but if you return to Me and keep and practice My commandments, then even if your exiles have been banished to the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for My Name.' But if you return to MeThe phrase "return to Me" is rooted in the Hebrew word "shuv," which means to turn back or repent. This concept of returning is central to the covenant relationship between God and His people. It implies not just a physical return, but a heartfelt repentance and a reorientation of life towards God. Historically, this call to return is significant as it reflects the cyclical pattern of Israel's disobedience and God's call for repentance throughout the Old Testament. It is a reminder of God's enduring mercy and willingness to restore those who earnestly seek Him. and keep My commandments
The Hebrew word for "keep" is "shamar," which means to guard, observe, or give heed. This implies a diligent and careful observance of God's laws, not merely a passive acknowledgment. The commandments refer to the Torah, the divine instructions given to Israel. In a broader sense, this highlights the importance of obedience in the life of a believer, emphasizing that true repentance is accompanied by a commitment to live according to God's standards. and do them
The phrase "do them" underscores the necessity of action in faith. It is not enough to merely know or acknowledge God's commandments; they must be actively practiced. This reflects the biblical principle that faith without works is dead (James 2:26). The historical context of Nehemiah involves the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, a tangible act of faith and obedience, symbolizing the restoration of both the city and the people's relationship with God. then even if your exiles have been banished to the farthest horizon
The term "exiles" refers to those who have been taken captive and removed from their homeland. The "farthest horizon" is a poetic expression indicating the most distant places imaginable. This phrase highlights the extent of God's promise to restore His people, no matter how far they have been scattered. It reflects the historical reality of the Babylonian exile and God's promise of return, serving as a powerful metaphor for spiritual restoration and the boundless reach of God's grace. I will gather them from there
The act of gathering is a recurring theme in Scripture, often associated with God's redemptive work. The Hebrew word "qabats" means to collect or assemble. This promise of gathering signifies God's initiative in restoring His people, emphasizing His sovereignty and faithfulness. It is a message of hope and assurance that no matter how dispersed or lost one may feel, God is able to bring them back into His fold. and bring them to the place I have chosen
The "place I have chosen" refers to Jerusalem, the city God selected as the center of worship and the dwelling place of His Name. This choice is rooted in God's covenant with David and the establishment of the temple. It signifies God's desire for a relationship with His people and His commitment to dwell among them. Historically, this reflects the return of the exiles to Jerusalem under Nehemiah's leadership, symbolizing the restoration of worship and community. as a dwelling for My Name
The "dwelling for My Name" signifies God's presence and His covenant relationship with Israel. In Hebrew thought, a name represents one's character and authority. Thus, God's Name dwelling in a place indicates His presence, blessing, and protection. This phrase underscores the ultimate purpose of the return and restoration: to reestablish a community centered around the worship and glorification of God. It serves as a reminder of the believer's calling to be a living temple, a dwelling place for God's presence in the world. Persons / Places / Events 1. NehemiahA Jewish cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, who becomes a leader in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. 2. JerusalemThe city chosen by God as a dwelling for His Name, central to Jewish identity and worship. 3. ExilesThe Jewish people who were taken captive and scattered during the Babylonian exile. 4. God's CommandmentsThe laws given by God to the Israelites, which they are called to obey. 5. The Farthest HorizonSymbolic of the distant places to which the Israelites have been scattered. Teaching Points Repentance and ObedienceEmphasize the importance of returning to God and keeping His commandments as a prerequisite for restoration. God's FaithfulnessHighlight God's unwavering commitment to His promises, even when His people are scattered. The Power of PrayerNehemiah's prayer demonstrates the power of intercession and aligning one's heart with God's will. Hope in ExileEncourage believers to find hope in God's promise of gathering and restoration, even in times of personal or communal exile. God's Chosen PlaceReflect on the significance of Jerusalem as a symbol of God's presence and the ultimate gathering place for His people. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Nehemiah 1:9 reflect the broader biblical theme of repentance and restoration? 2. In what ways can we apply the principle of returning to God and keeping His commandments in our daily lives? 3. How does Nehemiah's prayer in this chapter inspire us to pray for our communities and nations? 4. What does the promise of gathering from "the farthest horizon" teach us about God's reach and care for His people? 5. How can we find hope and assurance in God's promises during our own times of "exile" or difficulty? