What does Nehemiah 13:26 mean?

The verse Nehemiah 13:26 from the King James Version of the Bible states: "Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? Yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin."

This verse is a part of the book of Nehemiah, which is a historical account of the Israelites' return to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon, and the rebuilding of the city's walls and the restoration of the people's faith and religious practices. This specific verse is part of Nehemiah's efforts to purify the Israelites from practices and influences that are contrary to the laws and commandments of God.

The verse begins with a reference to King Solomon, who is known for his wisdom and wealth. However, it also acknowledges that he sinned by taking foreign wives who led him astray from the worship of the one true God. The verse then praises Solomon as being beloved of his God and for being made king over all Israel, despite his sinful actions. This serves as a cautionary example for the Israelites, a reminder that even the most highly regarded and blessed individuals can be led astray by foreign influences.

The verse also emphasizes the negative impact of outlandish or foreign women on Solomon, suggesting that these women brought worldly and idolatrous practices into his life, causing him to sin. This serves as a warning to the Israelites to be vigilant and cautious about the influences they allow into their lives, as even the most powerful and wise individuals can be led astray.

One of the key themes of this verse is the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commandments. The reference to Solomon's sin serves as a warning about the dangers of allowing foreign influences and practices to infiltrate one's faith and religious practices. It also underscores the idea that even the most powerful and wealthy individuals are not immune to temptation and sin, emphasizing the need for humility and reliance on God's guidance.

Another important theme in this verse is the idea of purity and separation from worldly influences. Nehemiah's efforts to purify the Israelites from foreign practices and influences reflect a desire to maintain the purity of their faith and commitment to God. This theme of spiritual purity and separation from worldly influences is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the need for believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to resist the temptations and influences of the world.

The verse also carries a message about the potential impact of our choices and the company we keep. Solomon, despite his wisdom and blessings from God, allowed himself to be led astray by outlandish women. This serves as a warning about the potential impact of the people we associate with and the choices we make in our lives. It reminds us to be discerning about the influences we allow into our lives and the potential consequences of those choices.

In conclusion, Nehemiah 13:26 from the King James Version of the Bible carries important themes of faithfulness, purity, and the potential impact of our choices and influences. It serves as a cautionary example of the dangers of allowing foreign influences to infiltrate our faith and a reminder of the need for vigilance and discernment in our spiritual lives. The verse encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to be cautious about the influences they allow into their lives.

Artwork for Nehemiah 13:26

Nehemiah 13:26 - "Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin."

"Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin." - Nehemiah 13:26

Nehemiah 12:26 - "These were in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor, and of Ezra the priest, the scribe."

Nehemiah 10:26 - "And Ahijah, Hanan, Anan,"

Nehemiah 11:26 - "And at Jeshua, and at Moladah, and at Beth-phelet,"

Nehemiah 7:26 - "The men of Beth-lehem and Netophah, an hundred fourscore and eight."

Nehemiah 11:13

"And Ahijah, Hanan, Anan," - Nehemiah 10:26

Nehemiah 10:13 - "Hodijah, Bani, Beninu."

"And at Jeshua, and at Moladah, and at Beth-phelet," - Nehemiah 11:26

Nehemiah 12:13 - "Of Ezra, Meshullam; of Amariah, Jehohanan;"

Nehemiah 7:13 - "The children of Zattu, eight hundred forty and five."

"These were in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor, and of Ezra the priest, the scribe." - Nehemiah 12:26

"Hodijah, Bani, Beninu." - Nehemiah 10:13

Nehemiah 3:26 - "Moreover the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel, unto the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that lieth out."

"The men of Beth-lehem and Netophah, an hundred fourscore and eight." - Nehemiah 7:26

"Of Ezra, Meshullam; of Amariah, Jehohanan;" - Nehemiah 12:13

Nehemiah 13:12 - "Then brought all Judah the tithe of the corn and the new wine and the oil unto the treasuries."

Nehemiah 13:31 - "And for the wood offering, at times appointed, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, for good."

Nehemiah 13:20 - "So the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged without Jerusalem once or twice."

Nehemiah 13:4 - "¶ And before this, Eliashib the priest, having the oversight of the chamber of the house of our God, was allied unto Tobiah:"

Nehemiah 13:23 - "¶ In those days also saw I Jews that had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, and of Moab:"

Nehemiah 13:29 - "Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood, and the covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites."

Nehemiah 13:24 - "And their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews' language, but according to the language of each people."

Nehemiah 13:8 - "And it grieved me sore: therefore I cast forth all the household stuff of Tobiah out of the chamber."

Nehemiah 13:3 - "Now it came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude."

"The children of Zattu, eight hundred forty and five." - Nehemiah 7:13

Nehemiah 13:9 - "Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat offering and the frankincense."

Nehemiah 13:7 - "And I came to Jerusalem, and understood of the evil that Eliashib did for Tobiah, in preparing him a chamber in the courts of the house of God."

Nehemiah 13:13 - "And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah: for they were counted faithful, and their office was to distribute unto their brethren."