Nehemiah 9:1-19
Q.1. What solemn function did Ezra and the Levites perform? What impact did their ministry have on the people? What changes did the people promise to make? – (Neh.8:18-9:4)
Ezra –read from the book of the law of God daily, from the first day to the last day. And they celebrated the feast seven days, and on the eighth day there was a solemn assembly according to the ordinance (Neh.8:18). After this he – read from the book of the law of the Lord their God for a fourth of the day (Neh.9:3). The Levites expounded God’s Law and led the people in confession and worship. Therefore, the people’s confession was a specific response to the Word of God. They especially – … separated themselves from all foreigners and stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers (Neh.9:2).
Q.2. Why was this offering by the Levites hymn-like? What makes God worthy of worship? What promise did God make to Abraham? – (Neh.9:5-8)
Verses 5-37 were a composition led by the Levites whom David had assigned to prophesy in song, with praise and thanksgiving (Neh.9:4-5 c.f. 1 Chr.25:1-5). The prayer began with exalting their Creator, God – You alone are the Lord. You have made the heavens, the heaven of heavens with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to all of them and the heavenly host bows down before You (Neh.9:6). They traced their beginnings to the Covenant that God made with Abraham concerning the Promised Land, that they went on to possess, just as He had promised (Neh.9:7-8).
Q.3. What made the deliverance from Egypt special? How did God provide for the nation? What happened at Mount Sinai? – (Neh.9:9-15)
The Psalm recalled the miraculous deliverance of the nation from slavery in Egypt. God had led them supernaturally – with a pillar of cloud You led them by day, and with a pillar of fire by night to light for them the way In which they were to go (Neh.9:12). God provided for His people, manna, and water for 40 years on their journeys. Best of all – You came down on Mount Sinai and spoke with them from heaven; You gave them just ordinances and true laws, good statutes, and commandments (Neh.9:13). God could not have treated them with greater grace.
Q.4. Why was Israel’s response to the Covenant unacceptable? What did God’s care for His people reveal about Him? – (Neh.16-19)
Israel had acted arrogantly, had become stubborn, refused to listen, and did not remember all God’s goodness (Neh.9:16-18). Yet – You, in Your great compassion, did not forsake them in the wilderness … (Neh.9:19). All this underscored that – … You are a God of forgiveness, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness; and You did not forsake them (Neh.9:17). God’s ways are perfect, but man’s way is punctuated by unfaithfulness.