Nehemiah 1:10

KJV

Now these [are] thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now these are thy servants {H5650} and thy people {H5971}, whom thou hast redeemed {H6299} by thy great {H1419} power {H3581}, and by thy strong {H2389} hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now these are your servants, your people, whom you have redeemed by your great power and strong hand.

Berean Standard Bible

They are Your servants and Your people. You redeemed them by Your great power and mighty hand.

American Standard Version

Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 1:10 stands as a foundational appeal within Nehemiah's heartfelt prayer of confession and petition, serving to ground his plea in the unshakeable truth of God's character and covenant faithfulness. Having received the devastating news of Jerusalem's desolation and the disgrace of its ruined walls, Nehemiah articulates his petition by reminding God that the Israelites remain His chosen "servants and people," whom He powerfully "redeemed" in the past, thereby establishing a divine precedent and a promise for future deliverance through His "great power, and by His strong hand."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the fabric of Nehemiah’s profound prayer, which spans [Nehemiah 1:5-11](/nehemiah/1-5-11 "Nehemiah's Prayer for Jerusalem's Restoration"). The prayer commences with a reverent invocation of God's majestic greatness and unwavering covenant faithfulness, acknowledging Him as the "great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments" ([Nehemiah 1:5](/nehemiah/1-5 "Nehemiah 1:5 - Invocation of God's Covenant Faithfulness")). This is immediately followed by a comprehensive and deeply personal confession of the sins of Israel, encompassing Nehemiah himself and his ancestral house, recognizing the collective transgression against God's commands and statutes ([Nehemiah 1:6-7](/nehemiah/1-6-7 "Nehemiah 1:6-7 - Confession of Israel's Sins")). Nehemiah then transitions into an appeal rooted in God's own promises, specifically recalling the conditional covenant stipulations found in [Deuteronomy 30:1-5](/deuteronomy/30-1-5 "Deuteronomy 30:1-5 - Promises of Repentance and Restoration"), where God pledges to gather His dispersed people upon their repentance and return to Him. Verse 10 acts as a crucial theological pivot point, shifting the prayer from confession and remembrance of promises to a direct, confident appeal for divine intervention, asserting Israel's enduring identity as God's redeemed people. This assertion powerfully strengthens the basis for the specific, urgent request that follows in [Nehemiah 1:11](/nehemiah/1-11 "Nehemiah 1:11 - Nehemiah's Petition for Favor").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Nehemiah's prayer is set against the backdrop of the post-exilic period, approximately a century after the initial return of Jewish exiles to Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua. While the Second Temple had been painstakingly rebuilt, the city walls of Jerusalem remained in a state of utter ruin, a stark and painful symbol of national vulnerability, shame, and a profound lack of true restoration for the Jewish community. This context of national humiliation, spiritual malaise, and political weakness deeply affected Nehemiah, who served as cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes I. The phrase "whom thou hast redeemed" carries immense historical and theological weight, directly alluding to the defining historical event of Israel's national identity: the Exodus from Egyptian slavery. This miraculous act of liberation, performed with God's "great power, and by His strong hand," was not merely a historical event but the foundational act that established Israel as God's unique covenant people ([Exodus 6:6](/exodus/6-6 "Exodus 6:6 - God's Promise of Deliverance from Egypt")). Recalling this event in prayer was not simply a matter of historical remembrance; it was a powerful invocation of God's unchanging character and His proven commitment to His people, implying that the same omnipotent power could and should be exercised again for their current plight.
* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 1:10 powerfully encapsulates several core themes that resonate throughout the book of Nehemiah and indeed, the broader Old Testament narrative. The most prominent is **Divine Redemption**, emphasizing God's active, decisive, and powerful intervention to deliver His people from bondage, whether physical (as in the Exodus) or the spiritual consequences of sin (as in their current exile and brokenness). This verse serves as a potent reminder that God's redemptive work is not a one-time historical event but an enduring aspect of His character, providing a wellspring of hope for the present crisis. Closely intertwined is the theme of **Covenant Relationship**, vividly highlighted by the intimate terms "thy servants and thy people." This underscores Israel's unique and enduring identity as God's chosen nation, established and affirmed through the Mosaic Covenant ([Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6 - Israel, God's Chosen People")), which irrevocably binds God to His promises to them despite their failures. Finally, the verse powerfully asserts **God's Omnipotence and Sovereignty**, conveyed through the vivid anthropomorphisms "thy great power, and by thy strong hand." These expressions, frequently employed in the Pentateuch to describe God's irresistible might in the Exodus ([Deuteronomy 4:34](/deuteronomy/4-34 "Deuteronomy 4:34 - God's Mighty Hand in the Exodus")), assure Nehemiah—and the reader—that no obstacle is too formidable for the Lord to overcome on behalf of His covenant people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **redeemed (Hebrew, _pâdâh'_):** This verb (H6299) signifies "to sever," "to ransom," "to buy back," or "to deliver by payment or powerful intervention." It carries the profound nuance of liberation from a state of bondage, slavery, or peril through a decisive act of power or the payment of a price. In the context of Israel's history, _pâdâh_ is almost exclusively associated with God's miraculous deliverance of His people from Egyptian slavery, emphasizing that their freedom was not earned or achieved by human effort but was a sovereign act of God's grace and overwhelming power. It highlights the divine initiative in their liberation.
