Nehemiah, 1
2. that Hanani, one of my brothers, arrived with some men from Judah. I asked them about the Jews -- those who had escaped and those who survived from the captivity -- and about Jerusalem.
2. that Hanani, one of my brothers, arrived with some men from Judah. I asked them about the Jews -- those who had escaped and those who survived from the captivity -- and about Jerusalem.
Nehemiah 1 narrates the story of Nehemiah, who receives news of the precarious situation of his Jewish brothers who still resided in Jerusalem after the return of some captives. He shakes himself with the news and seeks God in prayer to seek a solution. Next are five verses dealing with the topics covered in this chapter.
Ezra 9:9: "For we are slaves; yet, in the midst of our slavery, our God has not abandoned us; He has granted us favor before the kings of Persia, giving us life to lift the house of our God, restore their own ruins and grant you a wall in Judah and Jerusalem. " This verse highlights how God did not abandon the people even during slavery and how He enabled them to rebuild the house of God and the ruins of Jerusalem.
Isaiah 1:9: "If the Lord of hosts had not left us some survivors, we would have been like a sodom; we would have been like gomorrais." This verse shows how the survival of a remnant is important for the continuity of the lineage of God's people and how it protects those who are faithful to him.
Psalm 106:6: "Let us sin, as our ancestors; we commit injustices, we practice evil." This verse highlights the confession of sin of the people, recognizing the failure to follow God's commandments.
Isaiah 58:9: "Then thou shalt clarify, and the Lord shall answer you; you will scream for help, and He will say, I am here. If you take the yoke, the threatening finger and the slander." This verse talks about how God listens to the cry of his people and responds, but also emphasizes the importance of getting rid of unfair practices.
Jeremiah 29:12-13: "Then you shall invoke me, shall pass me to pray to me, and I will hear you. You shall seek me and find myself when you seek all your heart." This verse shows how God listens to the prayer of his people and responds them, but also highlights the importance of seeking to him with all his heart.
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