In Nehemiah 13:23-26, Nehemiah stated that when the Jews had intermarried, they spoke the “speech of Ashdod.” This caused a violent reaction from Nehemiah: “And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters for your sons, or for yourselves” (Nehemiah 13:25).
There are a couple of principles we can learn from this event. First, evil association has its effect even on those who are strong (1 Corinthians 15:33). Second, evil association yields corrupted speech (Matthew 12:34). It is plain to see that the “speech of Ashdod” was the result of sin!
The “speech of Ashdod” still causes a lack of understanding today. Since space is limited, I can only provide a few examples. When people say, “There are Christians in all of the denominations,” “The Bible doesn’t say not to,” “Join the church of your choice,” “The only fellowship which we can have is unity in diversity.” etc., they are using the “speech of Ashdod.”
The “speech of Ashdod” must be spoken against and the truth upheld. Will you be the one to uphold it? Can you stand against people you love for the cause of truth? If you can, you will be rewarded, but if not, you will be punished. What price are you willing to pay?
Kyle Campbell