Nehemiah 13:14

Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof.

Nehemiah 13:14 (KJV)

Context

Nehemiah served as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes I of Persia and led the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls. Later, he returned to find the temple neglected. The people had stopped giving tithes and offerings, so the priests and Levites had left their duties. Nehemiah cleansed the temple chambers and restored the supplies (Nehemiah 13:4-13). This verse is his personal prayer after those reforms.

Meaning

Nehemiah asks God to “remember” him, not as a demand for reward, but as a plea for gracious favor and acceptance. He calls his actions “good deeds” done for the house of God and its services. The phrase “wipe not out” pictures a record that could be erased. Nehemiah wants his faithful service preserved and acknowledged by God, even if others opposed or ignored it. His posture is humble; he appeals to God’s mercy, not to his own merit.

Biblical connections

Nehemiah prays a similar prayer in Nehemiah 13:22, asking God to remember him for his work on the Sabbath. This pattern shows his habit of committing every reform effort to God. His appeal rests on God’s mercy, not on human merit. He trusts that God sees sincere service and will honor it. This prayer is a model for believers, demonstrating a desire to serve faithfully and to entrust the outcome to God.

Application

Nehemiah’s devotion to God’s house teaches us to care for worship and spiritual life. His good deeds included restoring proper temple service, not seeking personal praise. We can serve God wholeheartedly in our own responsibilities, knowing that He notices faithful work. Like Nehemiah, we can pray, “Remember me,” and leave the outcome to God.

• Serve God with sincerity, not for human recognition.

• Trust that God remembers and values our faithful efforts.

• Commit our labors to God in prayer, as Nehemiah did.

Reflection

Nehemiah’s prayer shows humility. He does not boast of his deeds but entrusts them to God’s grace. This verse encourages us to serve faithfully and to rest in God’s faithful remembrance. Our work for His kingdom is never wasted when done for Him.