Matthew Poole and continuators on Nehemiah 13:22

22 And I commanded the Levites, that they should [illegible: 1 word] themselves , and that they should come and keep the gates , to sanctifie the sabbath-day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy .

Partly because the work they were now set upon, though common in its nature, yet was holy in design of it, and had respect unto the Sabbath: and partly because the day in which they were to do this was the Sabbath day, for the observation whereof they were obliged to prepare and purifie themselves.

Either 1. The Gates of the Temple. But a particular command was superfluous in that case, because it was their constant work and charge to do this both Sabbath-days and every day. Or rather 2. The Gates of the City; for of them he spake last, v. 19. and not daring to trust the common Porters of those Gates, not being able always to employ his men in that work, he committeth the charge of them for the present season, and upon the Sabbath-days, to the Levites, to whom the care of sanctifying the Sabbath did properly belong.

Whereby he intimates that though he mentioned his good works as things wherewith God was well-pleased, and which he had promised to reward, yet he neither did, nor durst trust to their merit, or his own worthiness, but, when he had done all, he judged himself an unprofitable servant, and one that needed Gods infinite Mercy and Indulgence to pardon all his sins, and particularly those infirmities and corruptions which adhered to his good deeds.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 word], [illegible: 1 word]