Nehemiah 13:1-3

The history of Moab's conduct to Israel, and the vile attempt of Balaam, we have Numbers 22:23. And the Lord's commands in consequence we have Deuteronomy 23:3. But added to these, the prohibition of alliances with the people of the land was among the distinguishing features of the Lord's covenant. God's people were to dwell alone, and not to be reckoned among the nations. Oh! how precious and blessed is it in all this to eye Jesus. I must not dismiss these verses without first taking notice how blessed the reading of the law was to the people. When they had heard of God's holy will, that the stranger should be separated from Israel, the people obeyed. See, my soul, how vastly important it is to have the word of the Lord read in our churches, in our houses, families and closets. Oh! blessed book of God, I would say, thou Holy Bible, the merciful epistle sent down from heaven; be thou my meditation all the day, and let mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I may be occupied in it. Oh! blessed Jesus, thou holy Lamb, who alone was found worthy to open the book, and loose the seals, do thou, Lord open to my soul all the wondrous things of thy law; and open my heart to the right apprehension of it, that I may separate all that is mixed, and corrupt in my heart, and cast it out.