Nehemiah 5:19

KJV

Think upon me, my God, for good, [according] to all that I have done for this people.

KJV (with Strong's)

Think {H2142} upon me, my God {H430}, for good {H2896}, according to all that I have done {H6213} for this people {H5971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

My God, remember favorably everything I have done for this people!

Berean Standard Bible

Remember me favorably, O my God, for all that I have done for this people.

American Standard Version

Remember unto me, O my God, for good, all that I have done for this people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 5:19 is a profound and humble prayer offered by Nehemiah, the governor of Judah, appealing to God for favorable remembrance and blessing. This personal intercession arises from a context of selfless and sacrificial leadership, where Nehemiah prioritized the welfare of the Jewish people and the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls over personal gain. The verse encapsulates his deep integrity, unwavering trust in God's perfect justice, and the conviction that true reward and ultimate vindication come solely from divine recognition, not human accolades or material compensation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This prayer marks a pivotal moment in the book of Nehemiah, following a dramatic shift from external opposition to internal crisis. Chapters 1-4 detail the relentless external threats and ridicule faced by the builders of Jerusalem's walls. However, chapter 5 abruptly pivots to expose a severe internal injustice: economic exploitation among the Jewish people themselves. Nehemiah discovers that, due to famine and heavy Persian taxes, many poorer Jews had been forced to mortgage their fields, vineyards, and even sell their children into debt slavery to their wealthier Jewish brethren. Nehemiah's response is swift and decisive; he convenes a great assembly, rebukes the nobles and officials for their usurious practices, and demands the immediate restitution of all mortgaged properties and the cessation of interest-bearing loans, as powerfully recounted in [Nehemiah 5:10-12](/nehemiah/5-10 "Nehemiah's Rebuke of Usury and Call for Restitution"). In stark contrast to the greed he condemns, Nehemiah then recounts his own extraordinary selflessness as governor, refusing the customary food allowance, personally providing for many, and never acquiring land for himself. Instead, he fully dedicated his resources and energy to the rebuilding work, demonstrating unparalleled integrity and commitment, as detailed in [Nehemiah 5:14-18](/nehemiah/5-14 "Nehemiah's Selfless Governance"). His prayer in verse 19, therefore, is not a boast, but a humble appeal to God, made after demonstrating and recounting these acts of sacrificial leadership and unwavering integrity, placing his trust in God's ultimate remembrance and reward.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Nehemiah unfold during the post-exilic period, specifically in the mid-5th century BCE, under the reign of Artaxerxes I of Persia. The Jewish people had returned from Babylonian exile, but Jerusalem remained vulnerable, its walls in ruins. The economic conditions were harsh, exacerbated by agricultural challenges and the significant burden of imperial taxes levied by the Persian Empire. Usury, or lending money at exorbitant interest, was a widespread practice in the ancient Near East, often leading to severe debt and even debt slavery, which was a common form of economic oppression. While the Mosaic Law explicitly prohibited charging interest to fellow Israelites ([Exodus 22:25](/exodus/22-25 "Exodus 22:25 - Prohibition of Usury on Loans to the Poor")), this divine injunction was frequently disregarded, particularly during times of economic distress. Nehemiah's actions stand out as a powerful example of a leader who not only understood the Mosaic Law but also embodied its spirit of compassion, justice, and community welfare, actively challenging prevailing cultural norms that contradicted divine principles. His role as governor (peḥah) granted him significant authority, yet he exercised this power with remarkable humility and integrity, contrasting sharply with the typical oppressive rulers of the era.
* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 5:19 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Nehemiah and the broader biblical narrative. The theme of **Selfless Leadership and Service** is profoundly evident, as Nehemiah exemplifies a leader who consistently prioritizes God's work and the welfare of His people above personal comfort, financial gain, or even safety. This sacrificial posture resonates with later biblical teachings on humble service, as seen in [Philippians 2:3-4](/philippians/2-3 "Philippians 2:3-4 - Humility and Selflessness in Service"). The verse also powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Remembrance and Reward**, reflecting a deep theological conviction that God sees, remembers, and values every good deed done in His name and for His people. This is not a prayer to earn salvation, but a humble request for God's favor and blessing in response to faithful obedience, trusting that God is not unrighteous to forget the labor of love shown for His name ([Hebrews 6:10](/hebrews/6-10 "Hebrews 6:10 - God Remembers Your Work")). Furthermore, the prayer highlights **God's Justice and Faithfulness**, affirming that God will ultimately vindicate and bless those who serve Him with integrity, even when their efforts are unappreciated or challenged by human adversaries. Finally, it demonstrates **Humility in Prayer**, as Nehemiah, despite his monumental achievements and personal sacrifices, casts himself upon God's mercy and remembrance, seeking "good" from God rather than demanding recognition from men.