Nehemiah 1:5

KJV

¶ And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:

KJV (with Strong's)

And said {H559}, I beseech {H577} thee, O LORD {H3068} God {H430} of heaven {H8064}, the great {H1419} and terrible {H3372} God {H410}, that keepeth {H8104} covenant {H1285} and mercy {H2617} for them that love {H157} him and observe {H8104} his commandments {H4687}:

Complete Jewish Bible

I said, "Please, ADONAI! God of heaven! You great and fearsome God, who keeps his covenant and extends grace to those who love him and observe his mitzvot!

Berean Standard Bible

Then I said: “O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion with those who love Him and keep His commandments,

American Standard Version

and said, I beseech thee, O Jehovah, the God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and lovingkindness with them that love him and keep his commandments:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 1:5 inaugurates Nehemiah's profound prayer, a pivotal moment following the distressing news of Jerusalem's ruin. This verse serves as a foundational invocation, where Nehemiah, before presenting his petition, meticulously acknowledges God's supreme character and attributes: His sovereign majesty as the "God of heaven," His awe-inspiring power, and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and steadfast love for those who genuinely love Him and diligently obey His commandments. This opening sets a reverent and hope-filled tone, grounding Nehemiah's entire plea in the unshakeable nature of the Almighty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the devastating report Nehemiah receives from Hanani concerning the deplorable state of Jerusalem's walls and gates, and the "great affliction and reproach" of its inhabitants ([Nehemiah 1:3](/nehemiah/1-3 "Nehemiah 1:3 - The Report from Jerusalem")). Nehemiah's response is not one of immediate action or despair, but a profound and prolonged period of mourning, fasting, and prayer, as described in [Nehemiah 1:4](/nehemiah/1-4 "Nehemiah 1:4 - Nehemiah's Response to the News"). The prayer itself, spanning [Nehemiah 1:5-11](/nehemiah/1-5 "Nehemiah's Prayer") to [Nehemiah 1:11](/nehemiah/1-11 "Nehemiah 1:11 - Conclusion of Nehemiah's Prayer"), is a carefully structured and deeply theological appeal. Verse 5 functions as the solemn and majestic opening, establishing the character of the God to whom Nehemiah is praying, thereby laying the theological groundwork for the confession of sin and the subsequent petition that follows. It is a model of beginning prayer with adoration and a proper understanding of God's identity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Nehemiah lived in Susa, the capital of the Persian Empire, serving as the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes I (c. 445 BC). This was a position of immense trust and influence, granting him access to the king. The Jewish people were in the post-exilic period, having returned from Babylonian captivity in waves, first under Zerubbabel to rebuild the Temple ([Ezra 3](/ezra/3 "Ezra 3 - Rebuilding the Temple")), and later under Ezra to restore the Law ([Ezra 7](/ezra/7 "Ezra 7 - Ezra's Journey to Jerusalem")). Despite these returns, Jerusalem remained vulnerable and disgraced, its walls still in ruins almost 100 years after the initial return. In ancient Near Eastern culture, city walls were not merely defensive structures but symbols of a city's strength, identity, and honor. Their destruction signified shame, vulnerability, and a lack of divine favor. Nehemiah's prayer reflects the deep spiritual and national crisis of his people, living under foreign rule and facing internal and external opposition, yet clinging to the hope of God's covenant promises to restore Israel.
* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 1:5 introduces several critical themes that permeate the book of Nehemiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **God's Majestic Sovereignty and Transcendence**, addressing Him as "O LORD God of heaven," a title emphasizing His supreme authority over all creation and His ability to intervene in earthly affairs, a concept echoed in [Daniel 2:18](/daniel/2-18 "Daniel 2:18 - God of Heaven in Daniel's Prayer"). Secondly, the verse underscores **God's Unwavering Covenant Faithfulness and Steadfast Love (Hesed)**. By declaring that God "keepeth covenant and mercy," Nehemiah appeals to God's enduring commitment to His promises made to His people, particularly the Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants, despite Israel's repeated failures. This theme of divine faithfulness is a cornerstone of Israelite theology, powerfully articulated in [Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - God's Faithfulness to His Covenant"). Finally, the verse introduces the crucial theme of **Human Responsibility and Obedience**. God's covenant blessings and mercy are extended "for them that love him and observe his commandments," establishing a reciprocal relationship where genuine love for God is demonstrated through obedience. This principle, deeply rooted in the Torah, particularly in [Deuteronomy 11:13](/deuteronomy/11-13 "Deuteronomy 11:13 - Love and Obedience in Deuteronomy"), emphasizes that divine favor is contingent upon human faithfulness to the covenant stipulations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD God of heaven (Hebrew, _YHWH Elohim ha-shamayim'_):** This composite title is profoundly significant. "LORD" (YHWH) is the personal, covenantal name of God, revealing His intimate relationship with Israel and His unchanging, self-existent nature. "God" (Elohim) is a more general term for deity, emphasizing His power and creative authority. "of heaven" (ha-shamayim) highlights His transcendence, His dwelling place beyond human comprehension, and His ultimate sovereignty over all earthly affairs. By combining these, Nehemiah invokes a God who is both intimately personal to Israel through covenant and universally supreme over all creation, capable of intervening powerfully in human history.
* **great and terrible (Hebrew, _gadol v'nora'_):** "Great" (gadol) signifies God's immense power, majesty, and unparalleled might. "Terrible" (nora) is a crucial term here; it does not imply frightful in a negative or horrific sense, but rather "awe-inspiring," "dreadful" in the sense of evoking profound reverence, holy fear, and astonishment. It speaks to God's overwhelming glory, holiness, and power that demands respect and worship, inspiring a sense of wonder and humility in His presence. This attribute underscores the gravity of Nehemiah's prayer and the immense privilege of addressing such a God.
* **covenant and mercy (Hebrew, _berith v'chesed'_):** "Covenant" (berith) refers to a solemn, binding agreement established by God, particularly with Abraham and Israel at Sinai. It defines the relationship and sets forth mutual obligations and promises. "Mercy" (chesed) is one of the richest theological terms in the Old Testament, denoting loyal love, steadfast kindness, unfailing devotion, and faithfulness. It describes God's enduring commitment to His people despite their unfaithfulness, His active and compassionate love that goes beyond mere pity to uphold His promises. Nehemiah appeals to God's character as one who not only makes promises but faithfully keeps them with persistent, lovingkindness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven":** This opening establishes the posture of prayer – a humble, earnest plea ("I beseech thee") directed to the supreme, covenant-keeping God. The address "O LORD God of heaven" combines God's personal covenant name (YHWH) with His universal dominion, indicating that Nehemiah approaches a God who is both intimately involved with His people and sovereign over all creation. This sets a tone of both reverence and confidence.
* **"the great and terrible God":** Nehemiah immediately acknowledges God's attributes of immense power ("great") and His awe-inspiring, fear-inducing majesty ("terrible"). This is not a description of a frightening deity, but one whose holiness and glory are so overwhelming that they evoke profound reverence and a sense of one's own smallness. This recognition of God's might provides the foundation for Nehemiah's hope that God is indeed capable of intervening in their dire situation.
* **"that keepeth covenant and mercy":** This clause highlights God's faithfulness to His promises and His steadfast love. "Covenant" refers to the binding agreements God made with Israel, particularly the Mosaic Covenant, which outlined the terms of their relationship. "Mercy" (Hebrew: *chesed*) signifies God's loyal, unfailing love and kindness, which endures despite human failings. Nehemiah appeals to God's character as a God who is true to His word and whose love for His people is unwavering, providing a basis for his petition despite Israel's unworthiness.
* **"for them that love him and observe his commandments":** This crucial conditional clause defines the recipients of God's covenant blessings and mercy. It emphasizes that God's faithfulness is directed towards those who respond to Him with genuine love and demonstrate that love through obedience to His laws. This underscores the reciprocal nature of the covenant relationship: while God is faithful, human responsibility lies in loving Him (which implies devotion and allegiance) and actively keeping His commandments. It is a reminder that the covenant is not unconditional in its application, but requires a faithful human response.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 1:5 employs several significant **literary devices**. The verse opens with a direct **invocation**, where Nehemiah addresses God by a series of majestic **epithets**: "O LORD God of heaven," "the great and terrible God," and "that keepeth covenant and mercy." These descriptive titles are not merely ornamental; they serve to establish God's character as the unshakeable foundation for Nehemiah's prayer, emphasizing His transcendence, power, and faithfulness. There is also an implicit **parallelism** in the phrase "love him and observe his commandments," where the two actions are presented as complementary aspects of a single, faithful response to God. Loving God is demonstrated by obeying Him, and obedience flows from a heart that loves. This structure highlights the holistic nature of covenant faithfulness. The verse also functions as a powerful **prologue** to the entire prayer, setting a tone of deep reverence and theological precision that guides the subsequent confession and petition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 1:5 is a theological powerhouse, encapsulating core biblical truths about God's character and His relationship with humanity. It affirms God's absolute sovereignty and transcendence as the "God of heaven," yet simultaneously highlights His immanence through His active engagement in covenant with His people. The emphasis on God's "greatness" and "terribleness" (awe-inspiring nature) underscores His holiness and power, which are essential for Him to be able to fulfill His promises and restore His people. Crucially, the verse introduces the dynamic interplay between divine faithfulness and human responsibility: God's *chesed* (steadfast love) and *berith* (covenant) are unwavering, but their blessings are specifically directed towards those who respond with love and obedience. This foundational principle, seen throughout the Torah, establishes the framework for a righteous relationship with God, where genuine devotion is expressed through adherence to His revealed will. Nehemiah's prayer, therefore, is not merely a desperate cry but a theologically informed appeal rooted in God's unchanging nature and His established covenant terms.

