Nehemiah 9:17

And refused to obey, neither were mindful of the wonders that thou didst among them: but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captaine to returne to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and mercifull, slow to anger, and of great kindnes, & forsookest them not. Nehemiah 9:17 (KJV)

Historical Context: The book of Nehemiah is set during the time of the Israelites’ return from exile in Babylon. Nehemiah, a Jewish cupbearer to the Persian king, was given permission to return to Jerusalem and rebuild its walls. As the people gathered in Jerusalem, they experienced a spiritual revival and a desire to repent and reestablish their relationship with God. Nehemiah 9 records the prayer of confession and repentance that the people offered to God.

Disobedience and Forgetfulness: In Nehemiah 9:17, the Israelites acknowledged their disobedience and forgetfulness of God’s wonders and faithfulness. Despite witnessing numerous miracles and experiencing God’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt, they failed to obey God’s commands. Instead of being mindful of God’s goodness and faithfulness, they hardened their hearts and rebelled against Him.

Reference to Bondage: The verse mentions that in their rebellion the Israelites made a captain to go back to their bondage, recalling the incident in Numbers 14:4 where they said, “Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt.” This phrase also reflects their desire to revert to a state of dependence on Egypt and the oppression they had escaped, rather than trusting in God’s provision and guidance.

God’s Nature and Character: Despite the disobedience and rebellion of the Israelites, Nehemiah 9:17 highlights God’s character of mercy, grace, patience, and kindness. It emphasizes that even though the people turned away from Him, God did not forsake them. Instead, He remained ready to pardon their sins and demonstrated His abundant mercy. This verse reveals God’s enduring love and faithfulness towards His people, even in the face of their disobedience.

Application: Nehemiah 9:17 serves as a reminder to us of the importance of obedience and remembering God’s faithfulness in our lives. It cautions against hardening our hearts and rebelling against God’s commands. It also encourages us to recognize God’s gracious nature, His readiness to forgive, and His abounding kindness, even when we fall short. As we reflect on this verse, we should strive to cultivate a grateful and obedient heart, constantly mindful of God’s wonders and His faithfulness to us.

In summary, Nehemiah 9:17 reveals the Israelites’ disobedience and forgetfulness of God’s wonders, but it also emphasizes God’s gracious and merciful nature. It reminds us to be obedient, remember God’s faithfulness, and acknowledge His readiness to forgive and show kindness even when we fall.