What attributes of God are highlighted in Nehemiah 9:32? Setting the Scene in Nehemiah 9 Nehemiah 9 records Israel’s confession after returning from exile. Right in the middle of their prayer, the people remind themselves of who God is: “Now therefore, our God—the great, mighty, and awesome God, who keeps His covenant of loving devotion—do not let all the hardship that has come upon us… seem insignificant to You.” (Nehemiah 9:32) The description of God in this verse is packed with truth about His character. God’s Greatness: Beyond Compare • “Great” points to God’s absolute supremacy over creation and history. • Psalm 145:3: “Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; His greatness is unsearchable.” • 1 Chronicles 29:11 echoes the same theme: “Yours, O LORD, is the greatness…” God’s Might: Power Unmatched • “Mighty” speaks of strength that never falters. • Jeremiah 32:17: “Ah, Lord GOD! You made the heavens and the earth… nothing is too difficult for You.” • Isaiah 40:28: “The Creator of the ends of the earth … His understanding is beyond searching out.” God’s Awe-Inspiring Majesty • “Awesome” (literally “fear-worthy”) means His presence provokes holy reverence. • Deuteronomy 10:17: “For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God.” • Exodus 15:11: “Who among the gods is like You, O LORD? … awesome in splendor, working wonders.” God’s Covenant Faithfulness • He “keeps His covenant,” never breaking His promises. • Deuteronomy 7:9: “Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps His covenant.” • 2 Timothy 2:13: “If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.” God’s Loving Devotion • “Loving devotion” (ḥesed) highlights steadfast love anchored in covenant commitment. • Psalm 136 repeats “His loving devotion endures forever” in every verse. • Lamentations 3:22-23: “Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed… Great is Your faithfulness.” God’s Attentive Compassion • The plea “do not let all the hardship… seem insignificant to You” affirms that God sees and cares. • Exodus 3:7: “I have surely seen the affliction of My people… and I am aware of their sufferings.” • Psalm 34:18: “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Bringing It Together Nehemiah 9:32 weaves together a portrait of God who is: • supremely Great, • irresistibly Mighty, • fear-evokingly Awesome, • unfailingly Faithful to His covenant, • rich in Loving Devotion, • and keenly Attentive to the hardships of His people. This blend of majesty and mercy assures believers that the One who rules the cosmos also remembers every tear, stands by every promise, and pours out steadfast love without measure. |
    |