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True or False

Nehemiah's covenant enforcement took the form of excluding foreigners from the assembly, removing Tobiah from the temple, restoring the Levitical tithes, stopping Sabbath breaking, and disciplining those who had intermarried with pagans.

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Final answer:

The True statement about Nehemiah's covenant enforcement aligns with historical patterns of reform within Hebrew society to maintain strict monotheism and adherence to Mosaic Law.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement is True: Nehemiah's covenant enforcement did indeed take several forms, including the exclusion of foreigners from assembly, the removal of Tobiah from the temple, restoration of the Levitical tithes, the cessation of Sabbath breaking, and disciplining those who had intermarried with pagans. These actions were part of a broader movement in Hebrew society that emphasized the return to strict monotheism and obedience to the laws of Moses, which were foundational to the Hebrew identity and were emphasized by prophets like Ezra and Nehemiah after the Babylonian Captivity.

In the context of seventh-century BCE reforms, Judean king Josiah implemented strict monotheism and the compilation of sacred texts, culminating in the book of Deuteronomy. Later, after the Babylonian Captivity, the efforts to maintain a distinct identity through religious customs, marriage laws, dietary restrictions, and the study of sacred books further solidified Judaism as a 'mobile tradition' capable of being practiced anywhere. Nehemiah's reforms continued this tradition of strict adherence to the covenantal laws set forth by Yahweh and exemplified a historically consistent pattern of religious reformation and enforcement within Hebrew society.

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