And I pleaded the matter against the magistrates, and said: Why have we forsaken the house of God? And I gathered them together, and I made them to stand in their places.

Then I contended with the rulers, and said, Why is the house of God forsaken? and I assembled them, and set them in their place.

And I strive with the prefects, and say, 'Wherefore hath the house of God been forsaken?' and I gather them, and set them on their station;

Then I made protests to the chiefs, and said, Why has the house of God been given up? And I got them together and put them in their places.

Then I contended with the rulers, and said, 'Why is God's house forsaken?' I gathered them together, and set them in their place.

And I brought the case before the magistrates, and I said, "Why have we forsaken the house of God?" And I gathered them together, and I caused them to stand at their stations.

I gathered them together - Nehemiah gathered the Levites from their lands, and reinstated them in their set offices.

Why is the house of God forsaken? - They had all solemnly promised, Nehemiah 10:39, that they would never forsake the house of their God; but, alas, how soon is this forgotten! Nehemiah used their own words here by way of reproof.

Then I contended with the rulers;.... The ecclesiastical rulers, the priests that were appointed over those chambers, Nehemiah 12:44, he expostulated with them warmly, and chode them severely for their conduct:
and said, why is the house of God forsaken? no care being taken of the maintenance of the ministers of it, contrary to the promise made Nehemiah 10:37,
and l gathered them together; the Levites and singers that were dispersed in the countries round about:
and set them in their place; in the temple, and in the course of their ministry there.

Contended - I sharply reproved those priests to whom the management of those things was committed, for neglect of their duty, and breach of their late solemn promise. Why, &c. - You have not only injured men in with - holding their dues, but you have occasioned the neglect of God's house and service. Gathered - To Jerusalem from their several country possessions. Set - Restored them to the exercise of their office.