What does Nehemiah 9:32 mean?
"Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before thee, that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people, since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day." - Nehemiah 9:32
Nehemiah 9:32 (KJV) says, "Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before thee, that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people, since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day."
This verse comes from a prayer that the Israelites offered to God after they had confessed their sins and repented of their disobedience. It is part of a larger passage in the book of Nehemiah that recounts the history of the Israelites and their relationship with God.
The verse begins by acknowledging God's greatness, mightiness, and terribleness. It emphasizes the awe-inspiring nature of God and His power over all things. The Israelites recognize that God is the keeper of the covenant and mercy, reminding themselves of His faithfulness and steadfast love. Despite their own unfaithfulness and disobedience, they acknowledge that God has been consistent in His character and in His promises.
The prayer then goes on to plead with God not to let the trouble that has befallen them seem insignificant. The Israelites are expressing their deep distress and hardship that they have endured, acknowledging the severity of the suffering that has come upon them, their leaders, and their ancestors. They trace their suffering back to the time of the kings of Assyria, highlighting the long history of oppression, invasion, and exile that they have experienced as a nation.
In this prayer, the Israelites are acknowledging the consequences of their own sin and the ways in which they have strayed from God's commands. They are facing the reality of their own actions and their collective disobedience. The verse reflects a humble and contrite spirit, as the Israelites seek God's mercy and forgiveness.
Themes in this verse include the sovereignty of God, the faithfulness of God's covenant, and the implications of sin and repentance. It emphasizes the seriousness of sin and its consequences, while also pointing to the hope of God's mercy and forgiveness.
This passage is situated within the broader context of the book of Nehemiah, which describes the efforts of Nehemiah to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and to restore the city to its former glory. The Israelites had returned from exile in Babylon, and Nehemiah's leadership was instrumental in bringing about spiritual and physical renewal for the nation.
The prayer in Nehemiah 9 emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and confessing sin, seeking God's forgiveness, and renewing their commitment to following His ways. It points to the ongoing struggle of the Israelites to remain faithful to God and the need for ongoing repentance and renewal.
The symbolism in this verse lies in the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and faithfulness despite the Israelites' unfaithfulness. It highlights the contrast between the greatness of God and the frailty of humanity, and the tension between God's justice and His mercy. It also serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the need for repentance and forgiveness.
Overall, Nehemiah 9:32 is a powerful prayer that reflects the complex relationship between God and His people. It emphasizes the themes of sin, repentance, and forgiveness, while also pointing to the enduring faithfulness of God and His covenant. It serves as a timeless reminder of the human condition and the ongoing need for spiritual renewal and restoration.
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Nehemiah 9:32 - "Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before thee, that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people, since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day."
"Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before thee, that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people, since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day." - Nehemiah 9:32
Nehemiah 11:32 - "And at Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah,"
Nehemiah 7:32 - "The men of Beth-el and Ai, an hundred twenty and three."
Nehemiah 12:32 - "And after them went Hoshaiah, and half of the princes of Judah,"
"And at Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah," - Nehemiah 11:32
Nehemiah 3:32 - "And between the going up of the corner unto the sheep gate repaired the goldsmiths and the merchants."
Nehemiah 6:9
Nehemiah 10:32 - "Also we made ordinances for us, to charge ourselves yearly with the third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God;"
Nehemiah 9:9 - "And didst see the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and heardest their cry by the Red sea;"
"And after them went Hoshaiah, and half of the princes of Judah," - Nehemiah 12:32
"The men of Beth-el and Ai, an hundred twenty and three." - Nehemiah 7:32
Nehemiah 7:9 - "The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy and two."
Nehemiah 9:16 - "But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments,"
Nehemiah 12:9 - "Also Bakbukiah and Unni, their brethren, were over against them in the watches."
Nehemiah 10:9 - "And the Levites: both Jeshua the son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons of Henadad, Kadmiel;"
"And between the going up of the corner unto the sheep gate repaired the goldsmiths and the merchants." - Nehemiah 3:32
Nehemiah 11:9 - "And Joel the son of Zichri was their overseer: and Judah the son of Senuah was second over the city."
Nehemiah 3:9 - "And next unto them repaired Rephaiah the son of Hur, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem."
Mark 9:32 - "But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him."
Nehemiah 9:2 - "And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers."
Nehemiah 8:9 - "¶ And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law."
Exodus 9:32 - "But the wheat and the rie were not smitten: for they were not grown up."
Esther 9:32 - "And the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim; and it was written in the book."
Nehemiah 9:38 - "And because of all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, Levites, and priests, seal unto it."
"And didst see the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and heardest their cry by the Red sea;" - Nehemiah 9:9
Nehemiah 13:9 - "Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat offering and the frankincense."
"The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy and two." - Nehemiah 7:9
Deuteronomy 32:9 - "For the LORD'S portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance."
Nehemiah 9:1 - "Now in the twenty and fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, and with sackclothes, and earth upon them."