The Results of Rebellion

Nehemiah 9:26–31
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C. The goading of God (vv 26-31) - In this chapter we see how when the people rebelled against God He gave them over to oppression. However, because of great compassion He raised up deliverers, the Judges who freed them (vv 27-28). Through centuries of Israel’s sin (v. 29), God continued to be patient and to admonish them by the Holy Spirit through the prophets (v. 30). But because of their continued sinning they were taken into exile (vv 30-31).

The Israelites would walk in God’s ways for a period of time, lapse back into sin, and the cycle would be repeated. When God disciplined them they cried out for help;  and He raised up deliverers to rescue them. God is willing to give His people many privileges, but He will not give them the privilege of sinning and having their own way. He will accomplish His own purposes even if He has to chasten us to do it. Israel’s sins finally became so disgusting to God that He decided to discipline them by taking them out of their own land. He used the Assyrians to destroy the Northern Kingdom and then He brought the Babylonians to take over the Southern Kingdom. It was as if God was saying to His people, “You enjoy living like the heathen so much, I’ll just let you live with them.”

Application

God puts no limit on the number of times I can come to Him to obtain mercy, but I must come in order to obtain it. If there is a recurring problem in my life, I must continue to ask God for help, but at the same time, be ready to make changes in my attitude and behavior that will correct the situation.