Nehemiah 9:7

KJV

Thou [art] the LORD the God, who didst choose Abram, and broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gavest him the name of Abraham;

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou art the LORD {H3068} the God {H430}, who didst choose {H977} Abram {H87}, and broughtest him forth {H3318} out of Ur {H218} of the Chaldees {H3778}, and gavest {H7760} him the name {H8034} of Abraham {H85};

Complete Jewish Bible

"'You are ADONAI, the God who chose Avram, brought him out of Ur-Kasdim and gave him the name of Avraham.

Berean Standard Bible

You are the LORD, the God who chose Abram, who brought him out of Ur of the Chaldeans and gave him the name Abraham.

American Standard Version

Thou art Jehovah the God, who didst choose Abram, and broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gavest him the name of Abraham,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 9:7 initiates a profound prayer of historical recapitulation and confession by the Levites, recounting God's unwavering faithfulness to Israel from its very inception. This verse specifically highlights God's sovereign and unconditional choice of Abram, His divine initiative in calling him out of the idolatrous city of Ur of the Chaldees, and His transformative act of renaming him Abraham, a pivotal moment signifying the establishment of His covenant and the promise of a multitude of descendants. It underscores God's foundational role in salvation history and His personal involvement with His chosen people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 9:7 serves as the foundational starting point for a lengthy prayer of confession and praise offered by the Levites during a solemn assembly in post-exilic Jerusalem. This prayer, recorded in Nehemiah 9, immediately follows the public reading of the Law by Ezra and the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles (Nehemiah 8). Having heard God's word and celebrated His provision, the people engage in a corporate act of repentance, acknowledging their historical unfaithfulness while simultaneously extolling God's consistent mercy and covenant keeping. The prayer systematically traces God's dealings with Israel from creation, through the patriarchs, the Exodus, the wilderness wanderings, the conquest of Canaan, the periods of the judges and kings, and finally, their return from exile. By beginning with God's choice of Abram, the Levites establish the divine initiative and faithfulness as the bedrock upon which all subsequent history rests, setting a stark contrast to Israel's repeated rebellion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem around 444 BC, during the Persian period, following the return of Jewish exiles from Babylon. The city walls have been rebuilt under Nehemiah's leadership, and the community is striving to re-establish its covenant identity and religious practices. Ur of the Chaldees, Abram's original home, was a highly advanced Sumerian city-state in Mesopotamia, renowned for its sophisticated culture, architecture (including massive ziggurats), and deeply entrenched polytheistic worship, particularly of the moon god Nanna (Sin). God's call for Abram to leave such a prominent and idolatrous urban center was a radical act of separation, demanding immense faith and signifying the distinctiveness of the God who called him. This historical act of divine separation and call from paganism forms the historical precedent for Israel's unique identity as a people set apart for God.
* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 9:7 introduces several foundational theological themes that permeate the entire prayer and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes God's **sovereign choice** and **divine initiative** in establishing a relationship with humanity, highlighting that salvation history begins not with human merit but with God's unconditional election. Secondly, the call to leave "Ur of the Chaldees" underscores the theme of **separation from idolatry** and the world, initiating a lineage dedicated exclusively to YHWH. Thirdly, the transformation of Abram's name to Abraham signifies a profound **transformation of identity** and purpose, reflecting God's power to redefine individuals for His divine plans, particularly His covenant promises. This name change is intrinsically linked to the theme of **God's faithfulness to His covenant**, a covenant that promised countless descendants and ultimately, through Abraham's seed, blessing to all nations, as seen in [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Promise to Bless All Families"). The verse thus encapsulates the beginning of God's redemptive plan, rooted in His unmerited grace and unwavering commitment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Abram (Hebrew, _'Avram'_):** Meaning "exalted father" or "my father is exalted." This was Abram's original name, reflecting a common desire for lineage and status in ancient Near Eastern cultures. However, it was a name that, at the time of his call, stood in stark contrast to his childless state, highlighting the miraculous nature of God's subsequent promise.
* **Abraham (Hebrew, _'Avraham'_):** Meaning "father of a multitude" or "father of many nations." This new name, given by God in [Genesis 17:5](/genesis/17-5 "Genesis 17:5 - The Name Change to Abraham"), was not merely symbolic but a prophetic declaration. It signified a profound shift in identity and destiny, directly tied to God's covenant promise to make him the progenitor of countless descendants, encompassing both physical Israel and a spiritual lineage of believers from all nations.
* **Ur of the Chaldees (Hebrew, _'Ur Kasdim'_):** This specific geographical and cultural designation points to a highly developed and polytheistic city in Mesopotamia, a center of moon-god worship (Nanna/Sin). God's command for Abram to leave Ur underscores the radical nature of his call to separation from paganism and the distinctiveness of the monotheistic God who initiated this new covenant relationship. It represents the world of idolatry and familiar comfort that Abram had to abandon in obedience to God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou art the LORD the God":** This opening phrase is an emphatic affirmation of God's unique identity and supreme sovereignty. "LORD" (YHWH) refers to God's covenant name, emphasizing His personal, relational, and unchanging nature, while "God" (Elohim) speaks to His power and creative authority. The Levites begin by declaring the absolute truth of who God is, setting the stage for recounting His mighty acts.
* **"who didst choose Abram":** This clause highlights the divine initiative and the unconditional nature of God's election. God's choice of Abram was not based on any pre-existing merit or action on Abram's part but solely on God's sovereign will and purpose. This act of choosing underscores God's grace as the foundation of His relationship with humanity and the beginning of His redemptive plan for Israel.
* **"and broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees":** This phrase emphasizes God's active intervention and power in separating Abram from his pagan background. It signifies a call to radical obedience, demanding that Abram leave behind his family, culture, and all that was familiar and idolatrous. This "bringing forth" is an act of divine deliverance and purification, establishing a distinct lineage set apart for God's purposes.
* **"and gavest him the name of Abraham":** This final clause signifies a profound transformation of identity and a prophetic declaration of God's covenant promise. The change from "Abram" (exalted father) to "Abraham" (father of a multitude) was a visible sign and a verbal assurance of God's intention to fulfill His promise of countless descendants, establishing him as the patriarch of a new nation and a spiritual family. It underscores God's power to redefine and empower individuals according to His divine plan.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 9:7, though a single verse, is rich in literary and theological significance. The prayer in Nehemiah 9, of which this verse is the starting point, employs **Historical Recapitulation**, systematically reviewing God's faithfulness throughout Israel's history. Within this verse, the **Covenant Language** is prominent, with God's "choice" and the giving of a "name" being central to ancient Near Eastern covenant formulations. The name change from Abram to Abraham is a powerful example of **Symbolism** and **Prophetic Declaration**, where the new name embodies the future reality of God's promise. The act of "bringing forth out of Ur of the Chaldees" is also highly symbolic, representing a divine call to **Separation** from the world and its idolatries, a recurring theme in biblical theology. The verse's concise yet profound statement serves as an **Apostrophe**, directly addressing God ("Thou art the LORD the God"), emphasizing the personal and relational nature of the divine-human encounter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 9:7 lays the theological cornerstone for understanding God's redemptive plan, rooted in His sovereign initiative and unwavering faithfulness. It establishes that God's relationship with humanity is founded on His unmerited grace, as He chose Abram not for any inherent worth but according to His divine purpose. This foundational act of election, coupled with the call to separate from idolatry and the transformative renaming, prefigures God's ongoing work of calling, sanctifying, and fulfilling His promises to His people despite their unfaithfulness. The Levites' recounting of this history serves to remind a post-exilic community of God's consistent character and His enduring covenant, providing hope and a basis for renewed trust and repentance. It emphasizes that the very identity and existence of Israel derive from God's gracious and powerful intervention.

