Nehemiah 9:27

KJV

Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who vexed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee, thou heardest [them] from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore thou deliveredst {H5414} them into the hand {H3027} of their enemies {H6862}, who vexed {H6887} them: and in the time {H6256} of their trouble {H6869}, when they cried {H6817} unto thee, thou heardest {H8085} them from heaven {H8064}; and according to thy manifold {H7227} mercies {H7356} thou gavest {H5414} them saviours {H3467}, who saved {H3467} them out of the hand {H3027} of their enemies {H6862}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So you handed them over to the power of their adversaries, who oppressed them. Yet in the time of their trouble, when they cried out to you, you heard from heaven, and in keeping with your great compassion, you gave them saviors to save them from the power of their adversaries.

Berean Standard Bible

So You delivered them into the hands of enemies who oppressed them, and in their time of distress they cried out to You. From heaven You heard them, and in Your great compassion You gave them deliverers who saved them from the hands of their enemies.

American Standard Version

Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their adversaries, who distressed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee, thou heardest from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them saviours who saved them out of the hand of their adversaries.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 9:27, embedded within a sweeping prayer of national confession and historical review, encapsulates a profound theological truth about God's interaction with His covenant people, Israel. It vividly portrays a recurring cycle: Israel's rebellion leading to divine discipline through oppressive enemies, their subsequent cry for help in distress, and God's unfailing response of mercy by raising up deliverers. This verse underscores God's perfect balance of justice and boundless compassion, revealing His consistent faithfulness even in the face of His people's repeated unfaithfulness, demonstrating His sovereign hand in both judgment and salvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 9:27 is a pivotal verse within the Levites' extensive prayer of confession and historical recount, which spans the entire ninth chapter of Nehemiah. This prayer immediately follows the public reading of the Law and the celebration of the Feast of Booths (Sukkot), events that brought a profound sense of conviction and repentance among the returned exiles in Jerusalem. The prayer systematically reviews God's faithfulness from creation and the call of Abraham, through the Exodus, the wilderness wanderings, the giving of the Law, the conquest of Canaan, and crucially, the period of the Judges, which is the direct historical backdrop for verse 27. The verse serves as a concise summary of the cyclical pattern of sin, suffering, repentance, and deliverance that characterized Israel's experience during that era, setting the stage for the subsequent acknowledgment of their continued disobedience leading to the Babylonian exile.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prayer in Nehemiah 9 is offered in the post-exilic period, likely around 444 BC, after the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls under Nehemiah's leadership. The people, having returned from Babylonian captivity, are reflecting on their national history, acknowledging their ancestral sins that led to the exile. Culturally, this was a moment of profound spiritual renewal and covenant reaffirmation. The "saviours" mentioned in verse 27 directly refer to the Judges whom God raised up during the period chronicled in the Book of Judges (roughly 1375-1050 BC). This era was characterized by a lack of central leadership ("everyone did what was right in his own eyes" - [Judges 17:6](/judges/17-6 "Judges 17:6 - Everyone Did What Was Right")), leading to repeated cycles of apostasy, foreign oppression, and God's merciful intervention through charismatic leaders like Deborah, Gideon, and Samson. The prayer's recounting of this history serves as a cautionary tale and a reminder of God's enduring covenant faithfulness despite Israel's consistent failures.
* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 9:27 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Nehemiah and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Justice and Discipline**, where God, in His righteousness, allows His people to experience the consequences of their rebellion, often through the hand of foreign oppressors. This is not arbitrary punishment but a disciplinary measure designed to bring about repentance and restoration, as seen in the phrase "Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who vexed them." Secondly, the verse magnifies **God's Unfailing Mercy and Compassion**, emphasizing that even in their deepest distress, when Israel cried out, God heard them and responded "according to thy manifold mercies." This showcases God's covenant loyalty (hesed) that transcends human unfaithfulness, a theme echoed throughout Scripture, such as in [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's Great Faithfulness"). Finally, it underscores **God as the Ultimate Deliverer and Savior**, who actively intervenes in human history by raising up "saviours" (Judges) to rescue His people, demonstrating His sovereign power and unwavering commitment to His promises, a pattern seen repeatedly in [the book of Judges](/judges/2 "Judges 2 - The Cycle of the Judges").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Manifold (Hebrew, _rabbot'_):** This word, often translated as "great," "numerous," or "abundant," modifies "mercies" (rachamim). It conveys a sense of immeasurable quantity and diversity. God's mercies are not merely sufficient but are exceedingly abundant, diverse in their expression, and inexhaustible, particularly in the face of persistent human sin. It implies a vast reservoir of compassion that God draws upon.
