Nehemiah 9:37

KJV

And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we [are] in great distress.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it yieldeth much {H7235} increase {H8393} unto the kings {H4428} whom thou hast set {H5414} over us because of our sins {H2403}: also they have dominion {H4910} over our bodies {H1472}, and over our cattle {H929}, at their pleasure {H7522}, and we are in great {H1419} distress {H6869}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Its rich yield now goes to the kings you have set over us because of our sins; they have power over our bodies, they can do what they please to our livestock, and we are in great distress!

Berean Standard Bible

Its abundant harvest goes to the kings You have set over us because of our sins. And they rule over our bodies and our livestock as they please. We are in great distress.

American Standard Version

And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have power over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 9:37 serves as the climactic confession within a lengthy prayer of repentance, articulating the profound distress and continued subjugation of the returned Jewish exiles under foreign Persian rule. They humbly attribute their heavy burden of taxation, forced labor, and loss of autonomy to their national sins, acknowledging these hardships as divine discipline. This verse underscores the people's recognition of God's sovereign hand even in their suffering, culminating in a desperate plea for His mercy and deliverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 9:37 concludes a monumental prayer of confession and historical recounting led by the Levites during a solemn assembly. This prayer, initiated after the public reading of the Law and the celebration of the Feast of Booths (Nehemiah 8), serves as the spiritual climax of the people's recommitment to God. The chapter systematically reviews God's unwavering faithfulness from creation through the Exodus, wilderness wanderings, the period of the judges, and the monarchy, juxtaposing it with Israel's persistent rebellion and idolatry. Each historical segment often ends with a lament over Israel's sin and God's enduring patience. Verse 37, therefore, is not an isolated complaint but the culmination of this historical confession, bringing the narrative of sin and consequence directly into their present reality of post-exilic servitude, despite their physical return to the land. It sets the stage for the covenant renewal and the people's commitment to obey God's Law in [Nehemiah 10](/nehemiah/10 "Nehemiah 10 - The Covenant Sealed").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Nehemiah take place during the Persian Achaemenid Empire's dominion over Judah, approximately in the mid-5th century BCE. While the Persians had allowed the exiles to return and rebuild the temple and walls, Judah was not an independent nation. It was a satrapy (province) within the vast Persian Empire, subject to its laws, administration, and, crucially, its taxation. The phrase "kings whom thou hast set over us" acknowledges the Persian rulers (Artaxerxes I, in this case) as divinely appointed instruments of God's will, even in their oppressive capacity. The "much increase" refers to the heavy tribute and taxes levied on agricultural produce, a significant burden on an agrarian society. "Dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure" speaks to various forms of forced labor, military conscription, and the arbitrary seizure of resources, which stripped the people of their personal and economic freedom, reducing them to a state akin to servitude within their own land. This economic and personal subjugation was a stark reminder of the curses for disobedience outlined in the Mosaic Covenant, such as those found in [Deuteronomy 28:47-48](/deuteronomy/28-47-48 "Deuteronomy 28:47-48 - Consequences of Disobedience").
* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 9:37 powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Nehemiah and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Consequences of Disobedience**, directly linking the nation's "sins" to their ongoing suffering and subjugation. This serves as a stark reminder that sin has tangible repercussions, even for a people returned from exile. Secondly, the verse underscores **Divine Sovereignty in Judgment**, as the Levites confess that the foreign kings are those "whom thou hast set over us." This demonstrates a profound theological understanding that God remains in control of history, using even pagan empires as instruments of His righteous discipline, a concept echoed in prophetic books like [Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5-6 "Isaiah 10:5-6 - Assyria as God's Instrument"). Thirdly, it vividly portrays the **Burden of Oppression and Distress**, detailing the economic exploitation through heavy taxation ("much increase") and the loss of personal liberty ("dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle"). This paints a picture of profound hardship and vulnerability. Finally, the concluding phrase, "we are in great distress," conveys a deep sense of **Lament and Humility**, acknowledging their desperate situation and implicitly appealing to God's mercy, a common posture in Israel's prayers of repentance, as seen in [Psalm 44:23-26](/psalms/44-23-26 "Psalm 44:23-26 - A Plea for Deliverance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **increase (Hebrew, _tᵉbûwʼâh_):** This term (H8393) specifically refers to the "produce," "yield," or "fruit" of the land, particularly agricultural harvest. Its use here emphasizes that the heavy taxation imposed by the Persian kings was primarily on the very sustenance of the people – their crops and livestock. This signifies not just a monetary tribute, but a direct appropriation of their livelihood, leaving them with little for themselves and contributing to their "great distress."
