King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 9:17 Mean?

And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not. a God: Heb. a God of pardons

Context

15

And gavest them bread from heaven for their hunger, and broughtest forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and promisedst them that they should go in to possess the land which thou hadst sworn to give them. which: Heb. which thou hadst lift up thine hand to give them

16

But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments,

17

And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not. a God: Heb. a God of pardons

18

Yea, when they had made them a molten calf, and said, This is thy God that brought thee up out of Egypt, and had wrought great provocations;

19

Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them light, and the way wherein they should go.

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **In their rebellion.**—Rather, *appointed a captain to return to their bondage in Egypt.* This is the reading of some MSS., followed by the Septuagint, and is in harmony with Numbers 14:4, though there the appointment is only proposed. **A God ready to pardon.**—*A God of pardons;* only in Daniel 9:9 and Psalm 130:4.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Nehemiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Nehemiah 9:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Nehemiah 9:17

Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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