* **Mercies (Hebrew, _rachamim'_):** This term denotes deep, tender compassion, often associated with a mother's womb or visceral affection. It speaks of a profound, gut-level pity and empathy. When combined with "manifold," it paints a picture of God's compassion as not just intellectual or volitional, but as a deep, heartfelt, and overflowing attribute of His very being, prompting Him to act on behalf of His distressed people.
* **Saviours (Hebrew, _moshi'im'_):** This plural noun literally means "deliverers" or "rescuers." In the context of Nehemiah 9:27, it specifically refers to the Judges whom God raised up during the period of Israel's history before the monarchy. These individuals were divinely appointed and empowered to deliver Israel from foreign oppression. The use of this term emphasizes that salvation, even in a temporal, physical sense, originates from God and is accomplished through His chosen instruments.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who vexed them:"** This clause highlights God's judicial action. The "therefore" points to the preceding narrative of Israel's rebellion and disobedience. God, in His justice, allowed the natural consequences of their apostasy to unfold, lifting His protective hand and permitting foreign nations to oppress and distress His people. This was not an act of abandonment but a disciplinary measure, designed to bring them to a point of repentance and recognition of their dependence on Him. The enemies "vexed" them, causing severe distress and affliction.
* **"and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee, thou heardest [them] from heaven;"** This segment reveals God's responsiveness to His people's plight. Despite their previous unfaithfulness, when Israel reached a point of desperation and cried out to God in their affliction, He, from His heavenly throne, heard their pleas. This demonstrates God's attentiveness and His readiness to respond to a repentant heart, even when that repentance is born out of duress. It underscores His compassionate nature and His covenant promise to hear His people.
* **"and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies."** This final clause emphasizes God's abundant grace and active intervention. His response was not merely hearing, but acting, and His action was rooted in His "manifold mercies"—His vast and tender compassion. He did not directly intervene with a visible hand but raised up specific individuals, the "saviours" (Judges), to deliver His people from the very enemies He had allowed to oppress them. This highlights God's sovereign control over history and His commitment to providing rescue when His people turn back to Him.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 9:27 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Repetition** (or **Cyclical Narrative**), which is inherent in the very pattern described: sin leads to oppression, oppression leads to crying out, crying out leads to deliverance, which often leads back to sin. This cyclical structure, pervasive throughout the book of Judges, is concisely summarized in this single verse, emphasizing a recurring historical and theological truth. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** between Israel's consistent unfaithfulness and God's unwavering faithfulness. While Israel repeatedly rebels, God's character remains steadfastly just in discipline and infinitely merciful in deliverance. Furthermore, the phrase "manifold mercies" functions as a powerful **Hyperbole** or **Intensification**, underscoring the immeasurable depth and breadth of God's compassion, which far exceeds human expectation or deserving. The portrayal of God hearing "from heaven" also uses **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like action (hearing) to God, making His divine attentiveness relatable and immediate.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 9:27 profoundly illustrates the tension and harmony between God's justice and His mercy, a foundational theological concept throughout Scripture. It reveals that God's discipline is not punitive abandonment but a loving, pedagogical act designed to bring His people to repentance and reliance on Him. His willingness to "deliver them into the hand of their enemies" underscores His sovereignty over all nations and His use of even hostile forces to achieve His redemptive purposes. Yet, His "manifold mercies" triumph, demonstrating that His compassion is the ultimate driving force behind His interaction with humanity. This verse beautifully encapsulates the covenant relationship: even when Israel breaks the covenant, God's faithfulness (hesed) remains, prompting Him to act as Deliverer when His people humbly seek Him. This pattern foreshadows the ultimate need for a perfect Deliverer who would break the cycle of sin permanently.

