Nehemiah 9:19
Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them light, and the way wherein they should go.
Original Language Analysis
הָֽרַבִּ֔ים
Yet thou in thy manifold
H7227
הָֽרַבִּ֔ים
Yet thou in thy manifold
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
3 of 26
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 26
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר
them not in the wilderness
H4057
בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר
them not in the wilderness
Strong's:
H4057
Word #:
6 of 26
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַמּ֨וּד
neither the pillar
H5982
עַמּ֨וּד
neither the pillar
Strong's:
H5982
Word #:
8 of 26
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform
הֶֽ֠עָנָן
of the cloud
H6051
הֶֽ֠עָנָן
of the cloud
Strong's:
H6051
Word #:
9 of 26
a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
10 of 26
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
מֵֽעֲלֵיהֶ֤ם
H5921
מֵֽעֲלֵיהֶ֤ם
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
12 of 26
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
לְהַנְחֹתָ֣ם
to lead
H5148
לְהַנְחֹתָ֣ם
to lead
Strong's:
H5148
Word #:
14 of 26
to guide; by implication, to transport (into exile, or as colonists)
הַדֶּ֖רֶךְ
and the way
H1870
הַדֶּ֖רֶךְ
and the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
15 of 26
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
16 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַמּ֨וּד
neither the pillar
H5982
עַמּ֨וּד
neither the pillar
Strong's:
H5982
Word #:
17 of 26
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform
בְּלַ֙יְלָה֙
by night
H3915
בְּלַ֙יְלָה֙
by night
Strong's:
H3915
Word #:
19 of 26
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
לְהָאִ֣יר
to shew them light
H215
לְהָאִ֣יר
to shew them light
Strong's:
H215
Word #:
20 of 26
to be (causative, make) luminous (literally and metaphorically)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
22 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַדֶּ֖רֶךְ
and the way
H1870
הַדֶּ֖רֶךְ
and the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
23 of 26
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
24 of 26
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Psalms 106:45And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.Nehemiah 9:27Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who vexed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies.Nehemiah 9:12Moreover thou leddest them in the day by a cloudy pillar; and in the night by a pillar of fire, to give them light in the way wherein they should go.Malachi 3:6For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.Numbers 14:14And they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land: for they have heard that thou LORD art among this people, that thou LORD art seen face to face, and that thy cloud standeth over them, and that thou goest before them, by day time in a pillar of a cloud, and in a pillar of fire by night.Daniel 9:18O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies.Daniel 9:9To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him;Isaiah 44:21Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou art my servant: I have formed thee; thou art my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me.Nehemiah 9:31Nevertheless for thy great mercies' sake thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God.Exodus 40:38For the cloud of the LORD was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.
Historical Context
Nehemiah's account occurs during Persian imperial dominance (539-331 BC), specifically 445-433 BC under Artaxerxes I. The spiritual reforms under Ezra and Nehemiah shaped Judaism for centuries, establishing Scripture's centrality and patterns of worship continuing into the intertestamental period and beyond. The Persian period was crucial transitional time when Jewish identity shifted from monarchical nationalism to Torah-centered covenantal community. Without political independence, the people's cohesion depended on shared scripture, temple worship, and covenant obedience. This established patterns persisting through the Second Temple period into New Testament times. Understanding this context illuminates Jesus's ministry among a people shaped by these reforms and challenges.
Questions for Reflection
- How does regular engagement with Scripture transform understanding of God and His will for your life?
- What specific commitments do you need to make (or renew) regarding Bible reading, worship, and obedience?
- How can the principles demonstrated in this passage inform your response to current challenges in your life or church?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them light, and the way wherein they should go.
This verse within Nehemiah 9 addresses themes of confession, God's faithfulness, corporate prayer, covenant history. Extended corporate prayer recounts God's faithfulness through Israel's history while honestly confessing persistent covenant violations. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignty combined with human responsibility, faith expressed through obedient action, and the necessity of both individual and corporate commitment to covenant faithfulness. Nehemiah models leadership that combines vision, prayer, courage, integrity, and perseverance amid sustained opposition.