Nehemiah 9:22

Moreover thou gavest them kingdoms and nations, and didst divide them into corners: so they possessed the land of Sihon, and the land of the king of Heshbon, and the land of Og king of Bashan.

Moreover thou gavest {H5414} them kingdoms {H4467} and nations {H5971}, and didst divide {H2505} them into corners {H6285}: so they possessed {H3423} the land {H776} of Sihon {H5511}, and the land {H776} of the king {H4428} of Heshbon {H2809}, and the land {H776} of Og {H5747} king {H4428} of Bashan {H1316}.

"'You gave them kingdoms and peoples; you even gave them extra land, so that they took possession of the land of Sichon, also the land of the king of Heshbon and the land of 'Og king of Bashan.

You gave them kingdoms and peoples and allotted to them every corner of the land. So they took the land of Sihon king of Heshbon and of Og king of Bashan.

Moreover thou gavest them kingdoms and peoples, which thou didst allot after their portions: so they possessed the land of Sihon, even the land of the king of Heshbon, and the land of Og king of Bashan.

Commentary

Nehemiah 9:22 is part of a profound prayer offered by the Levites during a time of national repentance and renewal after the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. This verse specifically recalls God's unwavering faithfulness and powerful provision for the Israelites as they journeyed from Egypt and began to inherit the Promised Land.

Context

The entire chapter of Nehemiah 9 is a historical recap, a confession of Israel's past failures, and a celebration of God's enduring mercy. The Levites are leading the people in remembering God's mighty acts from the Exodus through the wilderness and into the conquest of Canaan. Verse 22 focuses on God's active role in dispossessing the inhabitants of the land to make way for Israel, demonstrating His covenant promises. It follows verses that detail God's provision in the wilderness, such as giving them manna and water, and preserving their clothing and feet.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision and Sovereignty: This verse underscores that the land and the victories were not achieved by Israel's might but were a direct gift from God. He "gavest them kingdoms and nations" and "didst divide them by lot," highlighting His supreme control over history and geography.
  • Fulfillment of Promise: The mention of Sihon and Og specifically points to key victories (as detailed in Numbers 21 and Deuteronomy 3) that began the process of possessing the land east of the Jordan, a crucial step towards the full inheritance promised to Abraham (Genesis 15:18).
  • God's Faithfulness Amidst Unfaithfulness: While the broader prayer acknowledges Israel's rebellion, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's steadfast faithfulness to His covenant, even when His people were rebellious.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "didst divide them by lot" (Hebrew: b'goral) refers to the ancient practice of using lots (like casting dice) to determine portions or decisions, believed to be guided by God's will. This method was later used extensively by Joshua to distribute the land of Canaan among the tribes, reinforcing the idea that their inheritance was divinely appointed, not a result of human strategy alone.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 9:22 encourages believers today to remember God's past faithfulness. Just as God provided for Israel and led them into their inheritance, He is faithful to His promises in our lives. This verse reminds us that:

  • God is the Source of Our Blessings: Our successes and possessions ultimately come from His hand.
  • We Can Trust His Sovereignty: Even in challenging circumstances, God is in control and works according to His plan.
  • Gratitude and Remembrance are Key: Regularly recalling God's past goodness strengthens our faith and fosters a spirit of gratitude, much like the Levites' prayer.

This historical recounting serves as a foundation for future trust, reminding us that the God who delivered Israel is the same God who provides for us.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 21:21

    ¶ And Israel sent messengers unto Sihon king of the Amorites, saying,

  • Numbers 21:35

    So they smote him, and his sons, and all his people, until there was none left him alive: and they possessed his land.

  • Psalms 136:17

    To him which smote great kings: for his mercy [endureth] for ever:

  • Psalms 136:22

    [Even] an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

  • Psalms 78:65

    Then the Lord awaked as one out of sleep, [and] like a mighty man that shouteth by reason of wine.

  • Deuteronomy 2:26

    And I sent messengers out of the wilderness of Kedemoth unto Sihon king of Heshbon with words of peace, saying,

  • Deuteronomy 2:36

    From Aroer, which [is] by the brink of the river of Arnon, and [from] the city that [is] by the river, even unto Gilead, there was not one city too strong for us: the LORD our God delivered all unto us:
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