Nehemiah 13:19-22

19Before the day of rest—a holy day, when the gates of Jerusalem were cleared of traffic, I ordered the doors to be shut and not to be reopened until after the day of rest. I stationed some of my men by the gates to make sure that no loads could be brought in on the day of rest.

20Once or twice merchants and those who sell all kinds of goods spent the night outside Jerusalem.

21I warned them. “Why are you spending the night in front of the wall?” I asked them. “If you do it again, I’ll arrest you.” After that, they no longer came on the day of rest—a holy day.

22Then I told the Levites to cleanse themselves and guard the gates to keep the day of rest holy. ⌞Nehemiah prayed,⌟ “Remember me also for this, my God, and spare me, since you are very kind.”