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 30:1-5This passage speaks of the promise of return and restoration if the Israelites repent and obey God's commandments, similar to Nehemiah's prayer. 2 Chronicles 7:14Highlights the theme of repentance and God's promise to heal and restore His people if they humble themselves and seek Him. Jeremiah 29:11-14God's assurance of plans for welfare and hope, and the promise to gather His people from exile when they seek Him with all their heart. Isaiah 11:12Prophecy about gathering the dispersed of Israel from the four corners of the earth. Psalm 147:2Speaks of the Lord building up Jerusalem and gathering the exiles of Israel. People Hachaliah, Hanani, Israelites, NehemiahPlaces Jerusalem, SusaTopics Bring, Cast, Cause, Chosen, Commandments, Commands, Dispersed, Driven, Dwell, Dwelling, Exiled, Farthest, Forced, Gather, Heaven, Heavens, Horizon, Kept, Marked, Obey, Orders, Outcast, Outcasts, Remote, Resting-place, Return, Scattered, Skies, Tabernacle, Thence, Though, Turn, Uttermost, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Nehemiah 1:9 5042 name of God, significance
6628 conversion, God's demand
6640 election, privileges
6740 returning to God
8151 revival, corporate Nehemiah 1:4-11 6655 forgiveness, application
8618 prayerfulness Nehemiah 1:6-9 6746 sanctification, means and results Nehemiah 1:7-9 8404 commands, in OT Nehemiah 1:8-9 6734 repentance, importance
8833 threats Library The Church and Social Evils
'It came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven.'--NEH. i. 4. Ninety years had passed since the returning exiles had arrived at Jerusalem. They had encountered many difficulties which had marred their progress and cooled their enthusiasm. The Temple, indeed, was rebuilt, but Jerusalem lay in ruins, and its walls remained as they had been left, by Nebuchadnezzar's siege, some century and a half before. …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureA Reformer's Schooling
'The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace, 2. That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. 3. And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Nehemiah, the Praying Builder
We care not for your splendid abilities as a minister, or your natural endowment as an orator before men. We are sure that the truth of the matter is this: No one will or can command success and become a real praying soul unless intense application is the price. I am even now convinced that the difference between the saints like Wesley, Fletcher, Edwards, Brainerd, Bramwell, Bounds, and ourselves is energy, perseverance, invincible determination to succeed or die in the attempt. God help us.--Rev. …
Edward M. Bounds—Prayer and Praying Men Discouragements and Courage
'Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them. 10. And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall. 11. And our adversaries said, They shall not know, neither see, till we come in the midst among them, and slay them, and cause the work to cease. 12. And it came to pass, that when the Jews which dwelt by them came, they said unto us ten times, From all …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
The Median wars--The last native dynasties of Egypt--The Eastern world on the eve of the Macedonian conquest. [Drawn by Boudier, from one of the sarcophagi of Sidon, now in the Museum of St. Irene. The vignette, which is by Faucher-Gudin, represents the sitting cyno-cephalus of Nectanebo I., now in the Egyptian Museum at the Vatican.] Darius appears to have formed this project of conquest immediately after his first victories, when his initial attempts to institute satrapies had taught him not …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 9 A Treatise of the Fear of God;
SHOWING WHAT IT IS, AND HOW DISTINGUISHED FROM THAT WHICH IS NOT SO. ALSO, WHENCE IT COMES; WHO HAS IT; WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS; AND WHAT THE PRIVILEGES OF THOSE THAT HAVE IT IN THEIR HEARTS. London: Printed for N. Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, over against the Stocks market: 1679. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and "a fountain of life"--the foundation on which all wisdom rests, as well as the source from whence it emanates. Upon a principle …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories
[Sidenote: Influences in the exile that produced written ceremonial laws] The Babylonian exile gave a great opportunity and incentive to the further development of written law. While the temple stood, the ceremonial rites and customs received constant illustration, and were transmitted directly from father to son in the priestly families. Hence, there was little need of writing them down. But when most of the priests were carried captive to Babylonia, as in 597 B.C., and ten years later the temple …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament Ezra-Nehemiah
Some of the most complicated problems in Hebrew history as well as in the literary criticism of the Old Testament gather about the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Apart from these books, all that we know of the origin and early history of Judaism is inferential. They are our only historical sources for that period; and if in them we have, as we seem to have, authentic memoirs, fragmentary though they be, written by the two men who, more than any other, gave permanent shape and direction to Judaism, then …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Nehemiah 1:9 NIVNehemiah 1:9 NLTNehemiah 1:9 ESVNehemiah 1:9 NASBNehemiah 1:9 KJV
Nehemiah 1:9 Commentaries
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