* **dominion (Hebrew, _mâshal_):** Derived from the primitive root (H4910) meaning "to rule" or "to govern," this word denotes "rule," "dominion," or "authority." In this context, it highlights the absolute and arbitrary power wielded by the foreign kings. It's not merely about taxation but about the complete control over the people's lives, their physical bodies (implying forced labor or conscription), and their possessions (cattle being a significant form of wealth), exercised "at their pleasure," indicating a lack of rights or recourse for the subjugated people.
* **distress (Hebrew, _tsârâh_):** This word (H6869) is a strong and frequently used term in the Old Testament, signifying "tightness" figuratively, hence "trouble," "adversity," "affliction," or "anguish." It conveys a deep, pervasive suffering, both physical and emotional. The addition of "great" (H1419, _gâdôwl_) intensifies the meaning, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of their hardship. It is a cry of profound anguish, reflecting the cumulative effect of their subjugation and the weight of their national sins.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins:"** This opening clause immediately establishes the core grievance: the land, which should provide for God's people, is instead producing "much increase" (heavy tribute and taxes) for foreign rulers. Crucially, the Levites acknowledge that these kings are not merely random oppressors but are those "whom thou hast set over us," recognizing God's sovereign hand in their predicament. The most profound admission follows: this suffering is "because of our sins." This is a direct, humble confession that their current state of subjugation is a righteous consequence of generations of national disobedience and rebellion against God's covenant.
* **"also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure,"** This part elaborates on the nature of their oppression, moving beyond mere taxation to a comprehensive loss of freedom and ownership. "Dominion over our bodies" suggests forced labor, conscription into foreign armies, or even the threat of enslavement. "Over our cattle" signifies the seizure of their livestock, a vital economic asset and source of food. The phrase "at their pleasure" underscores the arbitrary and absolute nature of this foreign rule; the people have no rights or protections, subject entirely to the whims of their overlords, highlighting their utter helplessness and vulnerability.
* **"and we [are] in great distress."** This concluding phrase serves as a poignant summary of their collective experience. It is a heartfelt cry of anguish, expressing the deep physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering endured by the community. It encapsulates the cumulative weight of their economic hardship, loss of liberty, and the constant threat of arbitrary power. This "great distress" is not merely a complaint but a lament born of their recognition of their sin and their desperate need for God's merciful intervention.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 9:37 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Confession**, as the verse is a direct admission of guilt, explicitly stating that their suffering is "because of our sins." This confession is integral to the larger prayer of repentance in Nehemiah 9. Closely related is **Lament**, as the verse expresses deep sorrow, distress, and a plea for divine attention to their suffering. The vivid description of their subjugation ("dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle") functions as a form of **Pathos**, appealing to the listener's emotions and emphasizing the severity of their plight. Furthermore, the phrase "whom thou hast set over us" demonstrates **Theological Interpretation of History**, where the people understand their current political reality not as random misfortune but as an intentional act of divine sovereignty and judgment, aligning with the Deuteronomic curses and prophetic warnings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 9:37 profoundly articulates the biblical principle of divine justice and the consequences of sin, particularly within a covenantal framework. It reveals that God's people are not exempt from the repercussions of disobedience, even when they have returned to the promised land. The suffering under foreign kings is not arbitrary but a direct result of their "sins," demonstrating God's faithfulness to His warnings and His commitment to holiness. Yet, within this confession of judgment, there is an implicit appeal to God's mercy, a recognition that only He, who "set over us" these kings, can ultimately deliver them from their "great distress." This dynamic highlights the tension between God's righteous judgment and His compassionate desire for His people's repentance and restoration, a theme central to the Old Testament prophetic tradition.

