Nehemiah

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NASB	Nehemiah 13:25 So I contended with them and cursed them and struck some of them and pulled out their hair, and made them swear by God, "You shall not give your daughters to their sons, nor take of their daughters for your sons or for yourselves.
AMPLIFIED 2015	Nehemiah 13:25 So I contended with them and cursed them and struck some of them and pulled out their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, "You shall not give your daughters [in marriage] to their sons, nor take [any of] their daughters for your sons or for yourselves.

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Subject: Violent correction?

Bible Note: Repentance and correction.

Ok: I think I brought up the idea of repentance, in response to the "cut out your eye" passage. That text encourages us to turn from our temptations - whatever the cost - and turn toward God.

Chopping out the eye has some similarity to Ezra pulling out his beard (Ezra 9:3). Perhaps he does this is for dramatic effect -- but it is certainly a sign of grief over Israel's sin. It is a sign of acknowledging sin, and turning to God.
Here, the pulling of hair doesn't disturb me, because Ezra is setting an example, doing it TO HIMSELF.

Another scene of hair being ripped out is Isaiah 50:6. One of the "suffering servant" sections --- where Isaiah is being unjustly reviled. The hair removal is violent and a sign of contempt. Perhaps this is more like Nehemiah's use?

Again, returning to my question... I would think that Nehemiah's goal would be to have the wayward Israelites repent of their intermarriage. Repenting is an inward action of the soul and heart, turning toward God. Can a leader use beating and humiliation to trigger a contrite heart?

Yours,
JRM