* [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant and Call")
* [Genesis 17:5](/genesis/17-5 "Genesis 17:5 - God Renames Abram to Abraham")
* [Isaiah 51:2](/isaiah/51-2 "Isaiah 51:2 - God's Call of Abraham, the Father of Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 9:7 is a profound reminder that our relationship with God begins with His initiative, not ours. Just as God sovereignly chose Abram and called him out of his pagan past, so too does He call each of us into a transformative relationship with Himself. This verse challenges us to consider what "Ur of the Chaldees"—what old habits, sinful patterns, worldly attachments, or idolatrous comforts—God might be calling us to leave behind. It assures us that God is faithful to His promises, even when our circumstances seem barren or impossible, just as He promised Abram a multitude of descendants despite his old age and Sarah's barrenness. Furthermore, the name change from Abram to Abraham signifies God's power to give us a new identity and purpose in Christ. We are no longer defined by our past failures or limited by our human capabilities, but by God's promises and the new creation He makes us to be. This should inspire profound trust in His character and bold obedience to His call, knowing that His faithfulness is the bedrock of our hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God's sovereign choice of Abram shape our understanding of His initiative in our own salvation?**
* **What "Ur of the Chaldees"—idols, old habits, or worldly attachments—might God be calling you to leave behind today?**
* **In what ways has God given you a "new name" or a transformed identity in Christ, and how does that empower your purpose?**
* **How does remembering God's faithfulness to Abraham strengthen your trust in His promises for your own life, especially in difficult times?**