* **great power (Hebrew, _kôach gâdôwl'_):** This phrase combines H3581 (_kôach_), meaning "vigor, force, might, strength, ability," and H1419 (_gâdôwl_), meaning "great (in any sense), mighty, much." Together, _kôach gâdôwl_ denotes immense, inherent strength, capability, and irresistible might. When attributed to God, it speaks of His limitless ability to accomplish His will, overcome any opposition, and perform extraordinary, supernatural acts. It highlights the divine attribute of omnipotence, assuring the supplicant that God is fully able to act on their behalf, regardless of the magnitude of the challenge.
* **strong hand (Hebrew, _yâd châzâq'_):** This is a powerful idiomatic expression in Hebrew, combining H3027 (_yâd_), "hand" (representing power, means, direction), and H2389 (_châzâq_), "strong, firm, mighty." Often paired with "outstretched arm," this phrase is frequently used to describe God's irresistible, overwhelming force and direct intervention in human affairs. It conveys the idea of an active, decisive, and inescapable divine action, particularly in the context of the Exodus, where God's "strong hand" compelled Pharaoh to release Israel. It signifies God's personal, effective, and unyielding involvement in the affairs of His people, demonstrating His unchallengeable authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now these [are] thy servants and thy people":** This opening clause establishes the covenantal identity of Israel, forming the bedrock of Nehemiah's appeal. Nehemiah is reminding God—not for God's information, but as a theological basis and a faith affirmation for his prayer—that the Israelites are not merely any nation, but those whom God has specifically chosen, called, and entered into an exclusive covenant relationship with. They are "servants" in their intended devotion and obedience to Him, acknowledging His lordship, and "people" in the profound sense of being His unique possession, distinct from all other nations. This relational status underscores God's prior commitment and forms the unshakeable foundation for Nehemiah's petition.
* **"whom thou hast redeemed":** This is a direct and potent historical and theological reference to the Exodus. Nehemiah recalls God's foundational act of liberation, where He sovereignly bought Israel out of brutal slavery in Egypt. This act of redemption was not merely a release but a powerful, miraculous, and unilateral divine intervention that demonstrated God's absolute faithfulness to His promises and His deep, abiding commitment to His people. It serves as the primary and most compelling evidence of God's character as a mighty, compassionate deliverer, setting a precedent for His future actions.
* **"by thy great power, and by thy strong hand":** These parallel phrases describe the awe-inspiring manner of God's redemption. They are powerful anthropomorphic expressions emphasizing the overwhelming, irresistible, and personal nature of God's intervention. The redemption was not achieved through human strength, military might, or political cunning, but solely by God's inherent, infinite might. This dual emphasis on "great power" and "strong hand" reinforces the idea that what God has done in the past, He is fully capable of doing again, providing immense hope, confidence, and theological justification for Nehemiah's current petition for the restoration of Jerusalem and its people.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 1:10 is rich in literary and rhetorical devices that amplify its theological weight. The verse prominently features **Covenant Language**, utilizing terms like "thy servants and thy people" to invoke the special, binding, and enduring relationship between God and Israel established through the Mosaic Covenant. This serves as the theological and relational foundation for Nehemiah's appeal, reminding God of His own promises and commitments. The verse powerfully employs **Anthropomorphism** through the phrases "thy great power" and "thy strong hand." These attributes human characteristics (power, physical action, a "hand") to God, making His divine might comprehensible and emphasizing His active, personal, and tangible involvement in history. While God does not literally have a physical "hand," this vivid imagery conveys His irresistible force and direct action. Furthermore, the verse contains a strong and undeniable **Allusion** to the Exodus narrative, the defining redemptive event in Israel's history. By referencing God's past act of "redeeming" Israel with "great power" and a "strong hand," Nehemiah implicitly draws a profound parallel between that foundational deliverance and the current desperate need for restoration, suggesting that the God who acted then can and should act again now. Finally, the pairing of "great power" and "strong hand" exemplifies **Synonymous Parallelism**, where two phrases express the same core idea in slightly different but reinforcing words, thereby intensifying and emphasizing the concept of God's overwhelming and effective might.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 1:10 is a profound theological statement, anchoring Nehemiah's prayer in the very character of God as a faithful, powerful Redeemer. It underscores the enduring nature of God's covenant relationship with Israel, reminding Him (and Nehemiah) that despite their sin and current distress, they remain His chosen "servants and people." The appeal to God's past act of redemption by "great power, and by His strong hand" is not merely a historical recitation but a robust theological argument: the God who demonstrated such omnipotent faithfulness in the Exodus is the same God who can and will act for His people in their present need. This verse beautifully illustrates that true, effective prayer is rooted not in human merit or desperation alone, but in the immutable character and established promises of God, providing a timeless blueprint for believers to recall God's past faithfulness as a compelling basis for future hope and confident petition.

