Nehemiah 1:10

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Nehemiah 1:10 is a powerful declaration within Nehemiah's prayer, where he appeals to God based on His past faithfulness and covenant relationship with Israel. Having just heard the devastating news of Jerusalem's broken walls and gates, Nehemiah turns to God in confession and petition, reminding Him of His unwavering character.

Context

This verse is part of Nehemiah's heartfelt prayer found in Nehemiah 1:5-11. After receiving a distressing report about the desolation of Jerusalem, Nehemiah weeps, fasts, and prays. His prayer acknowledges God's greatness, confesses the sins of his people (including himself, as seen in Nehemiah 1:6), and then appeals to God's covenant promises. Verse 10 serves as a foundational argument, reminding God of His previous redemptive acts and the special relationship He has with Israel, the nation He delivered from bondage.

Key Themes

  • Divine Redemption: The core message is God's active and powerful intervention to deliver His people. The phrase "whom thou hast redeemed" points back to the miraculous liberation from Egyptian slavery, a defining moment in Israel's history. This historical act of redemption serves as a powerful precedent for Nehemiah's hope for future deliverance.
  • Covenant Relationship: Nehemiah emphasizes "thy servants and thy people," highlighting the unique bond between God and Israel. This relationship was established by covenant, making Israel God's chosen nation, distinct from all others (Deuteronomy 7:6). This identity forms the basis for Nehemiah's appeal.
  • God's Omnipotence: The expressions "thy great power, and by thy strong hand" are vivid anthropomorphisms (attributing human characteristics to God) that underscore God's absolute sovereignty and ability to act decisively. These phrases are frequently used in the Old Testament to describe God's mighty acts, particularly the Exodus (Exodus 6:6). They assure Nehemiahโ€”and usโ€”that no situation is too difficult for the Lord.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "redeemed" here is padah (ืคื“ื”), which carries the nuance of buying back or ransoming, often from slavery or bondage. It signifies a deliverance achieved through a powerful act, not merely a release. The phrases "great power" and "strong hand" are idiomatic expressions (Hebrew: koach gadol and yad chazaqah) consistently used throughout the Pentateuch to describe God's irresistible might, especially in the context of the Exodus. They convey the idea of an overwhelming, irresistible force, demonstrating God's ability to overcome any obstacle for His people.

Practical Application

Nehemiah's prayer teaches us several vital lessons:

  • Remember God's Past Faithfulness: When facing daunting challenges, recalling God's past acts of deliverance and power can strengthen our faith and provide a foundation for our prayers. His character does not change.
  • Anchor Prayer in God's Character and Promises: Nehemiah didn't just ask; he appealed to God's identity as Redeemer and His covenant relationship. Our prayers are more effective when grounded in who God is and what He has promised.
  • Trust in God's Unmatched Power: Just as God delivered Israel from Egypt, He is capable of delivering us from our present difficulties. This verse is a reminder that our God operates with "great power" and a "strong hand" (Jeremiah 32:17), whether physical, spiritual, or emotional.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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