Matthew Henry Commentary Nehemiah 13:10-14

"And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given them; so that the Levites and the singers, that did the work, were fled every one to his field. Then contended I with the rulers, and said, Why is the house of God forsaken? And I gathered them together, and set them in their place. Then brought all Judah the tithe of the grain and the new wine and the oil unto the treasuries. 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 business was to distribute unto their brethren. Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the observances thereof." — Nehemiah 13:10-14 (ASV)

If a sacred character will not keep people from setting an evil example, it must not shelter anyone from deserved blame and punishment. The Levites had been wronged; their portions had not been given to them. They had gone to earn a living for themselves and their families, because their profession would not support them.

Insufficient provision makes for a poor ministry. The work is neglected because the workers are. Nehemiah placed the blame on the rulers. Both ministers and people who forsake religion and its services, and magistrates who do not do what they can to keep them faithful to these, will have much to answer for. He did not delay to restore the Levites to their positions and to ensure that just payment was made.

Nehemiah on every occasion looked up to God and committed himself and all his affairs to Him. It pleased him to think that he had been of use in reviving and supporting religion in his country. He addresses God here, not in pride, but with a humble appeal concerning his honest intention in what he had done.

He prays, “Remember me;” not, Reward me. “Wipe not out my good deeds;” not, Publish them, or record them. Yet he was rewarded, and his good deeds were recorded. God does more than we are able to ask.