Understanding Nehemiah 1:5

Nehemiah 1:5 states, "And I said, O Lord God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments." This verse serves as a profound prayer where Nehemiah approaches God with reverence and acknowledgment of His greatness while confessing Israel’s sins and his own. Below is a detailed explanation combining insights from various public domain commentaries.

Significance of the Verse

This verse is pivotal in the context of Nehemiah's appeal to God as he prepares to address the dire situation of Jerusalem's walls and the people. Nehemiah recognizes God’s sovereignty and faithfulness which establishes the foundation for his petition.

Verse Analysis and Commentary

• Divine Attributes:

  Nehemiah identifies God as “the great and terrible God”. This refers both to His majesty and to His holiness as well as the severity of His judgments. Matthew Henry notes that the acknowledgment of God’s greatness sets the stage for humility and dependence in prayer.

• Covenant and Mercy:

  Nehemiah emphasizes that God keeps His covenant with those who love Him. Albert Barnes highlights the importance of covenant faithfulness; it underlines God’s commitment to His people which serves as affirmation for Nehemiah as he intercedes for Israel.

• Conditions of His Mercy:

  Nehemiah’s prayer includes the phrase “for them that love him and observe his commandments”. Adam Clarke stresses that God's mercy is conditional, reliant on the faithfulness of His people in obeying His commandments. This addition reflects the relational aspect of divine mercy.

Practical Applications

This verse prompts readers to reflect upon their own relationship with God, His sovereignty, and the importance of obedience. It serves as a model for prayer, illustrating how one should approach God with respect and a recognition of His greatness.

Cross References

• Deuteronomy 7:9: Affirms that God keeps covenants and shows mercy.
• Exodus 20:6: Discusses loving God and keeping His commandments.
• Psalms 103:17: Describes the steadfast love of the Lord.

Conclusion

Nehemiah 1:5 invites us into deeper Bible verse understanding through its rich attributes of God and the covenant relationship He maintains with His people. By examining this verse, one can derive profound insights for Bible study lessons and personal applications that can enhance one's spiritual growth.