Neville Goddard on Nehemiah 13:19-22 - Mystical Bible Interpretation

Read Nehemiah 13 in context

Scripture Focus

19And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day.

20So the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged without Jerusalem once or twice.

21Then 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.

22And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.

Nehemiah 13:19-22

Biblical Context

Nehemiah closes the gates of Jerusalem before the sabbath to keep the day free from burden, and he sets guards to enforce the stop. He also commands the Levites to cleanse themselves and guard the gates, sanctifying the sabbath and seeking God's mercy.

Neville's Inner Vision

Remember, you are the I AM, the gatekeeper of your inner Jerusalem. The dusk over its walls symbolizes the moment when attention must be withdrawn from restless traffic. Nehemiah’s act to shut the gates is a living image of your decision to stand in the Sabbath of your consciousness. By declaring the gates closed and appointing watchful guards, he demonstrates how a state of awareness can protect its holy moment from the incessant chatter of desires and worries. The merchants who sleep outside are the persistent thoughts that would burden your mind; you now set a boundary and, by repeated practice, the boundary becomes a natural habit. The cleansing of the Levites represents purification of you—imagining yourself renewed, aligned with your true intention. Prayer for mercy is not a plea for external mercy but an acknowledgment that this new inner state is sustained by grace as you persist in feeling it real. So, dwell in the inner gate as if already true, and the outer world will shift to match the interior sanctity you choose to preserve, the true worship you practice.

Practice This Now

At a chosen hour, close the gates of your inner Jerusalem and imagine sentinels guarding them; declare, 'No burden enters this sabbath,' then rest in the felt sense of mercy and quiet worship.