7.28.2026 - Matt Hekman

July 28

As we continue our study of God’s patience today, take a moment are read Nehemiah chapter 9.

Let me give you a little context around this chapter. In the chapters leading up to this, we read of the end of the exile of the Israelite people and the return to Jerusalem. That the exile was over is proof of God’s patience in itself but there is much more here. In chapter 8 we see Ezra the prophet reading the law to the people and they show obedience by celebrating the “Feast of Booths”. This as a celebration instituted by God, commanded as a remembrance of how God sustained his people through the years in the wilderness, after they left Egypt, and before entering the promised land.

With this context of the people being reminded of God keeping his people through the years in the wilderness we enter chapter 9.

Verse 1 says: “On the twenty-fourth day of the same month, the Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth and putting dust on their heads.”

The people were undone by their sin in the light of God’s goodness. They mourned for their sins and the sins of their fathers. They read the law, confessed their sins, and worshipped the Lord.

We see this cycle repeat throughout the rest of the chapter. They see God’s goodness, confess their sins, and worship.

In verses 7-15 we read of God’s goodness to Abraham and God keeping his promise, the signs in wonders and eventual rescue from slavery in Egypt, the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai, the provision of manna and water from the rock.

The in 16 and 17, “But…” God’s people became arrogant and stubborn, disobedient and rebellious, and idolatrous. And yet, God was “slow to anger.”

Verses 19-21 repeat the ways God was patient, good, compassionate, and loving those 40 years in the wilderness. He “did not abandon them” because he was patient.

We read next of the time after the wilderness in verses 22-25. God “gave them kingdoms and nations”, “children as numerous as the stars in the sky,” “good things” and all manner of abundance. “They ate to the full and were well-nourished; they reveled in [God’s] great goodness.”

“But…” verses 26-27 start, “they were disobedient and rebelled” once again. God “delivered them into the hands of their enemies, who oppressed them.” And what did God, in his patience do? He heard them from heaven and gave them “deliverers, who rescued them from the hand of their enemies.”

“But as soon as they were at rest, they again did what was evil in your sight. Then you abandoned them to the hand of their enemies so that they ruled over them. And when they cried out to you again, you heard from heaven, and in your compassion you delivered them time after time.” v.28

God warned them time and time again through his prophets to return to obedience. Verse 30 tells us “For many years you were patient with them. By your Spirit you warned them through your prophets. Yet they paid no attention…”

The retelling of the ups and downs of Israel in relationship with a patient God brought them to a place of worship, proclaiming that God is righteous and faithful. Chapter 10 goes on to describe their renewed commitment to once again obey God’s commands.

How have you seen the patience of God in your life in times of rebellion and of repentance? Can you relate to the experience of the Israelites when it comes to failing to follow God’s law, experiencing the negative consequences of sin, and experiencing God’s patience as we know forgiveness, committing ourselves once again to obey?

Know today that God is one who is “slow to anger and abounding in love.” I hope that thought leads you to worship.