Nehemiah 13:21

WEB

Then I testified against them, and said to them, "Why do you stay around the wall? If you do so again, I will lay hands on you." From that time on, they did not come on the Sabbath.

KJV

Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the sabbath.

Commentary

Then I testified against them,.... Against their continuance there, and threatened them, and called heaven and ea rth to witness what he would do to them, if they did not depart: why lodge ye about the wall? of the city, waiting an opportunity to get in, and tempting the Jews to come out and buy their ware: if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you; beat them, or slay them, at least imprison them: from that time forth came they no more on the sabbath; finding there was no likelihood of getting into the city, and that they were liable to be taken up and punished.