You found his heart faithful before You, and made a covenant with him to give the land of the Canaanites and Hittites, of the Amorites and Perizzites, of the Jebusites and Girgashites--to give it to his descendants. You have kept Your promise, because You are righteous. You found his heart faithful before YouThis phrase highlights the divine recognition of Abraham's faithfulness. The Hebrew word for "heart" (לֵב, lev) often signifies the inner self or will, indicating that Abraham's faithfulness was not merely external but deeply rooted in his being. The term "faithful" (נֶאֱמָן, ne'eman) suggests steadfastness and reliability. In a historical context, Abraham's faith was tested numerous times, yet he remained unwavering in his trust in God. This faithfulness is a model for believers, emphasizing the importance of a heart fully committed to God. and You made a covenant with him
The concept of a "covenant" (בְּרִית, berit) is central to the biblical narrative, representing a solemn and binding agreement initiated by God. In ancient Near Eastern culture, covenants were serious commitments, often sealed with rituals. God's covenant with Abraham, as recorded in Genesis 15, was a divine promise that established a unique relationship between God and Abraham's descendants. This covenant underscores God's initiative and grace, as it was God who reached out to Abraham, setting the foundation for the unfolding plan of redemption. to give to his descendants the land
The promise of land is a recurring theme in the Abrahamic covenant. The Hebrew word for "descendants" (זֶרַע, zera) can also mean "seed," indicating both physical offspring and a broader spiritual lineage. The land promise was not just about physical territory but symbolized a place of blessing and divine presence. Historically, the land of Canaan was a fertile and strategic region, and its possession was integral to the identity and mission of Israel as God's chosen people. of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Jebusites, and Girgashites
These names represent the various peoples inhabiting the Promised Land at the time of the covenant. Archaeological findings have confirmed the existence of these groups, each with distinct cultures and practices. The mention of these nations highlights the magnitude of God's promise, as these were established societies with fortified cities. Theologically, the conquest of these lands by Israel was seen as a divine act of judgment against the nations' idolatry and immorality, as well as a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham. You have kept Your promise
This statement affirms God's faithfulness and reliability. The Hebrew root for "kept" (שָׁמַר, shamar) implies careful watching and preserving. Throughout Israel's history, despite their unfaithfulness, God remained true to His word. This assurance of God's faithfulness is a cornerstone of Christian belief, providing confidence that God will fulfill His promises to His people. because You are righteous
The term "righteous" (צַדִּיק, tsaddik) in Hebrew conveys the idea of being just, morally upright, and faithful to one's commitments. God's righteousness is not merely a legal attribute but is deeply relational, ensuring that He acts consistently with His character and promises. This righteousness is the basis for trust in God's covenantal faithfulness, offering believers assurance that God's actions are always in alignment with His holy nature. Persons / Places / Events 1. GodThe central figure who initiates and fulfills the covenant. 2. AbrahamThe patriarch whose faithfulness is recognized by God, leading to the covenant. 3. Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Jebusites, GirgashitesThe inhabitants of the land promised to Abraham's descendants. 4. CovenantA solemn agreement made by God with Abraham, promising land to his descendants. 5. NehemiahThe leader who recounts this history during a time of national repentance and renewal. Teaching Points Faithfulness and CovenantAbraham's faithfulness is a model for believers. God values a faithful heart and responds with promises and blessings. God's RighteousnessGod's fulfillment of His promises is rooted in His righteousness. Believers can trust in God's character and His faithfulness to His word. Historical Context and Spiritual LessonsUnderstanding the historical context of God's promises helps believers appreciate the continuity of God's plan and His faithfulness through generations. Inheritance and Spiritual LegacyJust as Abraham's descendants inherited the land, believers are called to consider their spiritual inheritance and legacy. Repentance and RenewalNehemiah's recounting of history during a time of repentance serves as a reminder of the importance of returning to God and His promises. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Abraham's faithfulness serve as a model for our own relationship with God? 2. In what ways can we see God's righteousness in the fulfillment of His promises today? 3. How does understanding the historical context of God's covenant with Abraham enhance our faith? 4. What spiritual inheritance are we called to claim as believers, and how can we actively pursue it? 5. How can the practice of recounting God's faithfulness in history inspire personal and communal renewal in our lives today? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 15This chapter details God's covenant with Abraham, promising him numerous descendants and land. Hebrews 11Highlights Abraham's faith, which was foundational to the covenant. Deuteronomy 7Discusses the nations in the promised land and God's instructions regarding them. Romans 4Explores the righteousness that comes by faith, using Abraham as a key example. People Abram, Amorites, Bani, Bunni, Canaanites, Chenani, Egyptians, Ezra, Girgashite, Girgashites, Hashabniah, Hittites, Hodiah, Hodijah, Israelites, Jebusites, Jeshua, Kadmiel, Levites, Og, Perizzites, Pethahiah, Pharaoh, Shebaniah, Sherebiah, SihonPlaces Assyria, Bashan, Egypt, Gate of Ephraim, Heshbon, Mount Sinai, Red Sea, UrTopics TRUE, Amorite, Amorites, Canaanite, Canaanites, Covenant, Descendants, Establish, Faithful, Foundest, Fulfilled, Girgashite, Gir'gashite, Girgashites, Hast, Heart, Hittite, Hittites, Jebusite, Jeb'usite, Jebusites, Kept, Madest, Performed, Perizzite, Per'izzite, Perizzites, Promise, Righteous, Righteousness, Seed, Stedfast, YoursDictionary of Bible Themes Nehemiah 9:8 1035 God, faithfulness
1125 God, righteousness
1348 covenant, with Abraham
5015 heart, and Holy Spirit
6185 imagination, desires Nehemiah 9:7-8 5078 Abraham, significance Library The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength. Neh 9:10
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John Newton—Olney HymnsQuestions About the Nature and Perpetuity of the Seventh-Day Sabbath.
