Nehemiah 9:35

KJV

For they have not served thee in their kingdom, and in thy great goodness that thou gavest them, and in the large and fat land which thou gavest before them, neither turned they from their wicked works.

KJV (with Strong's)

For they have not served {H5647} thee in their kingdom {H4438}, and in thy great {H7227} goodness {H2898} that thou gavest {H5414} them, and in the large {H7342} and fat {H8082} land {H776} which thou gavest {H5414} before {H6440} them, neither turned {H7725} they from their wicked {H7451} works {H4611}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Even when they ruled their own kingdom, even when you prospered them greatly, in the great, rich land you gave them, they did not serve you; nor did they turn from their wicked deeds.

Berean Standard Bible

For even while they were in their kingdom, with the abundant goodness that You had given them, and in the spacious and fertile land that You had set before them, they would not serve You or turn from their wicked ways.

American Standard Version

For they have not served thee in their kingdom, and in thy great goodness that thou gavest them, and in the large and fat land which thou gavest before them, neither turned they from their wicked works.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 9:35 is a poignant confession within the Levites' great prayer, lamenting Israel's profound ingratitude and persistent disobedience during the era of their established kingdom. Despite experiencing God's immense goodness and dwelling in a land overflowing with abundance—all divine provisions—the people failed to serve Him faithfully or turn from their sinful ways. This verse underscores the tragic irony of human unfaithfulness in the face of lavish divine blessing, highlighting a recurring pattern of rebellion that ultimately led to God's just judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 9:35 is situated within a lengthy, penitential prayer offered by the Levites on behalf of the returned exiles. This prayer, recorded in [Nehemiah 9](/nehemiah/9 "Nehemiah 9 - The Great Prayer of Confession"), immediately follows the joyful celebration of the Feast of Booths and the public reading of the Law in [Nehemiah 8](/nehemiah/8 "Nehemiah 8 - Reading of the Law and Feast of Booths"). The historical recounting, beginning with Abraham and tracing Israel's journey through the Exodus, wilderness, and entry into the Promised Land, serves as a backdrop to confess the nation's consistent rebellion against God's unwavering faithfulness. Verse 35 specifically focuses on the period of the monarchy and national prosperity, contrasting God's lavish provision with Israel's spiritual apathy and moral corruption, thereby setting the stage for the current generation's plea for mercy and acknowledgment of their just suffering.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prayer in Nehemiah 9 is delivered by the post-exilic community, a people who have returned to a desolate Jerusalem under Persian rule, having experienced the seventy years of Babylonian captivity. This historical review serves as a collective act of national repentance, acknowledging that their current subjugation is a direct consequence of their ancestors'—and their own—persistent covenant breaking. Verse 35 specifically references the period of Israel's independent kingdom, from the time of David and Solomon through the divided monarchy, when they enjoyed national sovereignty, a temple, and the blessings of the "large and fat land." Culturally, this era was marked by both periods of revival and profound apostasy, often involving syncretism with pagan practices and social injustice, despite the clear covenant stipulations given through Moses, as highlighted in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). The Levites' prayer implicitly contrasts the past glory and divine favor with the present humble circumstances, recognizing that the nation's spiritual failure, not God's lack of provision, was the root cause of their downfall.
* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 9:35 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Nehemiah and the broader Old Testament narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Goodness and Provision**, emphasizing God's boundless generosity in bestowing a "great goodness" and a "large and fat land" upon Israel, fulfilling His promises to their forefathers, as seen in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - Promise of Land to Abram"). This is starkly contrasted with the theme of **Human Unfaithfulness and Ingratitude**, as the people "have not served thee" and "neither turned they from their wicked works," demonstrating a profound failure to respond to God's grace with obedience and devotion. The verse also highlights the theme of **Persistent Rebellion and Lack of Repentance**, a recurring motif throughout Israel's history, from the wilderness wanderings (e.g., [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - Israel's Rebellion at Kadesh Barnea")) to the prophetic warnings (e.g., [Jeremiah 7](/jeremiah/7 "Jeremiah 7 - Jeremiah's Temple Sermon")). Finally, it implicitly points to the theme of **Consequences of Disobedience**, as the historical pattern of unfaithfulness directly led to the exile and their current state of servitude, a fulfillment of the covenant curses outlined in passages like [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Served (Hebrew, _‘avad'_):** This verb carries a rich semantic range, encompassing not only "to serve" in the sense of labor or work, but also "to worship," "to obey," and "to be a slave to." In the context of the covenant, it signifies a holistic devotion and obedience to God, acknowledging Him as sovereign Lord. The Levites' confession that Israel "have not served thee" indicates a profound failure in their covenantal responsibilities, encompassing both ritualistic worship and ethical living, despite the blessings bestowed upon them.
