Despite God’s abundant blessings, His people regrettably turned from Him.
“But they, in their own kingdom, With Your great goodness which You gave them, With the broad and rich land which You set before them, Did not serve You or turn from their evil deeds.” (Nehemiah 9:35) This verse is part of a public prayer of confession recorded in the book of Nehemiah, a post-exilic work describing the resettlement and spiritual renewal of Judeans in Jerusalem around 445 BC during the Persian Empire’s rule. In this confession, the people recall how, despite experiencing God’s abundant blessings (His “great goodness” and a “broad and rich land”), their ancestors chose to neglect the Lord’s commandments. The term “land” points to the geographical region of Canaan, later known as Israel, which stretched across varied terrain—fertile plains, rolling hills, and desert margins—providing the Israelites great opportunity for prosperity. Their failure to do what was right in God’s eyes underlines a pattern of ingratitude, ultimately leading them into exile.
“…Did not serve You or turn from their evil deeds.” (v.35) demonstrates that receiving blessings alone was insufficient to foster sincere devotion if people’s hearts were set on their own desires. This is a recurring theme in Scripture, echoing the warnings in the Law, which urged Israel to remain faithful and avoid idolatrous practices. Historically, these rebellious actions trace their roots through the period of the judges (c. 1375-1050 BC), into the era of the monarchy (c. 1050-586 BC), and culminated in their captivity. Even though the Lord showed mercy throughout that time, the people’s recurring disobedience, including idolatry, was replaced with repentance only after great hardship. In the broader biblical narrative, the principle that faithfulness and obedience are connected to blessing resonates with New Testament teaching, such as Jesus’ call to abide in Him and obey His commandments (John 15:4-7).
By praying these words and acknowledging the ancestry’s guilt, the returned exiles led by Nehemiah sought to humbly correct the errors of the past. Nehemiah served under Persian King Artaxerxes I (reigned 465-424 BC), and around 445 BC he brought a new wave of exiles back to Judah. This moment was a crucial turning point: the people confessed their past sins in order to align themselves more fully with God’s plan. Their confession was aimed at forging a stronger relationship with the LORD, grounded in real repentance and a renewed commitment to His ways.
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Nehemiah 9:35 meaning
“But they, in their own kingdom, With Your great goodness which You gave them, With the broad and rich land which You set before them, Did not serve You or turn from their evil deeds.” (Nehemiah 9:35) This verse is part of a public prayer of confession recorded in the book of Nehemiah, a post-exilic work describing the resettlement and spiritual renewal of Judeans in Jerusalem around 445 BC during the Persian Empire’s rule. In this confession, the people recall how, despite experiencing God’s abundant blessings (His “great goodness” and a “broad and rich land”), their ancestors chose to neglect the Lord’s commandments. The term “land” points to the geographical region of Canaan, later known as Israel, which stretched across varied terrain—fertile plains, rolling hills, and desert margins—providing the Israelites great opportunity for prosperity. Their failure to do what was right in God’s eyes underlines a pattern of ingratitude, ultimately leading them into exile.
“…Did not serve You or turn from their evil deeds.” (v.35) demonstrates that receiving blessings alone was insufficient to foster sincere devotion if people’s hearts were set on their own desires. This is a recurring theme in Scripture, echoing the warnings in the Law, which urged Israel to remain faithful and avoid idolatrous practices. Historically, these rebellious actions trace their roots through the period of the judges (c. 1375-1050 BC), into the era of the monarchy (c. 1050-586 BC), and culminated in their captivity. Even though the Lord showed mercy throughout that time, the people’s recurring disobedience, including idolatry, was replaced with repentance only after great hardship. In the broader biblical narrative, the principle that faithfulness and obedience are connected to blessing resonates with New Testament teaching, such as Jesus’ call to abide in Him and obey His commandments (John 15:4-7).
By praying these words and acknowledging the ancestry’s guilt, the returned exiles led by Nehemiah sought to humbly correct the errors of the past. Nehemiah served under Persian King Artaxerxes I (reigned 465-424 BC), and around 445 BC he brought a new wave of exiles back to Judah. This moment was a crucial turning point: the people confessed their past sins in order to align themselves more fully with God’s plan. Their confession was aimed at forging a stronger relationship with the LORD, grounded in real repentance and a renewed commitment to His ways.