Think upon me, my God, for good, [according] to all that I have done for this people.
Think {H2142} upon me, my God {H430}, for good {H2896}, according to all that I have done {H6213} for this people {H5971}.
My God, remember favorably everything I have done for this people!
Remember me favorably, O my God, for all that I have done for this people.
Remember unto me, O my God, for good, all that I have done for this people.
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Nehemiah 13:31
And for the wood offering, at times appointed, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, for good. -
Nehemiah 13:14
Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof. -
Nehemiah 13:22
And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and [that] they should come [and] keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, [concerning] this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy. -
Psalms 106:4
Remember me, O LORD, with the favour [that thou bearest unto] thy people: O visit me with thy salvation; -
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. -
Mark 9:41
¶ For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward. -
Psalms 25:6
Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they [have been] ever of old.
Commentary on Nehemiah 5:19 KJV
Nehemiah 5:19 is a poignant prayer from Nehemiah, the governor of Judah, appealing to God to remember his faithful and selfless service to the people of Israel during the challenging task of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. This verse encapsulates Nehemiah's humility, integrity, and deep trust in God's justice and remembrance.
Historical and Cultural Context
This prayer comes at a critical juncture in Nehemiah's narrative. Chapters 1-4 detail the initial challenges and opposition to rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. Chapter 5, however, shifts focus to internal strife: economic oppression and social injustice among the Jewish people themselves. Nehemiah, upon hearing the cries of the poor who had mortgaged their lands and even sold their children into slavery due to severe famine and heavy taxation, acted decisively. He rebuked the nobles and officials for their usury, demanding they restore what they had taken and cease lending at interest (Nehemiah 5:10-12).
In stark contrast to the corrupt practices he condemned, Nehemiah himself demonstrated extraordinary selflessness. He refused to accept the customary food allowance due to him as governor, instead personally providing for 150 Jews and officials daily, along with visitors. He did not even buy land, focusing all his efforts on the rebuilding work (Nehemiah 5:14-18). His prayer in verse 19 is a direct appeal to God, made after recounting these acts of sacrificial leadership.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "Think upon me, my God, for good" uses the Hebrew verb zakhar (זָכַר), meaning "to remember" or "to call to mind." This is not merely an intellectual recollection but often implies active remembrance leading to positive action or intervention. When God "remembers," it means He acts favorably on behalf of the one remembered, as seen in instances like God remembering Noah (Genesis 8:1) or His covenant with Abraham (Exodus 2:24).
The addition "for good" (לְטוֹבָה, l'tovah) emphasizes the desired outcome: a favorable divine response, blessing, and prosperity for Nehemiah's unwavering commitment.
Practical Application
Nehemiah 5:19 offers timeless encouragement for believers today:
Nehemiah's prayer is a testament to a life lived in devoted service, trusting that the God who sees all will ultimately bless and remember His faithful servants.