* **Goodness (Hebrew, _tovah'_):** This word denotes benefit, prosperity, welfare, or blessing. When applied to God, it speaks of His benevolent nature and the positive, beneficial things He bestows upon His people. The phrase "thy great goodness" emphasizes the lavish and abundant nature of God's provision and favor, highlighting the utter lack of excuse for Israel's disobedience. It refers to the totality of God's gracious dealings with them, beyond just material blessings.
* **Large and fat land (Hebrew, _’eretz shmenah'_):** This is a vivid, almost hyperbolic, description of the Promised Land's extraordinary fertility and abundance. "Fat" (שְׁמֵנָה, _shmenah_) implies richness, oiliness, and prosperity, suggesting a land overflowing with agricultural bounty. This phrase underscores the immense material blessings God provided, making the people's ingratitude and failure to serve Him even more egregious. It paints a picture of a land that could easily sustain its inhabitants and allow them to flourish, a direct fulfillment of God's promises of a "land flowing with milk and honey," as seen in [Exodus 3:8](/exodus/3-8 "Exodus 3:8 - God's Promise of the Land").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For they have not served thee in their kingdom,"**: This clause begins the indictment, directly stating Israel's fundamental failure. Despite being established as a sovereign nation ("their kingdom") with all the associated blessings and responsibilities, they failed to render faithful service and obedience to God, the true King who granted them their kingdom. This points to a spiritual apathy and rebellion at the very core of their national identity during their most prosperous period.
* **"and in thy great goodness that thou gavest them,"**: This phrase emphasizes the context of God's lavish generosity. Israel's failure to serve was not due to God's neglect or stinginess, but occurred *in the midst of* His abundant blessings. The "great goodness" encompasses all the benefits, provisions, and mercies God extended to them, making their ingratitude all the more stark.
* **"and in the large and fat land which thou gavest before them,"**: This further specifies the nature of God's provision, highlighting the physical abundance of the Promised Land. The land was not merely given but was "large and fat," signifying extraordinary fertility and resources. This reiterates that Israel's disobedience was not a response to hardship or scarcity but a willful rejection of God's covenant in a context of unparalleled prosperity.
* **"neither turned they from their wicked works."**: This final clause identifies the core issue: a lack of genuine repentance. Despite God's goodness and the consequences of their actions, Israel persistently refused to "turn" (שׁוּב, _shuv_ – to repent, to return) from their sinful practices. This stubbornness in their "wicked works" (referring to idolatry, injustice, and other covenant violations) reveals a deep-seated spiritual rebellion that ultimately led to their downfall.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 9:35 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of lament and confession. The most prominent is **Contrast**, which is central to the entire prayer. The verse starkly contrasts God's boundless "great goodness" and the "large and fat land" He provided with Israel's abject failure to "serve" Him or "turn from their wicked works." This juxtaposition highlights the profound ingratitude and inexcusable nature of Israel's rebellion. There is also a strong element of **Irony** present: the very blessings intended to draw Israel closer to God and enable their service became the context for their deepest spiritual decline. The phrase "in their kingdom" also carries a subtle **Metonymy**, where "kingdom" stands for the entire period of national sovereignty and prosperity, emphasizing the opportunities they squandered. The cumulative effect of these devices is to underscore the depth of Israel's sin and the righteousness of God's judgment, while simultaneously setting the stage for the current generation's humble plea for mercy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 9:35 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of God, humanity, and covenant. It affirms God's unwavering faithfulness and generosity, even in the face of human rebellion. God's "goodness" and the gift of the "large and fat land" are expressions of His covenantal commitment, demonstrating His desire to bless His people. However, the verse simultaneously exposes the tragic reality of human sin: a stubborn heart that resists obedience and repentance, even when surrounded by divine favor. This highlights the theological truth that material blessings, while from God, do not inherently lead to spiritual transformation; rather, they can be taken for granted or even fuel greater self-reliance and forgetfulness of the Giver. The verse underscores the consistent biblical theme that true service to God involves not just ritual, but a holistic turning from sin and active obedience, a lesson echoed throughout the prophets and the New Testament.