### FAQ
**Why is it important for the Levites to start their prayer with Abram?**

Answer: Starting with Abram is crucial because it establishes the foundational covenant and God's unwavering faithfulness from the very beginning of Israel's history. By recounting God's sovereign choice and call of Abram, the Levites remind themselves and the people that their entire existence as a nation is rooted in God's grace and initiative, not their own merit. This sets the theological stage for their subsequent confession of Israel's repeated failures against the backdrop of God's consistent and enduring covenant love, providing a basis for hope and renewed commitment. It underscores that God's character as a promise-keeper is the bedrock of their identity and future.

**What is the significance of the name change from Abram to Abraham?**

Answer: The name change from Abram ("exalted father") to Abraham ("father of a multitude" or "father of many nations") is profoundly significant. It was not merely symbolic but a prophetic declaration and a visible sign of God's covenant with him, as detailed in [Genesis 17:5](/genesis/17-5 "Genesis 17:5 - The Name Change to Abraham"). This new name signified a radical transformation of identity and purpose, directly linked to God's promise to make him the progenitor of countless descendants, encompassing both physical Israel and a spiritual lineage of believers from all nations. It demonstrated God's power to redefine individuals and fulfill His promises, even when human circumstances seemed impossible.

**What does "Ur of the Chaldees" represent in this context?**

Answer: "Ur of the Chaldees" represents Abram's pagan past and the world he was called out of. Ur was a highly advanced, idolatrous Mesopotamian city, deeply steeped in polytheistic worship, particularly of the moon god Nanna. God's command for Abram to leave Ur underscored the radical nature of His call to separation and distinctiveness. It symbolizes the break from idolatry, comfort, and familiarity that is often required when God calls an individual or a people into a special relationship with Him. It highlights that God's covenant people are to be set apart from the prevailing culture and its gods.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 9:7, by recounting God's sovereign choice of Abram, his call out of Ur, and his renaming as Abraham, profoundly foreshadows the person and work of Jesus Christ and the nature of the New Covenant. Abraham is presented as the father of faith, whose obedience to God's call, leaving his homeland for an unknown destination, prefigures Christ's perfect obedience to the Father's will, even unto death. The promise made to Abraham—that through his seed all nations would be blessed ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Promise to All Nations"))—finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the true "seed" of Abraham ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - Christ, the Seed of Abraham")). Through Christ, the spiritual descendants of Abraham are not limited by physical lineage but are brought into God's family by faith, becoming "children of Abraham" ([Galatians 3:7](/galatians/3-7 "Galatians 3:7 - Children of Abraham by Faith")). Just as Abram was called out of the idolatry of Ur, believers in Christ are called out of spiritual "Ur"—the bondage of sin and the dominion of the world's systems—into a new life and identity. We are given a "new name" and a new nature in Christ ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), becoming part of the multitude of God's people, gathered from every tribe, tongue, and nation, through the ultimate covenant established in His blood. Thus, Nehemiah 9:7 not only recounts a historical event but points forward to the universal scope of God's redemptive plan fully realized in Jesus Christ.

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

Genesis 11:31

And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son's son, and Sarai his daughter in law, his son Abram's wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there.

Genesis 17:5

Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.

Isaiah 51:2

Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah [that] bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him.

Acts 7:2

And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,

Acts 7:4

Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell.

Joshua 24:2

And Joshua said unto all the people, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time, [even] Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nachor: and they served other gods.

Joshua 24:3

And I took your father Abraham from the other side of the flood, and led him throughout all the land of Canaan, and multiplied his seed, and gave him Isaac.