The Goodness of God When They Didn’t Deserve it

Nehemiah 9:9–25
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A. The Goodness of God (vv 9-25) - Nehemiah’s prayer reveals God’s goodness to His people and their repeated failure to appreciate His gifts and obey His will.

When the people were in Egypt, they saw suffering; when they were at the Red Sea, you could hear  their cry for help (v. 9). They showed signs and wonders against Pharaoh and his servants (v. 10. He describes how God divided the sea and the people went though on dry ground (v. 11) He goes on to tell how they were lead during the day by a cloud and at night with a pillar of fire (v. 12). When they came down from Mt. Sinai He gave them laws and commandments (v. 13) He gave them the Sabbath (v. 14), manna from heaven and water from the rock (v. 15), buy they stiffened their necks (v. 16).

In their rebellion they disobey God and appointed a captain to return to their bondage (v. 17). The people even made a false image and worshiped that image (v. 18). However, in the midst of such rebellion god did not forsake them.  In spite of their disobedience He continued to lead them ( v. 19). He gave them the spirit and victory over the enemies (vv. 20-24). During the forty years of Israel’s discipline in the wilderness, the old generation died and a new generation was born; but God never forsook His people. He led them by the cloud in the daytime and the pillar of fire at night.

God divided the kingdom for them and permitted the families to multiply. Under the leadership of Joshua, the army of Israel invaded Canaan, conquered the land and claimed all of its wealth. “So they did eat, and were filled, and became fat, and delighted themselves in Thy great goodness.” (v. 25).  Israel delighted themselves in God’s great goodness but they did not delight themselves in the Lord.

Application

Realizing the extent of God’s goodness should help me to do good for others.