In the book of Nehemiah, Nehemiah shared how the Levites said to Jehovah God, “neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our fathers, kept your law, nor hearkened unto your commandments and your testimonies, wherewith you did testify against them”, and in chapter nine and verse thirty-five of Nehemiah, Nehemiah shared how the Levites said, “they have not served you in their kingdom" where we read,
For they have not served you in their kingdom, and in your great goodness that you gave them,
and in the large and fat land which you gave before them, neither turned they from their wicked works.
The verse reads, “For they have not served you in their kingdom, and in your great goodness that you gave them, ...”Nehemiah began with the words, “for they have not served you” which means “because, since and on account that they, the kings, princes, priest and fathers of Israel in no way or manner labored, worked and were in bondage to you, Jehovah God” “in their kingdom” or “within their royal power, reign, sovereign power and dominion”, “and in your great goodness” which means “and within your, Jehovah God's, numerous, abundant and exceedingly abounding fairness, beauty, joy and prosperity”, “that you gave them” or “that you, Jehovah God, granted, bestowed and assigned to them, the people of Israel”. Nehemiah shared how the Levites noted how the people of Israel and their leaders did not “serve”Jehovah God and His joy and prosperity within their “kingdom”.
The verse continues, “... and in the large and fat land which you gave before them, neither turned they from their wicked works.” Nehemiah added the words, “and in the large and fat land” or “and within the wide, broad, rich, robust and plenteous ground, territory, region and district” “which you gave before them” which means “that you, Jehovah God, granted, bestowed and assigned in the presence or front of them, the people of Israel”, “neither turned they” or “no and not in any way did they, the people of Israel, go back, return or make requital” “from their wicked works” which means “separate and apart from their, the people of Israel's, bad, disagreeable, malignant, unpleasant and evil acts, deeds and practices”. Nehemiah shared how the Levites recalled the wide and plenteous territory that Jehovah God provided to the people of Israel, however, they did not separate themselves from their evil acts and deeds.
When we meditate upon words in this verse, we learn through Nehemiah how the Levites continued to speak of the wonderful character of God and the “wicked” ways of the people of Israel. God blessed Israel, but they forsook Him and His ways. God loves the people of Israel, and His statutes and precepts are for them to have a better life. He loves us as well, and He wants us to have the best life possible. His plans and purposes are eternal, and because we have sinned against Him, He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and raised Him from the dead three days later. When we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and teach us the value of knowing and obeying His word through the power and leading of His Holy Spirit.
Next time Nehemiah shares how the Levites said, “we are servants this day”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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