I was not in Jerusalem. The absence of Nehemiah revealed the unfaithfulness of Israel’s spiritual leadership. Eliashib, the high priest, broke God’s Principles and allied himself with Tobiah, an enemy of Israel, through family ties (v. 4). In this alliance, Eliashib prepared a sumptuous room in the Temple for the Ammonite, right next to the Treasury, where the offerings were kept.

The spiritual leader gave privileges to an unbeliever to the dismay of so many God-fearing people.

The Levites were so mistreated by this armed plot that they returned to their homes. In doing so, |Eliashib tainted his priestly line and spiritually corrupted all sacred service. How many people benefit their authority and prestige in the Work of God to benefit their unbelieving relatives and friends? These people are instruments of the devil to promote injustice and undermine the faith of the righteous.