Redemption in Nehemiah

Nehemiah chapter 9 contains exhortation from the Levites to the people to praise the Lord. They said, “Arise, bless the Lord your God forever and ever! May Your glorious name be blessed and exalted above all blessing and praise!” (Neh. 9:5). God is to be praised as Creator (v. 6) and Redeemer of Israel (vv. 7-15). Specific acts of the Lord's redemption are listed: redeeming them from Egyptian slavery and leading them through the Red Sea (vv. 9-11); judging the Egyptians in the sea (v. 11); guiding them to Sinai (v. 12); giving Torah to Israel at Sinai (vv. 13-14); providing bread and water to the people in the wilderness (v. 15).

Israel's response to God's gracious redemption was, however, shocking. “But they, our fathers, acted arrogantly; They became stubborn and would not listen to Your commandments. They refused to listen, And did not remember Your wondrous deeds which You performed among them; So they became stubborn and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt” (vv. 16-17).

The proper response to God's redemption is to be humility, obedience, listening to His commands, and remembering God's “wondrous deeds.” That is still true. Verse 17 describes God as “a God of forgiveness, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in mercy; and you did not abandon them.” We see this preeminently in God sending His Messiah, according to His promise, to redeem the world. God has not abandoned sinful humans but sent a Redeemer.

Ben