and refused to obey. They weren’t mindful of your wonders that you did among them, but hardened their neck, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage. But you are a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and didn’t forsake them. Yes, when they had made themselves a molded calf, and said, ‘This is your God who brought you up out of Egypt,’ and had committed awful blasphemies; yet you in your manifold mercies didn’t forsake them in the wilderness. The pillar of cloud didn’t depart from over them by day, to lead them in the way; neither did the pillar of fire by night, to show them light, and the way in which they should go. You gave also your good Spirit to instruct them, and didn’t withhold your manna from their mouth, and gave them water for their thirst.
Show the surrounding paragraph
Nehemiah 9:17-20 sits inside this longer paragraph.
“But they and our fathers behaved proudly, hardened their neck, didn’t listen to your commandments, and refused to obey. They weren’t mindful of your wonders that you did among them, but hardened their neck, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage. But you are a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and didn’t forsake them. Yes, when they had made themselves a molded calf, and said, ‘This is your God who brought you up out of Egypt,’ and had committed awful blasphemies; yet you in your manifold mercies didn’t forsake them in the wilderness. The pillar of cloud didn’t depart from over them by day, to lead them in the way; neither did the pillar of fire by night, to show them light, and the way in which they should go. You gave also your good Spirit to instruct them, and didn’t withhold your manna from their mouth, and gave them water for their thirst.
Parallel Translations
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and refused to obey. They weren’t mindful of your wonders that you did among them, but hardened their neck, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage. But you are a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and didn’t forsake them.
Yes, when they had made themselves a molded calf, and said, ‘This is your God who brought you up out of Egypt,’ and had committed awful blasphemies;
yet you in your manifold mercies didn’t forsake them in the wilderness. The pillar of cloud didn’t depart from over them by day, to lead them in the way; neither did the pillar of fire by night, to show them light, and the way in which they should go.
You gave also your good Spirit to instruct them, and didn’t withhold your manna from their mouth, and gave them water for their thirst.
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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.
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;
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.
Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst.
Show all 3 translations
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and refused to hearken, neither were mindful of Thy wonders that Thou didst among them; but hardened their neck, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage; but Thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy, and forsookest them not.
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;
yet Thou in Thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness; the pillar of cloud departed not from over them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to show them light, and the way wherein they should go.
Thou gavest also Thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not Thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst.
Cross-references (73)
- Psalms 86:5 (v17) For you, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, abundant in loving kindness to all those who call on you.
- Psalms 143:10 (v20) Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.
- Joel 2:13 (v17) Tear your heart, and not your garments, and turn to Yahweh, your God; for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in…
- Numbers 11:17 (v20) I will come down and talk with you there. I will take of the Spirit which is on you, and will put it on them; and they shall bear the…
- Psalms 86:15 (v17) But you, Lord, are a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness and truth.
Show all 73 cross-references
- Psalms 145:8-9 (v17) Yahweh is gracious, merciful, slow to anger, and of great loving kindness. Yahweh is good to all. His tender mercies are over all his works.
- Isaiah 63:11-14 (v20) Then he remembered the days of old, Moses and his people, saying, “Where is he who brought them up out of the sea with the shepherds of his…
- Nehemiah 9:27 (v19) Therefore you delivered them into the hand of their adversaries, who distressed them. In the time of their trouble, when they cried to you,…
- Psalms 106:45 (v19) He remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his loving kindnesses.
- Micah 7:18-19 (v17) Who is a God like you, who pardons iniquity, and passes over the disobedience of the remnant of his heritage? He doesn’t retain his anger…
- Exodus 34:6-7 (v17) Yahweh passed by before him, and proclaimed, “Yahweh! Yahweh, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness…
- Numbers 14:18-19 (v17) ‘Yahweh is slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, forgiving iniquity and disobedience; and he will by no means clear the guilty,…
- 1 Kings 6:13 (v17) I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel.”
- Nehemiah 9:12 (v19) Moreover, in a pillar of cloud you led them by day; and in a pillar of fire by night, to give them light in the way in which they should go.
- Psalms 78:38 (v17) But he, being merciful, forgave iniquity, and didn’t destroy them. Yes, many times he turned his anger away, and didn’t stir up all his…
- Psalms 103:8-18 (v17) Yahweh is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness. He will not always accuse; neither will he stay angry…
- Isaiah 55:7-9 (v17) Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts. Let him return to Yahweh, and he will have mercy on him, to our God,…
- Malachi 3:6 (v19) “For I, Yahweh, don’t change; therefore you, sons of Jacob, are not consumed.
- Matthew 16:9-11 (v17) Don’t you yet perceive, neither remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you took up? Nor the seven loaves for…
- John 4:10 (v20) Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would…
- Romans 9:15 (v17) For he said to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”
- 2 Peter 1:21 (v20) For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke, being moved by the Holy Spirit.
- Numbers 14:14 (v19) They will tell it to the inhabitants of this land. They have heard that you Yahweh are among this people; for you Yahweh are seen face to…
- 1 Kings 8:57 (v17) May Yahweh our God be with us, as he was with our fathers. Let him not leave us or forsake us;
- Psalms 78:11 (v17) They forgot his doings, his wondrous deeds that he had shown them.
- Psalms 78:42-43 (v17) They didn’t remember his hand, nor the day when he redeemed them from the adversary; how he set his signs in Egypt, his wonders in the…
- Psalms 106:7 (v17) Our fathers didn’t understand your wonders in Egypt. They didn’t remember the multitude of your loving kindnesses, but were rebellious at…
- Psalms 106:19-23 (v18) They made a calf in Horeb, and worshiped a molten image. Thus they exchanged their glory for an image of a bull that eats grass. They…
- Psalms 106:43-46 (v17) He rescued them many times, but they were rebellious in their counsel, and were brought low in their iniquity. Nevertheless he regarded…
- Isaiah 41:17-18 (v20) The poor and needy seek water, and there is none. Their tongue fails for thirst. I, Yahweh, will answer them. I, the God of Israel, will…
- Isaiah 48:21 (v20) They didn’t thirst when he led them through the deserts. He caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them. He also split the rock and…
- Daniel 9:9 (v19) To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgiveness; for we have rebelled against him.
- Daniel 9:18 (v19) My God, turn your ear, and hear. Open your eyes, and see our desolations, and the city which is called by your name; for we do not present…
- Exodus 13:21-22 (v19) Yahweh went before them by day in a pillar of cloud, to lead them on their way, and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light, that…
- Exodus 16:15 (v20) When the children of Israel saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they didn’t know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is…
- Exodus 17:6 (v20) Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock in Horeb. You shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may…
- Exodus 32:4-8 (v18) He received what they handed him, fashioned it with an engraving tool, and made it a molded calf. Then they said, “These are your gods,…
- Exodus 40:38 (v19) For the cloud of Yahweh was on the tabernacle by day, and there was fire in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel,…
- Numbers 9:15-22 (v19) On the day that the tabernacle was raised up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, even the Tent of the Testimony. At evening it was over the…
- Joshua 5:12 (v20) The manna ceased on the next day, after they had eaten of the produce of the land. The children of Israel didn’t have manna any more, but…
- Nehemiah 9:31 (v19) “Nevertheless in your manifold mercies you didn’t make a full end of them, nor forsake them; for you are a gracious and merciful God.
- Psalms 105:41 (v20) He opened the rock, and waters gushed out. They ran as a river in the dry places.
- Psalms 106:7-8 (v19) Our fathers didn’t understand your wonders in Egypt. They didn’t remember the multitude of your loving kindnesses, but were rebellious at…
- Psalms 106:13 (v17) They soon forgot his works. They didn’t wait for his counsel,
- Isaiah 4:5-6 (v19) Yahweh will create over the whole habitation of Mount Zion and over her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming…
- Isaiah 44:21 (v19) Remember these things, Jacob and Israel; for you are my servant. I have formed you. You are my servant. Israel, you will not be forgotten…
- Lamentations 3:22 (v19) It is because of Yahweh’s loving kindnesses that we are not consumed, because his compassion doesn’t fail.
- Ezekiel 20:14 (v19) But I worked for my name’s sake, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations, in whose sight I brought them out.
- Ezekiel 20:22 (v19) Nevertheless I withdrew my hand, and worked for my name’s sake, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations, in whose sight…
- John 4:14 (v20) but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never thirst again; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well…
- John 7:37-39 (v20) Now on the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink! He who…
- 1 Corinthians 10:1-2 (v19) Now I would not have you ignorant, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all…
- Ephesians 1:6-7 (v17) to the praise of the glory of his grace, by which he freely gave us favor in the Beloved, in whom we have our redemption through his blood,…
- Ephesians 5:9 (v20) for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth,
- Exodus 32:31-32 (v18) Moses returned to Yahweh, and said, “Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made themselves gods of gold. Yet now, if you will,…
- Numbers 14:3-4 (v17) Why does Yahweh bring us to this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will be captured or killed! Wouldn’t it be…
- Deuteronomy 9:12-16 (v18) Yahweh said to me, “Arise, get down quickly from here; for your people whom you have brought out of Egypt have corrupted themselves. They…
- 1 Samuel 12:22 (v19) For Yahweh will not forsake his people for his great name’s sake, because it has pleased Yahweh to make you a people for himself.
- Nehemiah 9:30 (v20) Yet many years you put up with them, and testified against them by your Spirit through your prophets. Yet they would not listen. Therefore…
- Psalms 106:24-25 (v17) Yes, they despised the pleasant land. They didn’t believe his word, but murmured in their tents, and didn’t listen to Yahweh’s voice.
- Psalms 130:4 (v17) But there is forgiveness with you, therefore you are feared.
- Ezekiel 20:7-44 (v18) I said to them, ‘Each of you throw away the abominations of his eyes. Don’t defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt. I am Yahweh your…
- Exodus 16:35 (v20) The children of Israel ate the manna forty years, until they came to an inhabited land. They ate the manna until they came to the borders…
- Numbers 11:25-29 (v20) Yahweh came down in the cloud, and spoke to him, and took of the Spirit that was on him, and put it on the seventy elders. When the Spirit…
- Numbers 14:11 (v17) Yahweh said to Moses, “How long will this people despise me? and how long will they not believe in me, for all the signs which I have…
- Numbers 14:41 (v17) Moses said, “Why now do you disobey the commandment of Yahweh, since it shall not prosper?
- Numbers 16:14 (v17) Moreover you haven’t brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey, nor given us inheritance of fields and vineyards. Will you put out…
- Proverbs 1:24 (v17) Because I have called, and you have refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no one has paid attention;
- Isaiah 49:10 (v20) They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun strike them: for he who has mercy on them will lead them. He will guide…
- Acts 7:39 (v17) to whom our fathers wouldn’t be obedient, but rejected him, and turned back in their hearts to Egypt,
- Romans 15:30 (v20) Now I beg you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in your prayers to God…
- Galatians 5:22-23 (v20) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things…
- Hebrews 12:25 (v17) See that you don’t refuse him who speaks. For if they didn’t escape when they refused him who warned on the earth, how much more will we…
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this passage (14 sources)
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John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv17–20 Neh 9:17 And refused to obey, neither were mindful…
Neh 9:17 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.
Ver. 17. And refused to obey] Heb. To hearken. They not only not hearkened, but refused to hear reasons why they should; as having made their conclusion, and being as good as ever they meant to be. This is to add rebellion to sin; this is that stubbornness that Ahaz is taxed of and branded for, 2Ch 28:25.
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Neither were mindful of thy wonders] These soon grew stale to them, as the Psalmist proves by their wicked practices, Psa 106:13. And truly who that looketh upon our lives would ever think that God had done any wonders for us of this nation, either by sea or land, either against fireworks or water works formerly; or against a viperous brood among ourselves, here of late?
And in their rebellion appointed a captain] They once talked (in their mad mood) of doing such a thing, and therefore they are here said to have done it, Num 14:4; like as Jos 24:9, it is said that Balak arose and fought with Israel; and yet the story saith no such matter. But if he did not, yet because he thought and talked of such a matter, it was a done thing before the Lord!
But thou art a God ready to pardon] Heb. A God of pardons. One that hast set up a pardon office; where pardons for penitents lie ready sealed, that the sinner may not be to seek, that he may not perish in his sins while the plaster is in providing. It is our comfort that we have to do with a forgiving, sin-pardoning God, that doth it naturally, Exo 34:6, plentifully, Isa 55:7, constantly, Psa 130:4. This should be as a perpetual picture in our hearts.
Gracious] Doing all for us gratis, et ex mero motu, out of his free and unexcited love.
And merciful] All-heart; whereby he is inclined to succour them that are in misery, notwithstanding their sins. See his non obstante , Psa 106:8.
Longsuffering] Heb. Long of anger, that is, long ere he will be angry; not hasty of spirit, as Pro 14:17; Pro 14:29, but wondrous patient, amidst a world of provocations.
And of great kindness] Of exceeding propensity to communicate good. The Hebrew word signifies a large quantity either continued (that is, magnitude or greatness), Psa 48:2, or discrete (that is, multitude), Psa 2:1-2.
And forsookest them not] That is, not utterly, as David prayeth, Psa 119:8, and after him Solomon, 1Ki 8:57. When God forsaketh a people or person, woe be to them, Hos 9:12. What a terrible text is that, Eze 22:20, "I will gather you in mine anger, and my fury, and I will leave you there!" and that other, Jer 16:13, "I will cast you out of this land into a land that ye know not … where I will not show you favour!" This last was worse than all the rest. This the prophet well knew, and therefore cried out, Lord, leave us not, Jer 17:17.
Extingui lucem ne patiare tuam.
Or if thou desert us for a time, yet do not disinherit us for ever. If thy dereliction of us be penal, yet let it not be perpetual (Mos. Gerundin).
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv17, 19, 20 Refused to obey; persisted in their disobedience after many…
Refused to obey; persisted in their disobedience after many admonitions, and invitations to repentance.
Appointed a captain, i.e. designed, purposed, and resolved to do so, Num 14:4, and therefore they are said to do so, as Abraham is said to have offered up Isaac, Heb 11:17, because he intended and attempted to do it.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv17–20 And refused to obey,.... Though exhorted, admonished, and threatened,…
And refused to obey,.... Though exhorted, admonished, and threatened, such was their obstinacy:
neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; in delivering them at the Red sea, in raining manna about them, and giving them water out of the rock:
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but hardened their necks; see the preceding verse:
and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage; they not only proposed it, but determined upon it, which is reckoned the same as if they had done it, see Num 14:4,
but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness; as he had proclaimed his name before Moses, and as the whole of his conduct towards the people of Israel abundantly shewed, see Exo 34:6
and forsookest them not; when in the wilderness, where otherwise they must have perished, but still fed and protected them, notwithstanding their provocations.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On v17 Made - Designed, and resolved to do so, Num.…
Made - Designed, and resolved to do so, Num. xiv, 4, and therefore they are said to do so, as Abraham is said to have offered up Isaac, Heb. xi, 17, because he intended to do it.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv17, 19 Verse 17. And in their rebellion appointed a captain]…
Verse 17. And in their rebellion appointed a captain] This clause, read according to its order in the Hebrew text, is thus: And appointed a captain to return to their bondage in their rebellion. But it is probable that במרים bemiryam, in their rebellion, is a mistake for במצרים bemitsrayim, in Egypt. This is the reading of seven of Kennicott's and De Rossi's MSS., the Neapolitan edition of the Hagiographa, and the Septuagint. It is also the reading in Nu 14:4. The clause should undoubtedly be read, They appointed a captain to return to their bondage in EGYPT.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On vv18, 20 Neh 9:18-19. Yea, they made them, a molten calf…
Neh 9:18-19. Yea, they made them, a molten calf — This was a very high provocation, considering how little a time before God had expressly commanded them not to make any graven image, and how many cautious he had afterward given them against doing any such thing. Yet thou forsookest them not in the wilderness — Where, if thou hadst left them without thy conduct and support, they would have been utterly undone and lost. The pillar of cloud departed not, &c. — Notwithstanding their great provocations, thou didst still continue thy gracious presence among them, of which the pillar of the cloud was a glorious token.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On v17 In their rebellion - The Septuagint and several maunscripts…
In their rebellion - The Septuagint and several maunscripts have “in Egypt” (the words in the original differing by one letter only), and translate - “And appointed a captain to return to their bondage in Egypt.” Compare the margin reference. The appointment of a leader is regarded here as made, whereas we are only told in the Book of Numbers that it was proposed.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv17, 18, 20 Their head. Or appointed a leader instead of Moses,…
Their head. Or appointed a leader instead of Moses, (Numbers xiv. 4.; Menochius) or an idol, Exodus xxxii. 1. Septuagint, "they gave a beginning, or a chief to return." Syriac, "their heart returned to their crimes." (Calmet) --- Protestants, "and tin their rebellion appointed a captain to," &c. They turned their back upon the promised land, and set their faces to return into Egypt. (Haydock) --- Sinners are not deprived of free-will. (Worthington)
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On v17 17. Appointed a captain — According to Num_14:4 the…
17. Appointed a captain — According to Num_14:4 the Israelites only proposed among themselves to appoint a captain, but it is quite probable that they also carried their rebellion so far as actually to nominate a new leader.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv17–20 17. in their rebellion appointed a captain, &c.] Based…
17. in their rebellion appointed a captain, &c.] Based on Num_14:4, and perhaps representing a tradition that the words ‘And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt’ were partially carried into effect.
The R.V. marg. runs, ‘The Sept. has, And appointed a captain to return to their bondage in Egypt.’ See Num_14:4. The Sept. (ἐν Αἰγύπτῳ) read b’mizraim for b’miryam. Another proposed rendering instead of ‘appointed a captain’ is ‘turned their attention,’ or ‘directed their thoughts,’ literally ‘set their head.’
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a God ready to pardon] R.V. marg. ‘Heb. a God of forgivenesses’. The word for ‘forgivenesses’ is found only in Dan_9:9; Psa_130:4.
merciful] R.V. full of compassion.
and of great kindness] R.V. plenteous in mercy.
For these descriptive epithets of Divine mercy cf. Neh_9:31; Exo_33:19; Exo_34:6-7; Psa_86:15; Psa_103:8; Psa_111:4; Psa_145:8; 2Ch_30:9; Joe_2:13; Jon_4:2; Nah_1:3.
forsookest them not] Cf. Neh_9:31; Ezr_9:9.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv17, 20 (17) In their rebellion.—Rather, appointed a captain to return…
(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 Num_14:4, though there the appointment is only proposed.
A God ready to pardon.—A God of pardons; only in Dan_9:9 and Psa_130:4.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv17–20 In their rebellion. Several MSS. have bMitzraim for bMiryam,…
In their rebellion. Several MSS. have bMitzraim for bMiryam, which would give the sense "appointed a captain to return to their bondage in Egypt." So the Septuagint. Appointed a captain. The reference is to Num_14:4, where we are told that the Israelites "said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt." The Levites speak as if the appointment had been made, perhaps regarding the intention as morally equivalent to the act. A God ready to pardon. Literally, "a God of pardons." The word used is a rare one, occurring only in Dan_9:9 and Psa_130:4, besides the present passage. Gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness . This is quoted from Joe_2:13, which is perhaps a conscious reproduction of Jon_4:2.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On vv17–18 But Thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious…
Neh_9:17
But Thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful.
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Divine forgiveness
I. What is necessary to render the subject interesting.
1. A conviction of guilt.
2. An apprehension of our danger as transgressors.
3. A discovery of the privileges of a pardoned state.
II. The proofs which establish the truth of the doctrine.
1. The provision He has made for the exercise of pardon.
2. The promptitude with which He pardons on our return,
3. His earnestness to excite us to seek after the blessing.
4. The character of those who have received pardon.
5. The number of those who obtain forgiveness.
III. The way in which this subject may be abused.
1. When it leads us to deny any disposition in God to punish.
2. When it encourages us to hope for pardon in ways not warranted by the Word of God.
(1) Without a reference to the work of Christ.
(2) Without repentance.
(3) By delaying an application for it to the close of life.
(4) By expecting to find this pardon in another world if we fail to obtain it in this.
IV. Improvment.
1. It should yield encouragement to the brokenhearted.
2. It should afford consolation to those who have believed through grace.
3. The subject demands our admiration and praise.
4. It also calls upon us not only to admire, but to imitate (Eph_4:31-32; Eph_5:1). (W. Jay.)
Pardon of sin
I. The certainty of this readiness to pardon. This may be discerned--
1. In the plans which He devised for its bestowment consistent with His honour as a sovereign, and compatible with His character as a just and moral Ruler.
2. In the repeated assurances and urgent entreaties with regard to the facts which are furnished in His Word.
3. In the efforts He makes to effect it, and so frequently recorded in the pages of history.
II. The conditions of this readiness to pardon.
1. A vivid apprehension of personal guilt.
2. A full consciousness of personal danger.
3. Repentance and faith. (W. S. Edwards.)
The pardon of sin
No attribute of the Deity is so calculated to afford encouragement and relief to the distressed and penitent sinner as that of His mercy. His justice and holiness make him tremble. The Divine mercy is the only fountain from which all our hope is derived. If God were unmerciful--if He were unable and unwilling to forgive, how awful and desperate would be our condition!
I. Some of the distinguishing characteristics of divine pardon. Respecting this blessing, we observe that it is--
1. Gratuitous in its bestowment. Had it not been perfectly free, it would be for ever beyond our reach. As fallen man is altogether destitute of all inherent and acquired righteousness, he can never obtain it on the ground of his own merit. Conscious of his utter unworthiness, and that he was destitute of all merit, the psalmist cried, For Thy names sake, pardon mine iniquity, for it is great. In the forgiveness of sin, God acts like the creditor towards his two debtors; one owes him five hundred pence, and the other fifty; and when they had nothing to pay, he frankly (freely) forgave them both. It is true that there are certain duties which must be discharged by the sinner; he must repent and believe; but these acts can never merit forgiveness. The pardon of the penitent flows from the free and sovereign grace of God, and is conveyed through the channel of the Redeemers atoning blood.
2. Unlimited in its extent. The pardoning mercy of God is not confined to any degrees of guilt or amount of transgression. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits; who forgiveth all thine iniquities, who healeth all thy diseases. The pardoning mercy of God extends to the most flagrant transgressions, and transcends all human conception. There is no sin so heinous which God cannot forgive, and no guilt of so deep a hue which He cannot remove.
3. Permanent in its enjoyment.
II. Prove the truth of the declaration. Gods readiness to pardon is manifest--
1. From the provisions made for this purpose. Before sinners could be pardoned and saved, there were certain barriers that must be removed. As God was the supreme Lawgiver and Judge of the world--the Protector of righteousness and goodness--it became Him not to pardon the guilty without the punishing of sin, and that in such a manner as would satisfy His injured justice, and vindicate the honour of His despised law, and at the same time declare His greatest hatred to sin. Had there been no Mediator, the justice and holiness of God would have stood as everlasting obstructions to the exercise of pardoning mercy.
2. The express declarations of Scripture. Listen to the exulting and triumphant language of the prophet Micah: Who is a God like unto our God, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He retaineth not His anger for ever, because He delighteth in mercy. See how earnestly does God exhort the careless and impenitent, saying, Turn ye, turn ye from your evil way, for why will ye die, O house of Israel? How shall I give thee up, O Ephraim? How shall I deliver thee, O Israel? How shall I make thee as Admah? How shall I set thee as Zeboim? Observe the grand commission of the apostles, that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name, among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
3. Recorded facts. This glorious truth is not only declared by the voice of inspiration, but also by the loud and impressive testimony of experience. What multitudes have already obtained forgiveness! The Scriptures abound with the most astonishing and striking instances of this delightful truth. But if we look into the New Testament, we shall see this truth shining forth with greater lustre still. The first instance that strikes us here is Peter. How great and dreadful were his sins! He denied his Divine Lord and Master, and that with oaths and curses; and yet repenting, he was forgiven. In the same list we behold Mary Magdalene, out of whom seven unclean spirits were cast. (Essex Congregational Remembrancer.)
Pardoning mercy
These words--
I. Prefer an important charge. And refused to obey, etc. Though this charge was primarily brought against the Jews, it is substantially applicable to all impenitent sinners. Here is--
1. A charge of obstinate disobedience. We are guilty of the same charge. We are under infinite obligations to the Divine Being. He is the Creator, Sovereign, Benefactor, Redeemer, Saviour, and Judge of mankind.
2. A charge of criminal forgetfulness. Neither were mindful of Thy wonders, (Psa_78:10-17; Psa_106:21-26). God has crowned each of us with loving-kindness and tender mercies, and wrought wonders in our creation, preservation, redemption, and salvation. We have too often unfaithfully forgotten His innumerable benefits, and ungratefully murmured against His kind dispensations (Isa_1:2-3).
3. A charge of hardened impenitence. But hardened their necks,. etc. This is an awful state (Pro_29:1; Rom_2:5-6; Heb_3:15).
II. Contain a gracious declaration. Thou art a God ready to pardon. This is manifest from--
1. The perfections of the Divine character.
2. The glorious scheme of human redemption (Isa_53:5-6; Rom_3:25-26; 2Co_5:18; 2Co_5:21).
3. The testimonies and promises of Scripture.
III. Suggest appropriate instruction. (Sketches of Four Hundred Sermons.)
A God ready to pardon
I. The history of israel singularly illustrates the readiness of God to pardon.
II. It is equally true that the lord at all times is a God ready to pardon.
1. It is true of Him by nature. Mercy is an essential attribute of God.
2. He Himself removed the impediment which lay in the way of forgiveness.
3. He sends His message of love to sinners while they are yet in their sins.
4. He makes no hard conditions with sinners.
5. What He demands of man by the gospel He also works in Him by His Spirit.
6. He accepts even the very lowest grade of the necessary graces. Repentance, etc. (C. H. Spurgeon.)
A pardoning God
I. The nature of this pardon. It is--
1. Free. Pardon must be so. It is no objection to say that Christ has purchased it. True, He has purchased, but it is free in its bestowment on us, because we could not merit it, nor claim it as a right.
2. Complete. Do not mean that it refers to the future. Some say when once pardoned all done. Not so Scriptures. Complete because it refers to all; complete because it is full.
3. Present. Some say not until death. Not so Scriptures.
4. Righteous. Be it known unto you, therefore, men and brethren, etc. Righteous because bestowed on righteous principles; because of Christs atonement.
5. Discriminating. If Christ died for all, how is it that all are not pardoned? Remedy only available for those who apply for it. Hence--
II. The conditions. Scriptures teach us duty of forgiveness if offender repents and asks. So with God our confession must be--
1. Frank. He that covereth his sins shall not prosper, but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
2. Penitent. The sacrifice, etc. Many frankly confess, but not penitently. True penitence seen in the publican.
3. Believing.
III. Evidence that God is ready to pardon.
1. From scheme of redemption. Love in scheme, end of scheme; and if pardon not dispensed, end defeated.
2. From His relation to the Saviour. As Father He could not furnish a greater guarantee.
3. From means He employs to bring to Him. Sends Spirit--Providence--Word. Characterised by love.
4. From receptions others have met with. Manasseh--dying thief--Saul. Shown in Prodigal.
Lessons:
1. Subject does not imply God will not punish.
2. Subject shows only way of deliverance, and that way to be taken now. (E. R. Derry.)
The joy of pardon
A man named John Welsh lay in prison in Chicago under sentence of death. His friends tried to get his sentence commuted to imprisonment for life. The day before that fixed for the execution arrived without any favourable reply being received. The prisoner sat in his cell listening and longing earnestly for a respite. Presently he heard the rumbling of the wheels of a car. It brought the materials for his scaffold, and soon he heard the strokes of the hammers, and pictured himself hanging on the scaffold which he could hear them raising. The sound almost drove him frantic, and he sent for the governor, and begged that he might be taken away anywhere from that dreadful noise. He was taken to a distant cell, and there he sat on the edge of his bed, haunted with gloomy thoughts, all hope gone. He was startled from his rom, erie by a hurried step along the corridor. The key was thrust into the lock, and one of the officers of the prison stood before him. He held a paper in his hand signed by the Governor of the State of Illinois. It was a commutation of his sentence . . . How the truth burst on his mind! When the paper was handed to him he could not read it for tears; but it was a paper bringing him his life, and he hugged it, and clasped it, and kissed it. (H. W. Taylor.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv18, 20 Connecting Statement:
Connecting Statement:
In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.
Read full note →
you ... did not abandon them
Yahweh did not abandon the Israelites.
cast a calf out of molten metal
melted metal and molded it in the shape of a calf
The pillar of cloud ... the pillar of fire
See how you translated this in Nehemiah 09:12.
translationWords
cow
God
Egypt
blasphemy
compassion
desert
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.