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Think upon (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** This primitive root verb means "to mark (so as to be recognized)," "to remember," "to call to mind," or "to mention." In biblical usage, especially when God is the subject, `zâkar` is far more than a passive intellectual recollection; it implies an active, intentional remembrance that leads to intervention, action, or favorable consideration. When God "remembers" someone, it often signifies that He is about to act on their behalf, bringing about a promised blessing or deliverance, as seen when God remembered Noah and sent a wind to subside the floodwaters ([Genesis 8:1](/genesis/8-1 "God Remembers Noah")) or when He remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and looked upon the Israelites in Egypt ([Exodus 2:24](/exodus/2-24 "God Remembers His Covenant")). Nehemiah is not merely asking God to recall his deeds, but to actively respond favorably because of them.
* **my God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This plural noun, often used with a singular meaning for the supreme God, signifies the divine being to whom Nehemiah directs his intimate plea. The possessive pronoun "my" indicates a deep, personal relationship and profound trust between Nehemiah and the Almighty. It underscores the covenantal bond and Nehemiah's reliance on God as his personal protector, provider, and ultimate judge. This direct address highlights the spiritual intimacy that undergirds Nehemiah's leadership and his confidence in God's attentiveness to his faithful service.
* **for good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** This adjective, used here adverbially, means "for good," "for benefit," "favorably," or "for a good outcome." It specifies the nature of the remembrance Nehemiah desires from God. He is not seeking judgment or mere acknowledgment, but a positive, beneficial, and favorable divine response. This "good" could encompass continued protection, prosperity in his work, vindication, or ultimately, eternal reward. It emphasizes a desire for God's blessing and approval as the ultimate recompense for his dedicated service, contrasting sharply with the "good" (i.e., personal gain) sought by the oppressive nobles.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Think upon me, my God, for good":** This is the direct, personal, and deeply intimate plea to the Almighty. Nehemiah addresses God as "my God," indicating a profound personal relationship and unwavering trust. The request "Think upon me" (rooted in `zâkar`) is a humble yet confident petition for God to actively remember his service and respond with favorable action. The addition "for good" clarifies the desired outcome: not just passive remembrance, but a beneficial, positive divine intervention or blessing. This phrase reflects Nehemiah's understanding that ultimate validation and reward come from God alone, not from human recognition.
* **"according to all that I have done for this people":** This clause provides the basis for Nehemiah's appeal. He is not boasting, but humbly presenting his record of selfless service as a plea for divine consideration. "All that I have done" refers specifically to the actions detailed in the preceding verses of chapter 5, where he refused personal gain, provided for many, and dedicated himself entirely to the rebuilding work and the welfare of the community, even at great personal cost. His appeal is rooted in the principle that God is just and acknowledges the deeds of His faithful servants, promising to reward those who serve Him diligently and sacrificially for the benefit of His people.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 5:19 employs several literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. The most prominent device is **Prayer**, a direct and intimate address to God, which highlights Nehemiah's profound piety, personal relationship with the divine, and absolute reliance on God's favor rather than human accolades. This prayer functions as a **Personal Appeal**, where Nehemiah, despite his significant accomplishments and leadership, casts himself entirely upon God's mercy and justice. There is a strong element of **Contrast** within the broader context of Nehemiah 5; Nehemiah's selfless actions and humble prayer stand in stark opposition to the greedy, self-serving, and oppressive practices of the nobles and officials. His prayer implicitly serves as a **Vindication** of his leadership and integrity before God, recognizing that God is the ultimate judge and rewarder. The use of the verb "think upon" (Hebrew `zâkar`) carries the weight of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like memory and active consideration to God, yet conveying a profound theological truth about God's attentive and responsive nature towards His faithful servants.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah's prayer in Nehemiah 5:19 resonates deeply with the broader biblical teaching on divine remembrance and the ultimate reward for faithful service. It underscores the theological truth that God is a righteous judge who sees, values, and remembers the deeds done in His name, particularly those performed with integrity and self-sacrifice for the good of His people. This is not a transactional plea to earn salvation, but a confident appeal based on the immutable character of God, who is just and will not forget the labor of love shown by His servants. It affirms that while human recognition may be fleeting or absent, God's remembrance leads to genuine, lasting "good" and blessing. This perspective encourages believers to serve with pure motives, knowing their ultimate reward comes from the Lord, not from human praise or earthly gain.

