the gates in order to keep the Sabbath day holy. Remember me for this also, my God, and show mercy to me according to your great love.