Nehemiah 9:17

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Nehemiah 9:1 Nehemiah 9:2 Nehemiah 9:3 Nehemiah 9:4 Nehemiah 9:5 Nehemiah 9:6 Nehemiah 9:7 Nehemiah 9:8 Nehemiah 9:9 Nehemiah 9:10 Nehemiah 9:11 Nehemiah 9:12 Nehemiah 9:13 Nehemiah 9:14 Nehemiah 9:15 Nehemiah 9:16 Nehemiah 9:17 Nehemiah 9:18 Nehemiah 9:19 Nehemiah 9:20 Nehemiah 9:21 Nehemiah 9:22 Nehemiah 9:23 Nehemiah 9:24 Nehemiah 9:25 Nehemiah 9:26 Nehemiah 9:27 Nehemiah 9:28 Nehemiah 9:29 Nehemiah 9:30 Nehemiah 9:31 Nehemiah 9:32 Nehemiah 9:33 Nehemiah 9:34 Nehemiah 9:35 Nehemiah 9:36 Nehemiah 9:37 Nehemiah 9:38

Nehemiah 9:17 KJV

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.

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Nehemiah 9:17 Bible Commentary

Commentary on Nehemiah 9:17

Verse Context and Text:

Nehemiah 9:17 states: “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.” This verse is part of a prayer of confession by the Israelites, acknowledging their past disobedience and the sinfulness that led to their current plight.

Historical Background

In the context of Nehemiah, the Israelites have returned from Babylonian exile, and are seeking to renew their covenant with God. The prayer in Nehemiah 9 is a corporate confession of sin that recalls the faithfulness of God and the unfaithfulness of the people. It highlights the historical experiences of the people of Israel.

Thematic Overview

  • Human Rebellion: The verse draws attention to the recurring theme of Israel's disobedience and forgetfulness of God's miracles.
  • The Nature of God: It contrasts human unfaithfulness with the unwavering nature of God, emphasizing His readiness to pardon and His attributes of grace and mercy.
  • The Importance of Remembrance: The emphasis is placed on the need for the community to remember God's works and to repent of their disobedience.

Insights from Public Domain Commentaries

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's commentary often reflects on the faithfulness of God amidst human rebellion. He notes that the refusal to obey and the hardness of heart demonstrated by the Israelites is a common pattern not only in the history of Israel but also in the lives of individuals today. He emphasizes that God's wonders should provoke a response of awe and obedience; however, humanity often forgets and turns back to old ways. Henry underscores that despite their rebellion, God remains willing to pardon, showcasing His immense grace, which should lead to repentance rather than despair.

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes provides a deeper theological insight into the attributes of God that are highlighted in this verse. According to Barnes, God's readiness to pardon is integral to understanding His character. He points out the significance of God's mercy, slow anger, and abundant kindness. Barnes captures the essence of God's desire to forgive rather than to punish, urging believers to lean into this grace. He discusses how the hardening of the heart can lead individuals to forget God's goodness and miracles, illustrating how awareness of God's past works can foster faithfulness in the present.

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke expands on the implications of Israel’s nickname for God in this prayer. He notes the significance of the attributes of God mentioned in the latter part of Nehemiah 9:17. Clarke highlights that the Israelites’ acknowledgment of God as “gracious and merciful” reflects an understanding of God's covenant faithfulness. He also remarks on the phrase "appointed a captain to return to their bondage," interpreting it as a metaphor for the desire to return to a state of slavery out of rebellion. Clarke suggests that this reflects the internal struggle between faithfulness to God and the pull towards sin.

Practical Applications

  • Confronting Rebellion: Leaders can use this verse to encourage self-examination within their communities to confront the issues of rebellion and disobedience in light of God's faithful redemption.
  • Encouragement to Remember: Believers should be actively encouraged to remember and recount the works of God in their lives which can help combat forgetfulness and pride.
  • Nature of God in Preaching: Pastors can emphasize the attributes of God in their sermons, focusing on His grace, mercy, and readiness to forgive as central to understanding the nature of God in the face of human sinfulness.

Conclusion

Nehemiah 9:17 serves not only as a historical reminder of Israel’s past failures but as a timeless lesson about divine grace and human frailty. The insights from the commentaries of Henry, Barnes, and Clarke provide a rich theological foundation for understanding the nature of God in the context of human rebellion. This verse calls for a posture of humility, repentance, and trust in God’s mercy, which remains available to all who seek it.

Nehemiah 9 (KJV) Verse Selection

Nehemiah 9:1 Nehemiah 9:2 Nehemiah 9:3 Nehemiah 9:4 Nehemiah 9:5 Nehemiah 9:6 Nehemiah 9:7 Nehemiah 9:8 Nehemiah 9:9 Nehemiah 9:10 Nehemiah 9:11 Nehemiah 9:12 Nehemiah 9:13 Nehemiah 9:14 Nehemiah 9:15 Nehemiah 9:16 Nehemiah 9:17 Nehemiah 9:18 Nehemiah 9:19 Nehemiah 9:20 Nehemiah 9:21 Nehemiah 9:22 Nehemiah 9:23 Nehemiah 9:24 Nehemiah 9:25 Nehemiah 9:26 Nehemiah 9:27 Nehemiah 9:28 Nehemiah 9:29 Nehemiah 9:30 Nehemiah 9:31 Nehemiah 9:32 Nehemiah 9:33 Nehemiah 9:34 Nehemiah 9:35 Nehemiah 9:36 Nehemiah 9:37 Nehemiah 9:38

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