* [Deuteronomy 32:15](/deuteronomy/32-15 "Deuteronomy 32:15 - Jeshurun Grew Fat and Kicked")
* [Isaiah 1:2-4](/isaiah/1-2-4 "Isaiah 1:2-4 - Israel's Rebellion and God's Complaint")
* [Romans 2:4](/romans/2-4 "Romans 2:4 - God's Kindness Leads to Repentance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 9:35 offers a sobering mirror for contemporary believers. It challenges us to examine our own lives, particularly in seasons of blessing and prosperity. Are we, like ancient Israel, prone to taking God's "great goodness" for granted? Do the resources, opportunities, and comforts He provides lead us to deeper service and gratitude, or do they foster complacency and a turning away from His "wicked works"? This verse reminds us that true spiritual health is not measured by external circumstances or material abundance, but by the posture of our hearts—our willingness to serve God faithfully and to genuinely repent from sin. It calls us to cultivate an active, intentional gratitude that translates into obedient living, recognizing that every good gift comes from above. Our response to God's grace should be one of humble submission and heartfelt devotion, rather than the tragic ingratitude that plagued Israel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be taking God's "great goodness" in my life for granted?**
* **How does my current level of comfort or prosperity influence my spiritual discipline and service to God?**
* **What "wicked works" or sinful patterns in my life do I need to genuinely "turn" from, even in the midst of God's blessings?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart of deeper gratitude and more consistent service to God, regardless of my circumstances?**

### FAQ
**What does "large and fat land" specifically mean, and why is it significant?**

Answer: The phrase "large and fat land" (Hebrew: אֶרֶץ שְׁמֵנָה, _’eretz shmenah_) is a vivid descriptor emphasizing the extraordinary fertility, richness, and abundance of the Promised Land. "Fat" here implies not just size, but a land overflowing with agricultural bounty, fertile soil, and rich resources, capable of sustaining and blessing its inhabitants. Its significance lies in highlighting the immense generosity of God's provision to Israel. It underscores that Israel's failure to serve God was not due to any lack on God's part or a difficult environment, but rather a willful ingratitude and disobedience in the face of lavish divine blessing. This makes their sin even more inexcusable, as they had every reason to be faithful, as described in [Deuteronomy 8:7-9](/deuteronomy/8-7 "Deuteronomy 8:7-9 - Description of the Promised Land").

**How does this verse relate to the concept of repentance in the Old Testament?**

Answer: Nehemiah 9:35 directly addresses the concept of repentance through the phrase "neither turned they from their wicked works." The Hebrew word for "turned" (שׁוּב, _shuv_) is a foundational term for repentance in the Old Testament, meaning to turn around, to return, or to go back. In a spiritual sense, it signifies a decisive turning away from sin and a turning back to God. The verse laments Israel's failure to do this, indicating a stubbornness and unwillingness to change their ways despite experiencing both God's goodness and the consequences of their actions. This highlights that true repentance involves not just regret for sin, but a fundamental change of direction and a renewed commitment to obedience, a theme consistently preached by prophets like [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/7 "Jeremiah 7 - The Temple Sermon") and [Ezekiel](/ezekiel/18 "Ezekiel 18 - Individual Responsibility and Repentance").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 9:35, with its lament over Israel's failure to serve God and turn from their wicked works despite His "great goodness" and abundant provision, powerfully foreshadows the need for a new covenant and a perfect Servant. Israel, given every advantage in their "kingdom" and "large and fat land," repeatedly proved incapable of covenant faithfulness due to the sinfulness of the human heart, as seen throughout the Old Testament narrative. This persistent failure underscores the biblical truth that human effort alone cannot achieve the righteousness God demands. It points forward to Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the role of the obedient Servant, doing what Israel could not. Where Israel failed to "serve" God, Jesus perfectly served Him, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Where Israel failed to "turn from their wicked works," Jesus was without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest")). His perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice establish the new covenant, not based on human works, but on God's grace, enabling a true turning (repentance) and genuine service through the indwelling Holy Spirit ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant") and [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")). Thus, Israel's failure in Nehemiah 9:35 ultimately magnifies the necessity and glory of Christ's perfect work, which alone provides the means for humanity to truly serve God and turn from sin.

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

Deuteronomy 28:47

Because thou servedst not the LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all [things];

Deuteronomy 32:12

[So] the LORD alone did lead him, and [there was] no strange god with him.

Deuteronomy 32:15

¶ But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered [with fatness]; then he forsook God [which] made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.

Jeremiah 5:19

And it shall come to pass, when ye shall say, Wherefore doeth the LORD our God all these [things] unto us? then shalt thou answer them, Like as ye have forsaken me, and served strange gods in your land, so shall ye serve strangers in a land [that is] not yours.

Deuteronomy 31:21

And it shall come to pass, when many evils and troubles are befallen them, that this song shall testify against them as a witness; for it shall not be forgotten out of the mouths of their seed: for I know their imagination which they go about, even now, before I have brought them into the land which I sware.

Nehemiah 9:25

And they took strong cities, and a fat land, and possessed houses full of all goods, wells digged, vineyards, and oliveyards, and fruit trees in abundance: so they did eat, and were filled, and became fat, and delighted themselves in thy great goodness.

Deuteronomy 8:7

For the LORD thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills;