Nehemiah 1:9

But [if] ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, [yet] will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there.

But if ye turn {H7725} unto me, and keep {H8104} my commandments {H4687}, and do {H6213} them; though there were of you cast out {H5080} unto the uttermost part {H7097} of the heaven {H8064}, yet will I gather {H6908} them from thence, and will bring {H935} them unto the place {H4725} that I have chosen {H977} to set {H7931} my name {H8034} there.

but if you return to me, observe my mitzvot and obey them, then, even if your scattered ones are in the most distant part of heaven, nevertheless, I will collect them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen for bearing my name.'

but if you return to Me and keep and practice My commandments, then even if your exiles have been banished to the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for My Name.’

but if ye return unto me, and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts were in the uttermost part of the heavens, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen, to cause my name to dwell there.

Nehemiah 1:9 is a powerful declaration of God's covenant faithfulness, recalled by Nehemiah in his impassioned prayer for the restoration of Jerusalem and its people. This verse articulates a conditional promise from God, assuring His scattered people of their return and gathering, provided they turn back to Him in obedience.

Context

This verse is found within Nehemiah's prayer of confession and intercession (Nehemiah 1:5-11) following news of Jerusalem's desolate state and broken walls. Nehemiah, a high-ranking official in the Persian court, is deeply distressed by the plight of his people, who are still largely dispersed or living under difficult conditions after the Babylonian exile. His prayer recalls God's covenant with Moses, particularly the promises outlined in Deuteronomy 30, which foretold both dispersion for disobedience and restoration for repentance.

Key Themes

  • Repentance and Obedience: The opening clause, "But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them," underscores the prerequisite for God's restoration. It highlights the importance of sincere repentance and a return to God's laws as the foundation for divine blessing and gathering. This is not merely an outward act but a genuine change of heart and action.
  • Divine Promise of Gathering: God's assurance, "though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence," speaks to His omnipotence and unwavering commitment to His covenant. Even from the most distant corners of the world, God promises to bring His people back, echoing the specific promise found in Deuteronomy 30:4. This provides immense hope for those in exile and distress.
  • Restoration to God's Chosen Place: The destination for the gathered people is "the place that I have chosen to set my name there." This refers to Jerusalem, specifically the Temple Mount, where God had chosen to manifest His presence and receive worship. The concept of God "setting His name" in a place signifies His ownership, authority, and unique presence, making it a sacred center for His people, as seen throughout the book of Deuteronomy.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "to set my name there" (Hebrew: shakan shem) is significant. It implies more than just choosing a location; it means God will make His presence known and establish His authority there. It signifies the place where His glory would dwell and where His people would worship Him according to His divine design. This concept reinforces the sanctity and importance of Jerusalem and its Temple in God's plan.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 1:9 offers enduring encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that even when we stray from God's path, or face consequences for disobedience, His promises of forgiveness and restoration remain. The condition is always a genuine "turning unto Him" through repentance and a commitment to obey His commandments. This verse highlights God's incredible faithfulness to His covenant people and His boundless capacity to gather and restore those who humbly seek Him, no matter how far they feel they have fallen or how scattered their lives may seem. It underscores that true restoration begins with a renewed heart for God.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Jeremiah 29:11

    For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

  • Jeremiah 29:14

    And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.

  • Deuteronomy 30:2

    And shalt return unto the LORD thy God, and shalt obey his voice according to all that I command thee this day, thou and thy children, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul;

  • Deuteronomy 30:5

    And the LORD thy God will bring thee into the land which thy fathers possessed, and thou shalt possess it; and he will do thee good, and multiply thee above thy fathers.

  • Deuteronomy 4:29

    But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find [him], if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.

  • Deuteronomy 4:31

    (For the LORD thy God [is] a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.

  • Jeremiah 32:37

    Behold, I will gather them out of all countries, whither I have driven them in mine anger, and in my fury, and in great wrath; and I will bring them again unto this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely:

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