נחמיה, פרק י״ג, פסוק כ״א

Nehemiah takes decisive action to protect the sanctity of the Sabbath from commercial activity. Merchants and peddlers had set up camp right outside the walls of Jerusalem, sleeping directly in front of the city gates. Nehemiah recognizes the danger this poses, fearing that the residents of the city might be tempted to leave the gates and purchase goods from these traders on the day of rest [מצודת דוד].

To prevent the Sabbath from being broken, Nehemiah issues a severe warning and a clear ultimatum to the merchants. He confronts them about their decision to camp against the wall and warns them against returning. He makes it clear that if they repeat this behavior, he will use force against them. Commentators discuss the exact nature of this physical threat. Many explain that Nehemiah intends to punish or afflict them to ensure they do not return [רלב״ג, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Others understand the warning more severely, suggesting an explicit threat to physically beat them [רב סעדיה גאון], or even a threat of execution [אבן עזרא].

This firm stance achieves its goal. The merchants heed the warning, and from that day forward, they stop coming to Jerusalem on the Sabbath.