What is the context?
The account looks back to something done while Nehemiah was away. Eliashib, the priest responsible for the temple storerooms and a relative of Tobiah, has prepared a large room for him. It had previously held offerings, temple articles and supplies assigned to the workers.
Nehemiah explains that he had returned to Artaxerxes in the thirty-second year of the king’s reign and later obtained permission to come back to Jerusalem. On returning, he learns what Eliashib has done.
Greatly displeased, Nehemiah throws Tobiah’s household goods out, orders the rooms purified and restores the temple articles, grain offerings and frankincense. The space is returned to the purpose for which it had been set apart.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Henry and Gill understand Tobiah’s room as a misuse of space belonging to God’s house. Henry also draws a personal lesson about removing what sustains sin and making room for what serves God. The immediate action concerns a governor correcting the use of temple storerooms during his absence.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
There is a clear parallel with Jesus’ action in the temple courts in John 2:13–22. Jesus drives out the trading activity and objects to His Father’s house becoming a marketplace.
The accounts share concern for the proper use of God’s house; John does not identify Nehemiah’s action as a prediction of Jesus’ action. John then takes the theme further: Jesus speaks of the temple of His body, and His disciples understand His words after His resurrection.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.