Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before thee, that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people, since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day.
NEHEMIAH 9:32KJVWhat does Nehemiah 9:32 mean?
Nehemiah 9:32 is a prayer asking God—described as great, mighty, and awe-inspiring, who keeps promises and shows mercy—not to overlook or treat lightly the hardships that have come upon the people, their leaders, and their ancestors since the time of the Assyrian kings. The verse appeals to God’s faithfulness and compassion in the face of long-standing suffering.
This verse is spoken by the Levites as part of a public prayer after the Israelites have confessed their sins and remembered their history. The people are gathered after returning from exile, reflecting on generations of trouble and pleading with God to recognize the seriousness of their situation. The prayer highlights God’s character and the depth of the people’s distress, connecting their current struggles to a long history of hardship.
The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 9:32
- "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim, H430): This is a common Hebrew word for God, emphasizing His power and authority. The use of this word here underlines the greatness and sovereignty of the God being addressed.
- "Great" (גָּדוֹל, gadol, H1419) and "mighty" (גִּבּוֹר, gibbor, H1368): These words stress God’s unmatched strength and importance, reminding the hearers that they are appealing to a God who is more than able to help.
- "Terrible" (נוֹרָא, yare, H3372): This word is often understood as "awe-inspiring" or "worthy of reverence," not frightening in a negative sense, but rather highlighting God’s majesty and holiness.
- "Keepest covenant and mercy" (שָׁמַר, shamar, H8104; בְּרִית, berit, H1285; חֶסֶד, chesed, H2617): These words point to God’s faithfulness in keeping promises (covenant) and His loyal love or steadfast kindness (mercy), which are central themes in Israel’s relationship with God.
- "Trouble" (תְּלָאָה, tela’ah, H8513): This word refers to hardship or distress, emphasizing the real and ongoing suffering the people have experienced.
Why Nehemiah 9:32 matters
- Nehemiah 9:32 clarifies that the people’s suffering is not new or isolated; it connects their present troubles to a long history stretching back to the Assyrian conquest, showing an awareness of their place in a larger story.
- The verse emphasizes God’s character—His greatness, power, and faithfulness—which is the foundation for the people’s hope and their appeal for mercy.
- By naming all groups affected (kings, princes, priests, prophets, fathers, people), the verse shows that the hardship has touched every part of the community, making the prayer inclusive and heartfelt.