* [Judges 2:16](/judges/2-16 "Judges 2:16 - God raised up judges")
* [Psalm 106:44-45](/psalm/106-44 "Psalm 106:44-45 - God's compassion and remembrance of His covenant")
* [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 9:27 offers timeless encouragement and sober warning for believers today. It reminds us that our God is both just and merciful, and His character remains consistent. When we, like Israel, stray from His path, we may experience the natural, and sometimes divinely permitted, consequences of our choices, feeling "vexed" by various troubles. These difficulties are not necessarily signs of God's abandonment but can be His loving discipline, designed to draw us back into humble dependence. The profound hope in this verse lies in God's immediate and compassionate response when we, in our trouble, genuinely "cry unto Him." He hears from heaven and, "according to His manifold mercies," provides deliverance. This deliverance may not always be a dramatic rescue from external circumstances, but often comes through renewed strength, wisdom, the counsel of others, or a profound shift in perspective. Our responsibility is to recognize our need, confess our failings, and cry out to the God whose mercies are indeed manifold and new every morning.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might God be allowing me to experience the consequences of my own choices or societal brokenness, and how can I discern His disciplinary hand?**
* **How quickly do I turn to God in prayer when I am in "trouble," or do I first try to solve things on my own?**
* **How have I experienced God's "manifold mercies" in my own life, particularly when I felt undeserving?**
* **Who or what are the "saviours" God might be raising up in my life or community today to bring deliverance or help?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "saviours" mentioned in Nehemiah 9:27?**

Answer: The "saviours" (Hebrew: *moshi'im*) mentioned in Nehemiah 9:27 specifically refer to the Judges whom God raised up during a particular period of Israel's history, as chronicled in the biblical Book of Judges. These individuals, such as Othniel, Ehud, Deborah, Gideon, Jephthah, and Samson, were divinely appointed and empowered leaders who delivered Israel from foreign oppressors when the people cried out to God in their distress. They were not kings or prophets in the traditional sense, but charismatic figures who served as temporary military and spiritual deliverers. The verse emphasizes that these deliverers were given by God, highlighting His active involvement in the lives of His people and His commitment to their rescue.

**Why did God "deliver" His people into the hands of their enemies? Was this a punishment?**

Answer: The phrase "thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies" indicates God's sovereign permission and active involvement in the consequences of Israel's actions. It was not arbitrary punishment but a form of divine discipline. Throughout the Old Testament, particularly in the [book of Judges](/judges/2 "Judges 2 - The Cycle of Apostasy and Deliverance"), Israel repeatedly turned away from God to worship idols and engage in unrighteousness. As a result, God would lift His protective hand, allowing foreign nations to oppress them. This oppression served as a painful consequence designed to bring Israel to repentance, to humble them, and to remind them of their covenant with God and their dependence on Him. It was a disciplinary measure aimed at restoration, not ultimate destruction, demonstrating God's justice intertwined with His desire for His people's return.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 9:27, with its portrayal of God raising up "saviours" in response to Israel's cries, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Judges of the Old Testament were temporary, flawed deliverers who could only offer physical, temporal salvation from external enemies, and the cycle of sin and oppression would inevitably repeat. However, Jesus is the definitive and eternal "Saviour" (Greek: *Soter*), the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Where the Old Testament saviours delivered Israel from physical bondage, Christ delivers humanity from the spiritual bondage of sin and death, which is the root cause of all human vexation and trouble. His sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate expression of God's "manifold mercies," a once-for-all act of grace that broke the cycle of sin, suffering, and temporary deliverance. When we, in our spiritual distress, "cry out" to God through faith in Christ, He hears us not merely from heaven, but through the perfect intercession of His Son, who has already secured our eternal salvation and continues to deliver us from the power of sin and darkness, leading us into His glorious kingdom, as promised in [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness to Light").

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

Psalms 106:41

And he gave them into the hand of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them.

Psalms 106:45

And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.

Daniel 9:10

Neither have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets.

Daniel 9:14

Therefore hath the LORD watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for the LORD our God [is] righteous in all his works which he doeth: for we obeyed not his voice.

2 Kings 14:27

And the LORD said not that he would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven: but he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of Joash.

2 Kings 13:5

(And the LORD gave Israel a saviour, so that they went out from under the hand of the Syrians: and the children of Israel dwelt in their tents, as beforetime.

Judges 2:18

And when the LORD raised them up judges, then the LORD was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented the LORD because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them.