Nehemiah 13:1

Neh 13:1 On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of God for ever;

Ver. 1. On that day ] That great fast day, Nehemiah 9:1-2 , &c. Or, after Nehemiah’s return from the court of Persia, Nehemiah 13:6 , so the most expound it.

They read in the book of Moses ] viz. In Deuteronomy 23:3 , called by the Rabbis Sepher tochechoth, the book of rebukes, or of instructions, upon conviction.

And therein was found written ] Perquam durum est (so it might seem to Ammonites and Moabites), sed ita lex scripta est, The law was perpetual and indispensable; a sign of great wrath.

That the Ammonite and the Moabite ] Lot’s by-blows and the Church’s constant enemies.

Into the congregation of God ] i.e. Assemblies of God’s people, whether sacred or civil, unless proselyted.