Keraia
Nehemiah 9

Nehemiah 9:17

The People Confess Their Sins · Nehemiah 9:1–38
Read Nehemiah 9

Translations

Modern
They refused to listen and failed to remember the wonders You performed among them. They stiffened their necks and appointed a leader to return them to their bondage in Egypt. But You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in loving devotion, and You did not forsake them.
Traditional
And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.
Literal
And they refused to hear, and they did not remember Your wonders that You did among them; and they hardened their necks and appointed a leader for returning to their slavery in Egypt. And You are a God of forgiveness, gracious and compassionate, long of nostrils and abounding in loving devotion—and You did not forsake them.
Latin
Et noluerunt audire, et non sunt recordati mirabilium tuorum quæ feceras eis. Et induraverunt cervices suas, et dederunt caput ut converterentur ad servitutem suam, quasi per contentionem. Tu autem, Deus propitius, clemens, et misericors, longanimis, et multæ miserationis, non dereliquisti eos,

Original

Hebrew
English
They refused to listen and failed to remember the wonders You performed among them. They stiffened their necks and appointed a leader to return them to their bondage in Egypt. But You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in loving devotion, and You did not forsake them.

Notes

Nehemiah 9:12–21

This prayer reminded the people of God's miraculous guidance of Israel in the wilderness (Exodus 13:21–22), his personal appearance at Mount Sinai to reveal his covenant laws through Moses (see Exodus 19–20), and his faithfulness in providing bread and water (see Exodus 16:4; 17:1–6). Despite all of that, Israel's ancestors were proud and stubborn and refused to obey (see Exodus 32; Numbers 14:4). Yet in his grace, God remained faithful and compassionate (see Exodus 34:6) and provided his spirit to guide and teach them (compare Exodus 33:2; Numbers 11:17).

Nehemiah 9:5–37

This lengthy prayer admits the nation's sins and praises God for his compassion throughout history (compare Psalms 105–106; 135–136). It encouraged listeners to admit their own unfaithfulness and ask God for compassion and forgiveness.

Nehemiah 7:73–10:39

This section, possibly from Ezra’s personal memoirs, explains how Ezra’s teaching of God’s law renewed the people's commitment to serve God and follow his instructions. Spiritual revival occurred alongside the civic work of Ezra and Nehemiah.

Places

Egypt: Ancient nation; Israelites enslaved there; plagues and Exodus

Glossary

Book of Nehemiah El Forgiveness Glory God, Being and Attributes of Hardness of Heart Kindness Mercy Patience Pillar of Fire and Cloud

Topics

God: Mercy of God: Supplying Water at Meribah Impenitence: The Israelites Miracles: The Wicked: Forget Obedience to God: The Wicked Refuse Pardon is Granted: Readily Public Prayer: Jeshua Rebellion Against God: God is Ready to Forgive Repentance: Exemplified Self-Will and Stubbornness: Exhibited in Refusing to Walk in the Ways of God Self-Will: Exhibited in Refusing to Walk in the Ways of God Sin: Confession of Thankfulness: To God of the Levites The Loving-Kindness of God: Great The Mercy of God is Part of his Character