Read Verse Keyword Strong's
Prev

Nehemiah 9:20

Next

Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst.

Thou gavest {H5414} also thy good {H2896} spirit {H7307} to instruct {H7919} them, and withheldest {H4513} not thy manna {H4478} from their mouth {H6310}, and gavest {H5414} them water {H4325} for their thirst {H6772}.

You also gave your good Spirit to teach them, did not withhold man from their mouths and provided them water to quench their thirst. 1142

You gave Your good Spirit to instruct them. You did not withhold Your manna from their mouths, and You gave them water for their thirst.

Thou gavest also thy good Spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst.

Commentary

Commentary on Nehemiah 9:20 (KJV)

Nehemiah 9:20 is part of a magnificent prayer of confession and praise led by the Levites after the reading of the Law (Nehemiah 8). This verse specifically highlights God's continuous and benevolent care for the Israelites during their forty years of wandering in the wilderness, emphasizing both spiritual instruction and physical sustenance.

Context

The book of Nehemiah chronicles the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and the spiritual restoration of the Jewish community after their return from Babylonian exile. Chapter 9 features a lengthy prayer of repentance and historical review, recounting God's faithfulness to Israel from the time of Abraham through the wilderness journey and beyond. The Levites, on behalf of the people, acknowledge Israel's repeated rebellion while simultaneously praising God's unwavering goodness and patience. Verse 20 focuses on God's provision during the wilderness period, immediately following a description of Israel's stubbornness.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision: The verse explicitly mentions God's provision of "manna from their mouth" and "water for their thirst." These refer to the miraculous ways God sustained the Israelites physically in the barren wilderness, demonstrating His meticulous care for their daily needs.
  • Spiritual Guidance and Instruction: The phrase "Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them" underscores God's commitment not only to their physical well-being but also to their spiritual and moral education. God actively sought to teach and guide His people through His Spirit, even when they resisted.
  • God's Enduring Faithfulness: Despite the Israelites' frequent complaints and disobedience (as recounted throughout Nehemiah 9 and the books of Exodus and Numbers), God never abandoned them. He consistently provided for their needs and offered guidance, showcasing His covenant faithfulness and boundless mercy.

Linguistic Insights

The term "thy good spirit" (Hebrew: Ruach, often translated as Spirit) indicates God's active, benevolent presence. This isn't merely a general influence but points to the direct involvement of God's Spirit in teaching and leading His people. The provision of manna, a word derived from the Hebrew "man hu" meaning "What is it?", highlights its mysterious and divine origin, emphasizing that it was a supernatural gift from God.

Related Scriptures

The provision of "manna" is detailed in Exodus 16:4, where God promised to rain bread from heaven. The provision of "water for their thirst" refers to the miraculous occasions when God brought water from a rock, as seen in Exodus 17:6 and Numbers 20:11. The concept of God giving His "good spirit to instruct them" aligns with the biblical narrative of God's Spirit empowering and guiding His servants throughout the Old Testament, such as when the Spirit was placed upon the elders in Numbers 11:17. This enduring faithfulness of God, despite human rebellion, is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, profoundly expressed in Psalm 78.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 9:20 serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering character. For believers today, this verse assures us that God is still our faithful Provider and Guide. Just as He met Israel's physical and spiritual needs in the wilderness, He continues to provide for us—whether it's daily sustenance or divine wisdom. We can trust that His "good spirit" is available to instruct us, leading us in truth and righteousness if we are open to His guidance. This verse encourages us to reflect on God's past faithfulness in our own lives and to rely on His continued provision and instruction in all circumstances.

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 (May 20, 2025) 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

  • Psalms 143:10 (9 votes)

    Teach me to do thy will; for thou [art] my God: thy spirit [is] good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

  • Numbers 11:17 (7 votes)

    And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which [is] upon thee, and will put [it] upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear [it] not thyself alone.

  • Isaiah 63:11 (6 votes)

    Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, [and] his people, [saying], Where [is] he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where [is] he that put his holy Spirit within him?

  • Isaiah 63:14 (6 votes)

    As a beast goeth down into the valley, the Spirit of the LORD caused him to rest: so didst thou lead thy people, to make thyself a glorious name.

  • John 4:10 (5 votes)

    Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

  • Isaiah 41:17 (4 votes)

    [When] the poor and needy seek water, and [there is] none, [and] their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.

  • Isaiah 41:18 (4 votes)

    I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.