NEHEMIAH 9

NEHEMIAH REMINDS THE ISRAELITES OF GOD’S PROVIDENCE

After Ezra reads the Book of the Law, the Israelites practice confession and repentance of their sins. The people cry out to God alone and praise His name as the everlasting God.

Remembering God’s faithfulness, Nehemiah recalls the history of the Israelites, starting with God choosing Abraham (Genesis 12). Next Nehemiah tells of Moses leading the Israelites out of slavery from the Egyptians (Exodus 12), the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14), and God’s provision for the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 14, 16, 17).

Nehemiah also recalls that God kept His promise to bring the Israelites into the Promised Land (Joshua 6). Once the Israelites entered the Promised Land, they were disobedient to God’s law and ignored the warnings of the prophets. After all the wonders God performed for the Israelites, they were stubborn and dismissive of God.

Quoting Exodus 34:6-7, Nehemiah reminds the Israelites of God’s character, saying that God is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Even when the Israelites worshiped false gods and were blasphemous, God was still gracious and merciful towards them. After the Israelites were taken into exile, God kept His promise to deliver them from their enemies and restore them to their land.

The Israelites are reminded of God’s faithfulness and want to break their ancestors' cycle of rebellion. To show their dedication, they made a written document affirming their faithfulness to the covenant.