Lyrics · Nehemiah
Remember Me, O My God
Nehemiah 13:1-31
[Verse 1]
Moses' book is read, revealing Ammonite and Moabite exclusion from the congregation.
The mixed multitude is separated from Israel.
Nehemiah has been away serving Artaxerxes and returns by royal leave.
Tobiah's household goods are thrown out of the chamber.
[Pre-Chorus]
The people drew near, but not by careless way,
Holiness ordered every word and day.
[Chorus]
Remember Me, O My God, keep the covenant in view,
Every word and ordered service true.
From altar, ark, and house the witness rose,
The holy God alone the ending knows.
[Verse 2]
He asks God to remember this service for the house.
On Sabbath Nehemiah sees winepresses, sheaves, wine, grapes, figs.
Tyrian merchants also sell fish and wares on the holy day.
The gates are shut before Sabbath and guarded by Nehemiah's servants.
[Bridge]
Levites cleanse themselves and guard the gates, while Nehemiah asks mercy.
Jews married to women of Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab have children unable to speak Jewish speech.
Nehemiah contends with them, invokes oath, and cites Solomon's downfall.
A priestly relative allied to Sanballat is driven away.
[Final Chorus]
Remember Me, O My God, keep the covenant in view,
Every word and ordered service true.
From altar, ark, and house the witness rose,
The holy God alone the witness shows.
[Outro]
The lamps burned low, the ordered service stayed.
The covenant remembered every vow that had been made.