* [Deuteronomy 28:47-48](/deuteronomy/28-47-48 "Deuteronomy 28:47-48 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Lamentations 5:1-5](/lamentations/5-1-5 "Lamentations 5:1-5 - A Prayer for Restoration")
* [Daniel 9:7-11](/daniel/9-7-11 "Daniel 9:7-11 - Daniel's Prayer of Confession")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 9:37 offers a timeless mirror for believers today, prompting us to examine the relationship between our choices and our circumstances, and to cultivate a posture of humility and dependence on God. While we live under the New Covenant of grace, the principle that sin has consequences remains relevant. This verse challenges us to consider areas in our lives where disobedience might be contributing to spiritual or even practical "distress," inviting us to a posture of honest confession. It also reminds us that God is sovereign even over the difficult and oppressive circumstances we may face, using them not always as punishment, but sometimes as a means of refining, drawing us closer to Him, or accomplishing His broader purposes. Like the exiles, our response to hardship should be not just lament, but a humble turning to God, acknowledging His justice and appealing to His unfailing mercy, trusting that He hears the cries of His people in their distress and is able to deliver.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be experiencing "distress" that could be linked to unconfessed sin or disobedience?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty over difficult circumstances, even those caused by human sin, change my perspective on suffering?**
* **What does genuine confession and repentance look like in my personal walk with God, especially when faced with the consequences of my actions?**
* **How can I maintain hope and trust in God's deliverance when I feel "in great distress" and seemingly under the "dominion" of overwhelming circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Does Nehemiah 9:37 imply that all suffering is a direct result of personal sin?**

Answer: Not necessarily all suffering, but this verse specifically attributes the *nation's* current "great distress" and subjugation to their "sins." The prayer in Nehemiah 9 is a corporate confession, acknowledging generations of covenant unfaithfulness by Israel. While the Bible teaches that sin has consequences and can lead to suffering (e.g., [Proverbs 13:15](/proverbs/13-15 "Proverbs 13:15 - The Way of Transgressors is Hard")), it also presents other reasons for suffering, such as testing (e.g., [Job 1:8-12](/job/1-8-12 "Job 1:8-12 - Satan Tests Job")), refining (e.g., [1 Peter 1:6-7](/1_peter/1-6-7 "1 Peter 1:6-7 - Suffering for a Little While")), or simply living in a fallen world (e.g., [Romans 8:22](/romans/8-22 "Romans 8:22 - Creation Groans")). In this specific context, however, the Levites are making a direct theological connection between Israel's historical rebellion against God's covenant and their current political and economic oppression, seeing it as divine discipline.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 9:37, with its poignant cry of distress under the dominion of foreign kings due to national sin, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "great distress" and subjugation described by the exiles—their bodies and cattle under the pleasure of oppressive rulers, their land yielding its increase to foreign powers—is a powerful foreshadowing of humanity's far deeper enslavement to sin and death. We, too, are born under the "dominion" of sin (as described in [Romans 6:12-14](/romans/6-12-14 "Romans 6:12-14 - Do Not Let Sin Reign")), yielding the "increase" of our lives to a destructive master, leading to ultimate "distress" and separation from God. However, Jesus Christ came as the true King, not to impose dominion, but to break the dominion of sin and death. He became the ultimate "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bearing the full consequences of humanity's "sins" on the cross. Through His sacrifice, He paid the debt of our disobedience, freeing us from the spiritual "slavery" to sin and the law ([Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Freedom in Christ")). His resurrection demonstrates His triumph over the powers that held humanity in distress, establishing His righteous and eternal kingdom ([Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13-15 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Triumph Over Powers")). While the exiles longed for a physical deliverance from earthly kings, Christ offers a spiritual deliverance from the ultimate tyrant, sin, and grants us citizenship in a heavenly kingdom where His dominion is one of grace, truth, and everlasting peace ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

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 28:33

The fruit of thy land, and all thy labours, shall a nation which thou knowest not eat up; and thou shalt be only oppressed and crushed alway:

Deuteronomy 28:48

Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the LORD shall send against thee, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all [things]: and he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until he have destroyed thee.

Ezra 7:24

Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them.

Deuteronomy 28:51

And he shall eat the fruit of thy cattle, and the fruit of thy land, until thou be destroyed: which [also] shall not leave thee [either] corn, wine, or oil, [or] the increase of thy kine, or flocks of thy sheep, until he have destroyed thee.

Deuteronomy 28:39

Thou shalt plant vineyards, and dress [them], but shalt neither drink [of] the wine, nor gather [the grapes]; for the worms shall eat them.

Leviticus 26:17

And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be slain before your enemies: they that hate you shall reign over you; and ye shall flee when none pursueth you.

Nehemiah 5:8

And I said unto them, We after our ability have redeemed our brethren the Jews, which were sold unto the heathen; and will ye even sell your brethren? or shall they be sold unto us? Then held they their peace, and found nothing [to answer].