Nehemiah 1:7 - We have dealt very corruptly against you, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the ordinances, which you commanded your servant Moses.
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What does "Nehemiah 1:7" mean?
This verse, Nehemiah 1:7, is a powerful statement of confession and repentance. Let's break it down:
"We have dealt very corruptly against you...": This acknowledges a deep and pervasive moral failing. It's not just a minor slip-up, but a significant and widespread corruption in their actions and behavior towards God. The phrase "dealt corruptly" suggests acting deceitfully, dishonestly, and immorally. It implies a betrayal of trust with God.
"...and have not kept the commandments...": This refers to the Ten Commandments and the broader moral laws given to the Israelites. It's an admission that they have disobeyed the fundamental principles God laid out for their lives.
"...nor the statutes, nor the ordinances...": These terms encompass the detailed laws and regulations God gave through Moses.
Statutes (חֻקִּים, chuqqim): These are laws that are decreed or engraved, often with a specific penalty attached for breaking them. They could cover various aspects of life, from religious observances to social interactions.
Ordinances (מִשְׁפָּטִים, mishpatim): These refer to judgments, laws, or rules that establish justice and fairness. They are often based on reason and are intended to create a just and orderly society.
"...which you commanded your servant Moses.": This emphasizes that these laws were not arbitrary rules, but divine commands given through God's chosen leader, Moses. This underscores the seriousness of their disobedience, as they were knowingly rejecting God's clear instructions.
In essence, the verse is a confession of national sin. It acknowledges that the Israelites have:
Acted in a morally corrupt way towards God.
Disobeyed God's fundamental moral laws (the Ten Commandments).
Failed to follow the detailed legal and ceremonial requirements given through Moses.
Context:
This verse appears in Nehemiah's prayer to God while he is in exile in Susa. He is deeply burdened by the news of the ruined state of Jerusalem and the suffering of his people. He begins his prayer with praise and acknowledgement of God's greatness, but quickly moves to confessing the sins of the nation.
Significance:
Humility and Repentance: This confession is a crucial step towards seeking God's forgiveness and restoration. By acknowledging their sin, the Israelites are opening the door for God's mercy.
Responsibility: Nehemiah doesn't try to excuse their behavior or blame external factors. He takes responsibility for the sins of the nation, even though he wasn't personally involved in all of them.
Foundation for Restoration: This act of confession is the foundation for Nehemiah's subsequent actions to rebuild Jerusalem and restore the people's relationship with God. True restoration must begin with acknowledging and repenting of sin.
In short, Nehemiah 1:7 is a powerful and moving confession of national sin, acknowledging a deep failure to live up to God's commands. It sets the stage for Nehemiah's prayer for forgiveness and restoration.
Nehemiah 1:7 - We have dealt very corruptly against you, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the ordinances, which you commanded your servant Moses.
What does "Nehemiah 1:7" mean?
This verse, Nehemiah 1:7, is a powerful statement of confession and repentance. Let's break it down:
"We have dealt very corruptly against you...": This acknowledges a deep and pervasive moral failing. It's not just a minor slip-up, but a significant and widespread corruption in their actions and behavior towards God. The phrase "dealt corruptly" suggests acting deceitfully, dishonestly, and immorally. It implies a betrayal of trust with God.
"...and have not kept the commandments...": This refers to the Ten Commandments and the broader moral laws given to the Israelites. It's an admission that they have disobeyed the fundamental principles God laid out for their lives.
"...nor the statutes, nor the ordinances...": These terms encompass the detailed laws and regulations God gave through Moses.
Statutes (חֻקִּים, chuqqim): These are laws that are decreed or engraved, often with a specific penalty attached for breaking them. They could cover various aspects of life, from religious observances to social interactions.
Ordinances (מִשְׁפָּטִים, mishpatim): These refer to judgments, laws, or rules that establish justice and fairness. They are often based on reason and are intended to create a just and orderly society.
"...which you commanded your servant Moses.": This emphasizes that these laws were not arbitrary rules, but divine commands given through God's chosen leader, Moses. This underscores the seriousness of their disobedience, as they were knowingly rejecting God's clear instructions.
In essence, the verse is a confession of national sin. It acknowledges that the Israelites have:
Acted in a morally corrupt way towards God.
Disobeyed God's fundamental moral laws (the Ten Commandments).
Failed to follow the detailed legal and ceremonial requirements given through Moses.
Context:
This verse appears in Nehemiah's prayer to God while he is in exile in Susa. He is deeply burdened by the news of the ruined state of Jerusalem and the suffering of his people. He begins his prayer with praise and acknowledgement of God's greatness, but quickly moves to confessing the sins of the nation.
Significance:
Humility and Repentance: This confession is a crucial step towards seeking God's forgiveness and restoration. By acknowledging their sin, the Israelites are opening the door for God's mercy.
Responsibility: Nehemiah doesn't try to excuse their behavior or blame external factors. He takes responsibility for the sins of the nation, even though he wasn't personally involved in all of them.
Foundation for Restoration: This act of confession is the foundation for Nehemiah's subsequent actions to rebuild Jerusalem and restore the people's relationship with God. True restoration must begin with acknowledging and repenting of sin.
In short, Nehemiah 1:7 is a powerful and moving confession of national sin, acknowledging a deep failure to live up to God's commands. It sets the stage for Nehemiah's prayer for forgiveness and restoration.