Nehemiah 5:19

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.

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

  • Selfless Service: Nehemiah's life was marked by dedication to God's people and His work, not personal gain. His actions set a powerful example of leadership driven by compassion and integrity.
  • Divine Remembrance and Reward: Nehemiah trusts that God sees and remembers 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. The concept of God "remembering" (Hebrew: zakhar) often implies active consideration leading to intervention or blessing.
  • God's Justice and Faithfulness: The prayer reflects a deep conviction that God is just and will not forget the labor of those who serve Him faithfully. It echoes the sentiment found in Hebrews 6:10, "For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister."
  • Humility in Prayer: Despite his significant achievements and sacrifices, Nehemiah casts himself upon God's mercy and remembrance, seeking "good" (Hebrew: l'tovah, meaning for good, for benefit, favorably) from God.

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:

  1. Service is Seen: It reminds us that no act of faithful service, particularly selfless acts done for others and God's kingdom, goes unnoticed by God. Our labor in the Lord is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
  2. Pray for God's Favor: We can boldly bring our petitions before God, asking Him to remember our efforts and bless us "for good" according to His will and our faithfulness.
  3. Integrity in Leadership: Nehemiah's example challenges all leaders, whether in the church, community, or home, to prioritize the welfare of those they lead over personal gain. True leadership involves sacrifice.
  4. Motivation for Ministry: Our ultimate reward comes from God, not from human praise or recognition. Serving with a heart focused on God's approval fosters genuine humility and perseverance.

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.

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.
  • 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.

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