* [Hebrews 6:10](/hebrews/6-10 "God Is Not Unjust to Forget Your Work and Love")
* [Psalm 20:3](/psalms/20-3 "May the Lord Remember All Your Offerings")
* [Matthew 6:4](/matthew/6-4 "Your Father Who Sees in Secret Will Reward You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 5:19 offers a powerful and enduring model for contemporary believers, particularly those in leadership or service roles within the church or wider community. It challenges us to critically examine our motives for ministry and service: are we seeking human applause, recognition, or personal gain, or are we genuinely seeking God's approval and remembrance? Nehemiah's unwavering integrity in the face of internal corruption and his steadfast focus on the welfare of his people, even at great personal cost, provides a compelling example of Christ-like leadership. This verse profoundly encourages us to serve faithfully, diligently, and selflessly, knowing with certainty that every act of love, compassion, and dedication, no matter how small or unseen by others, is noticed and remembered by God. It reminds us that our ultimate reward is not found in fleeting earthly recognition or material accumulation, but in the divine "good" that God graciously bestows upon those who serve Him with a pure heart. We can confidently bring our petitions before God, trusting in His justice and faithfulness to bless us according to His perfect will and our faithfulness, knowing that our labor in the Lord is never in vain.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What motivates your service to God and others? Are you primarily seeking human recognition or divine approval?**
* **In what specific areas of your life are you called to demonstrate Nehemiah's selfless leadership and integrity, especially when it comes at a personal cost or goes unappreciated by others?**
* **How does the promise of God's active remembrance and "good" encourage you to persevere in difficult or unappreciated service?**
* **How does Nehemiah's profound humility in prayer, despite his significant accomplishments, challenge and inform your own prayer life?**

### FAQ
**Is Nehemiah's prayer a form of boasting or an attempt to earn salvation?**

Answer: No, Nehemiah's prayer is neither a boast nor an attempt to earn salvation. It is a humble, confident appeal to God's justice and faithfulness, rooted in a deep, personal covenantal relationship. Nehemiah understood that salvation comes by grace, but also that God righteously rewards faithful obedience and service. His prayer is a request for God to remember his deeds "for good," implying a desire for divine favor and blessing in response to his integrity and self-sacrifice, not as a means to merit eternal life. It aligns perfectly with the biblical principle that God sees and acknowledges the work of His servants, as articulated in [Hebrews 6:10](/hebrews/6-10 "God is not unjust to forget your work and love").

**What does it mean for God to "think upon" someone in the biblical sense?**

Answer: In biblical language, when God "thinks upon" or "remembers" someone (Hebrew: `zâkar`), it signifies much more than a mere mental recollection. It implies an active, intentional, and often favorable consideration that leads directly to divine action or intervention on behalf of the one remembered. For example, when God "remembered" Noah, He acted decisively to subside the floodwaters and bring him to safety ([Genesis 8:1](/genesis/8-1 "God Remembered Noah")). Similarly, when He "remembered" His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, He acted to deliver Israel from slavery in Egypt ([Exodus 2:24](/exodus/2-24 "God Remembered His Covenant")). Thus, Nehemiah's plea is for God to actively respond to his faithful service with blessing and "good," demonstrating God's attentive and responsive nature towards His devoted servants.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah's selfless leadership and his profound trust in God's remembrance powerfully foreshadow the ultimate example of self-sacrifice and divine vindication found supremely in Jesus Christ. While Nehemiah served for the good of his people and humbly sought God's "good" in return, Christ, the true and perfect Servant, did not merely refuse personal gain; He utterly emptied Himself, taking the very form of a servant, and humbling Himself even to the point of death on a cross for the salvation of His people ([Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7 "Christ's Humiliation and Obedience")). His entire earthly life was a seamless tapestry of perfect obedience and sacrificial service, not for His own benefit, but for the glory of God the Father and the eternal redemption of humanity. The Father indeed "thought upon" Him for good, raising Him from the dead with glorious power and exalting Him to the highest place, granting Him a name above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Christ's Exaltation and Supreme Authority")). Believers are now called to follow Christ's peerless example of selfless service, not primarily seeking earthly reward or human recognition, but trusting that their labor of love in the Lord is never in vain and that their ultimate reward is secured in heaven by Christ's finished work and righteous reign ([1 Corinthians 15:58](/1_corinthians/15-58 "Your Labor in the Lord Is Not in Vain"); [Colossians 3:23-24](/colossians/3-23 "Whatever You Do, Do Heartily as for the Lord")). Nehemiah's prayer, therefore, points us to the One who perfectly fulfilled the call to serve and was perfectly remembered and gloriously rewarded by God for the good of all who believe.

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

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.