* [Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6 - Israel, God's Chosen People")
* [Exodus 6:6](/exodus/6-6 "Exodus 6:6 - God's Promise of Deliverance from Egypt")
* [Psalm 136:10-12](/psalm/136-10-12 "Psalm 136:10-12 - God's Enduring Love in the Exodus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 1:10 offers timeless and profound lessons for our own walk of faith, especially when we find ourselves facing overwhelming challenges or periods of deep brokenness. Like Nehemiah, we are called to actively remember God's past faithfulness and His unchanging, omnipotent character. When our "walls" are broken—whether they be personal struggles, communal brokenness, spiritual battles, or societal decay—this verse powerfully encourages us to ground our prayers not in our own strength, perceived worthiness, or the depth of our despair, but in the immutable truth of who God is: our powerful, covenant-keeping Redeemer. It reminds us that the very same "great power and strong hand" that delivered Israel from the might of Pharaoh is not diminished but remains eternally available to us today, fully capable of bringing restoration, healing, and victory to even the most desolate areas of our lives. Our petitions become more potent, our faith more robust, and our hope more resilient when we align them with God's revealed nature and His track record of miraculous intervention on behalf of His people. This verse invites us to trust implicitly that the God who has acted decisively and powerfully in the past will continue to act for those who are truly His, bringing about His purposes in His perfect timing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recalling God's past acts of redemption, whether in your own personal history, the history of the Church, or biblical narratives, strengthen your faith in present difficulties?**
* **In what specific ways can you better anchor your prayers in God's revealed character and His covenant promises, rather than solely on your immediate needs, desires, or the perceived impossibility of your situation?**
* **What specific "broken walls" (e.g., relational strife, financial hardship, spiritual apathy, health challenges) in your life, family, or community are you currently facing, and how does Nehemiah 1:10 encourage you to trust in God's "great power and strong hand" for their restoration and healing?**