* [Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - God's Faithfulness and Covenant Love")
* [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The LORD's Character Revealed")
* [Psalm 89:34](/psalm/89-34 "Psalm 89:34 - God's Unchanging Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 1:5 offers a profound blueprint for our own prayer lives and our understanding of God. In moments of personal or communal crisis, like Nehemiah, our initial response should be to turn to God, not in a transactional manner, but by first acknowledging His majestic character. This verse teaches us to begin our petitions by meditating on God's greatness, His awe-inspiring holiness, and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises. When we truly grasp that we are addressing the "LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God," our perspective shifts from the overwhelming nature of our problems to the overwhelming power and love of our Creator. Furthermore, Nehemiah's appeal to God's "covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments" reminds us that our relationship with God is not passive. It calls us to a life of active love, demonstrated through obedience. This isn't about earning God's favor, but about aligning ourselves with His character and His will, thereby positioning ourselves to receive the blessings of His steadfast love. It encourages us to pray with confidence, knowing that God is true to His word, while simultaneously cultivating a heart of reverence and active devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does beginning your prayers by acknowledging God's attributes (His greatness, His holiness, His faithfulness) change your perspective on your circumstances?**
* **In what ways do you demonstrate your love for God through observing His commandments in your daily life?**
* **How does Nehemiah's confidence in God's covenant faithfulness encourage you to trust God with seemingly impossible situations?**

### FAQ

**What does "terrible God" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Nehemiah 1:5, the word "terrible" (Hebrew: *nora*) does not mean horrific or frightening in a negative sense, as it might in modern English. Instead, it conveys a sense of awe-inspiring majesty, profound reverence, and holy dread. It describes God's overwhelming power, holiness, and glory that naturally evoke a deep sense of respect, wonder, and humility in those who encounter Him. It signifies that God is to be held in the highest regard, inspiring a fear that is rooted in worship and adoration, rather than terror. This understanding is consistent with its usage in other Old Testament passages, such as [Psalm 68:35](/psalm/68-35 "Psalm 68:35 - God is Awesome from His Sanctuary") and [Deuteronomy 10:17](/deuteronomy/10-17 "Deuteronomy 10:17 - God of gods and Lord of lords").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 1:5, with its profound invocation of God as the covenant-keeping and merciful God for those who love and obey Him, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "covenant and mercy" (Hebrew: *berith v'chesed*) that Nehemiah appeals to are perfectly embodied and fully realized in the New Covenant established through Christ's atoning work. While the Old Covenant revealed God's unwavering faithfulness and the necessity of obedience, humanity's inherent inability to perfectly "love Him and observe His commandments" led to a cycle of sin and brokenness. Jesus, the perfect Son, fully satisfied the demands of the Law, demonstrating perfect love and obedience to the Father ([John 15:10](/john/15-10 "John 15:10 - Jesus' Obedience")). Through His sacrifice, He became the ultimate expression of God's *chesed*, extending mercy and forgiveness to all who believe, not based on their perfect obedience, but on His perfect obedience imputed to them ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated")). Furthermore, the "great and terrible God" who inspires awe is revealed in Christ as the approachable yet majestic Savior, whose power is demonstrated through humility and self-giving love on the cross ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")). In Him, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to genuinely "love Him and observe His commandments," not out of legalistic duty, but from a heart transformed by His grace, fulfilling the very desire expressed in Nehemiah's prayer ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")). Thus, Nehemiah's prayer for restoration finds its deepest answer in the spiritual restoration and new life offered through Christ, the true Temple and the perfect fulfillment of God's covenant promises.

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.