AND PROOF, THAT THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK IS THE TRUE CHRISTIAN SABBATH. BY JOHN BUNYAN. 'The Son of man is lord also of the Sabbath day.' London: Printed for Nath, Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, 1685. EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. All our inquiries into divine commands are required to be made personally, solemnly, prayerful. To 'prove all things,' and 'hold fast' and obey 'that which is good,' is a precept, equally binding upon the clown, as it is upon the philosopher. Satisfied from our observations …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Ten Reasons Demonstrating the Commandment of the Sabbath to be Moral.
1. Because all the reasons of this commandment are moral and perpetual; and God has bound us to the obedience of this commandment with more forcible reasons than to any of the rest--First, because he foresaw that irreligious men would either more carelessly neglect, or more boldly break this commandment than any other; secondly, because that in the practice of this commandment the keeping of all the other consists; which makes God so often complain that all his worship is neglected or overthrown, …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The "Fraternity" of Pharisees
To realise the state of religious society at the time of our Lord, the fact that the Pharisees were a regular "order," and that there were many such "fraternities," in great measure the outcome of the original Pharisees, must always be kept in view. For the New Testament simply transports us among contemporary scenes and actors, taking the then existent state of things, so to speak, for granted. But the fact referred to explains many seemingly strange circumstances, and casts fresh light upon all. …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Fragrant Spices from the Mountains of Myrrh. "Thou Art all Fair, My Love; There is no Spot in Thee. " --Song of Solomon iv. 7.
FRAGRANT SPICES FROM THE MOUNTAINS OF MYRRH. HOW marvellous are these words! "Thou art all fair, My love; there is no spot in thee." The glorious Bridegroom is charmed with His spouse, and sings soft canticles of admiration. When the bride extols her Lord there is no wonder, for He deserves it well, and in Him there is room for praise without possibility of flattery. But does He who is wiser than Solomon condescend to praise this sunburnt Shulamite? Tis even so, for these are His own words, and were …
Charles Hadden Spurgeon—Till He Come The Personality of the Holy Spirit.
Before one can correctly understand the work of the Holy Spirit, he must first of all know the Spirit Himself. A frequent source of error and fanaticism about the work of the Holy Spirit is the attempt to study and understand His work without first of all coming to know Him as a Person. It is of the highest importance from the standpoint of worship that we decide whether the Holy Spirit is a Divine Person, worthy to receive our adoration, our faith, our love, and our entire surrender to Himself, …
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit The Early Life of Malachy. Having Been Admitted to Holy Orders He Associates with Malchus
[Sidenote: 1095.] 1. Our Malachy, born in Ireland,[134] of a barbarous people, was brought up there, and there received his education. But from the barbarism of his birth he contracted no taint, any more than the fishes of the sea from their native salt. But how delightful to reflect, that uncultured barbarism should have produced for us so worthy[135] a fellow-citizen with the saints and member of the household of God.[136] He who brings honey out of the rock and oil out of the flinty rock[137] …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh The Prophecy of Obadiah.
We need not enter into details regarding the question as to the time when the prophet wrote. By a thorough argumentation, Caspari has proved, that he occupies his right position in the Canon, and hence belongs to the earliest age of written prophecy, i.e., to the time of Jeroboam II. and Uzziah. As bearing conclusively against those who would assign to him a far later date, viz., the time of the exile, there is not only the indirect testimony borne by the place which this prophecy occupies in …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament The Preface to the Commandments
And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God,' &c. Exod 20: 1, 2. What is the preface to the Ten Commandments? The preface to the Ten Commandments is, I am the Lord thy God.' The preface to the preface is, God spake all these words, saying,' &c. This is like the sounding of a trumpet before a solemn proclamation. Other parts of the Bible are said to be uttered by the mouth of the holy prophets (Luke 1: 70), but here God spake in his own person. How are we to understand that, God spake, …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Of Immediate Revelation.
Of Immediate Revelation. [29] Seeing no man knoweth the Father but the Son, and he to whom the Son revealeth him; and seeing the revelation of the Son is in and by the Spirit; therefore the testimony of the Spirit is that alone by which the true knowledge of God hath been, is, and can be only revealed; who as, by the moving of his own Spirit, he disposed the chaos of this world into that wonderful order in which it was in the beginning, and created man a living soul, to rule and govern it, so by …
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity 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 The Holy War,
MADE BY SHADDAI UPON DIABOLUS, FOR THE REGAINING OF THE METROPOLIS OF THE WORLD; OR, THE LOSING AND TAKING AGAIN OF THE TOWN OF MANSOUL. THE AUTHOR OF 'THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.' 'I have used similitudes.'--Hosea 12:10. London: Printed for Dorman Newman, at the King's Arms in the Poultry; and Benjamin Alsop, at the Angel and Bible in the Poultry, 1682. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Bunyan's account of the Holy War is indeed an extraordinary book, manifesting a degree of genius, research, and spiritual …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 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 9:8 NIVNehemiah 9:8 NLTNehemiah 9:8 ESVNehemiah 9:8 NASBNehemiah 9:8 KJV
Nehemiah 9:8 Commentaries
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