### FAQ
**Why does Nehemiah remind God of His past actions, as if God could forget?**

Answer: Nehemiah's reminder is not for God's benefit, as if the Almighty could forget His own deeds, but rather for Nehemiah's own spiritual posture and for the theological integrity of his prayer. It serves several crucial purposes. First, it demonstrates Nehemiah's deep faith and profound understanding of God's character, aligning his petition with God's revealed nature as a covenant-keeping, powerful Redeemer. Second, it provides a robust theological basis for his request, arguing from God's past faithfulness to His future intervention. If God has already "redeemed" Israel by "great power and strong hand" from a greater bondage (Egypt), He is surely capable and, by His covenant, obligated to deliver them from their current distress. Third, it serves as a powerful act of worship and adoration, acknowledging God's sovereignty, omnipotence, and mighty deeds. This pattern of recalling God's historical acts to bolster faith and appeal for present help is a common and vital practice seen throughout Scripture, exemplified by prophets and psalmists (e.g., [Psalm 77:11-15](/psalm/77-11-15 "Psalm 77:11-15 - Recalling God's Wonders and Deeds")).

**What is the significance of calling Israel "thy servants and thy people" in this context?**

Answer: The terms "thy servants" and "thy people" are deeply covenantal and profoundly relational, carrying immense theological weight. "Servants" speaks to Israel's designated role as those called to obey, worship, and serve God, acknowledging His supreme lordship and their submission to His will. "Thy people" emphasizes their unique identity as God's chosen possession, a nation set apart from all others, distinguished by His divine election and special favor. This identity was not self-proclaimed but was forged through the miraculous Exodus and solidified at Mount Sinai, where God declared them His "treasured possession among all peoples" ([Exodus 19:5](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5 - Israel, God's Treasured Possession")). By using these terms, Nehemiah is reminding God of the special, unbreakable bond He Himself initiated with Israel. This relationship implies mutual obligations: Israel's to obey God's commands, and God's to protect, provide for, and ultimately redeem His people according to His covenant promises, even when they have sinned and fallen short. It is a powerful appeal to God's faithfulness to His own character and His sworn word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 1:10, with its profound emphasis on God's redemption by "great power, and by His strong hand," finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the Exodus delivered ancient Israel from physical slavery under Pharaoh, Christ's redemption delivers humanity from the far more pervasive and destructive bondage of sin, death, and the dominion of spiritual darkness. Jesus is the ultimate "strong hand" of God, not merely freeing a single nation from an earthly oppressor, but conquering the spiritual powers of evil and the very dominion of sin through His sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose precious blood is the ransom price that truly redeems us from futility and condemnation ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Christ's Precious Blood")). Through Him, a new "people" and "servants" are formed—the Church, drawn from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation—who are truly God's own, having been "delivered... from the domain of darkness and transferred... to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins" ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Redemption and Forgiveness in Christ")). Thus, Nehemiah's prayer for physical restoration and a return to the land foreshadows the spiritual restoration and new creation accomplished by Christ, establishing a new covenant people redeemed by an even greater power and a more decisive act of God's hand. This ultimate redemption secures not just a return to a physical land or the rebuilding of a city, but an eternal inheritance and a perfectly restored relationship with God Himself, made possible through Christ's once-for-all sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 9:29

Yet they [are] thy people and thine inheritance, which thou broughtest out by thy mighty power and by thy stretched out arm.

Exodus 32:11

And Moses besought the LORD his God, and said, LORD, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand?

Daniel 9:15

And now, O Lord our God, that hast brought thy people forth out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and hast gotten thee renown, as at this day; we have sinned, we have done wickedly.

Daniel 9:27

And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make [it] desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

Psalms 136:12

With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Isaiah 63:16

Doubtless thou [art] our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O LORD, [art] our father, our redeemer; thy name [is] from everlasting.

Isaiah 63:19

We are [thine]: thou never barest rule over them; they were not called by thy name.