Nehemiah 9:15

Nehemiah 9:15 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

In their hunger You gave them bread from heaven; in their thirst You brought them water from the rock. You told them to go in and possess the land which You had sworn to give them.

King James Version KJV

And gavest them bread from heaven for their hunger, and broughtest forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and promisedst them that they should go in to possess the land which thou hadst sworn to give them.

American Standard Version ASV

and gavest them bread from heaven for their hunger, and broughtest forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and commandedst them that they should go in to possess the land which thou hadst sworn to give them.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And you gave them bread from heaven when they were in need, and made water come out of the rock for their drink, and gave them orders to go in and take for their heritage the land which your hand had been lifted up to give them.

Free Bible Version FBV

When they were hungry you gave them bread from heaven, and when they were thirsty you brought water out of the rock for them. You told them to go and take ownership of the land which you had sworn to give them.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And gauest them bread from heauen for their hunger, and broughtest forth water for them out of the rocke for their thirst: and promisedst them that they shoulde goe in, and take possession of the land: for the which thou haddest lift vp thine hand for to giue them.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and bread from the heavens Thou hast given to them for their hunger, and water from a rock hast brought out to them for their thirst, and dost say to them to go in to possess the land that Thou hast lifted up Thy hand to give to them.

World English Bible WEB

and gave them bread from the sky for their hunger, and brought water out of the rock for them for their thirst, and commanded them that they should go in to possess the land which you had sworn to give them.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And thou gavest them bread from heaven in their hunger, and broughtest forth water for them out of the rock in their thirst, and thou saidst to them that they should go in, and possess the land, upon which thou hadst lifted up thy hand to give it them.

Translation for Translators T4T

When they were hungry, you gave them manna from the sky; and when they were thirsty, you gave them water from a rock. You commanded them to go and take, from the people who lived there, the land which you had promised to give to them.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 9:15

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Nehemiah 9:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ֠/לֶחֶם מִ/שָּׁמַ֜יִם נָתַ֤תָּה לָ/הֶם֙ לִ/רְעָבָ֔/ם וּ/מַ֗יִם מִ/סֶּ֛לַע הוֹצֵ֥אתָ לָ/הֶ֖ם לִ/צְמָאָ֑/ם וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר לָ/הֶ֗ם לָ/בוֹא֙ לָ/רֶ֣שֶׁת אֶת הָ/אָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁר נָשָׂ֥אתָ אֶת יָדְ/ךָ֖ לָ/תֵ֥ת לָ/הֶֽם

וְ֠/לֶחֶם lechem H3899 food Conj | N-cs

מִ/שָּׁמַ֜יִם shâmayim H8064 heaven Prep | N-mp

נָתַ֤תָּה nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal-Perf-2ms

לָ/הֶם֙ Prep | Suff

לִ/רְעָבָ֔/ם râʻâb H7458 famine Prep | N-ms | Suff

וּ/מַ֗יִם mayim H4325 Water (Gate) Conj | N-mp

מִ/סֶּ֛לַע çelaʻ H5553 crag Prep | N-ms

הוֹצֵ֥אתָ yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms

לָ/הֶ֖ם Prep | Suff

לִ/צְמָאָ֑/ם tsâmâʼ H6772 thirst Prep | N-ms | Suff

וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2ms

לָ/הֶ֗ם Prep | Suff

לָ/בוֹא֙ bôwʼ H935 Lebo Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

לָ/רֶ֣שֶׁת yârash H3423 to possess Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הָ/אָ֔רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

נָשָׂ֥אתָ nâsâʼ H5375 to lift V-Qal-Perf-2ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

יָדְ/ךָ֖ yâd H3027 hand N-cs | Suff

לָ/תֵ֥ת nâthan H5414 to give Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

לָ/הֶֽם Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 9:15

וְ֠/לֶחֶם lechem H3899 "food" Conj | N-cs

This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.

Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)

Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.

מִ/שָּׁמַ֜יִם shâmayim H8064 "heaven" Prep | N-mp

The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.

Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)

Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.

נָתַ֤תָּה nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal-Perf-2ms

This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.

Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon

Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.

לָ/הֶם֙ "" Prep | Suff

לִ/רְעָבָ֔/ם râʻâb H7458 "famine" Prep | N-ms | Suff

Famine or hunger is what this Hebrew word represents, often referring to a lack of food or spiritual nourishment. It appears in books like Genesis and Jeremiah, highlighting the importance of trust in God during difficult times.

Definition: 1) famine, hunger 1a) famine (in land, nation) 1a1) of Jehovah's word (fig) 1b) hunger (of individuals)

Usage: Occurs in 88 OT verses. KJV: dearth, famine, [phrase] famished, hunger. See also: Genesis 12:10; Jeremiah 14:12; Psalms 33:19.

וּ/מַ֗יִם mayim H4325 "Water (Gate)" Conj | N-mp

This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.

Definition: This name means water, refreshment

Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.

מִ/סֶּ֛לַע çelaʻ H5553 "crag" Prep | N-ms

This word means a craggy rock or cliff, a strong and secure place, like the rock of salvation in Psalm 71:3.

Definition: 1) crag, cliff, rock 1a) crag, cliff 1b) as stronghold of Jehovah, of security (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: (ragged) rock, stone(-ny), strong hold. See also: Numbers 20:8; Psalms 71:3; Psalms 18:3.

הוֹצֵ֥אתָ yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.

Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth

Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.

לָ/הֶ֖ם "" Prep | Suff

לִ/צְמָאָ֑/ם tsâmâʼ H6772 "thirst" Prep | N-ms | Suff

This Hebrew word refers to the feeling of thirst itself, whether physical or spiritual, and is used in the Bible to describe a strong desire or need, like in Exodus 17:3 where the Israelites complain about lacking water in the desert. It can also symbolize a longing for God.

Definition: thirst

Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: thirst(-y). See also: Exodus 17:3; Isaiah 5:13; Psalms 69:22.

וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

לָ/הֶ֗ם "" Prep | Suff

לָ/בוֹא֙ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

לָ/רֶ֣שֶׁת yârash H3423 "to possess" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

To possess means to take control of something, like a piece of land, by driving out others and occupying it. This word is used in the Bible to describe inheriting property or seizing power.

Definition: : possess/inherit 1) to seize, dispossess, take possession off, inherit, disinherit, occupy, impoverish, be an heir 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take possession of 1a2) to inherit 1a3) to impoverish, come to poverty, be poor 1b) (Niphal) to be dispossessed, be impoverished, come to poverty 1c) (Piel) to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to possess or inherit 1d2) to cause others to possess or inherit 1d3) to impoverish 1d4) to dispossess 1d5) to destroy, bring to ruin, disinherit

Usage: Occurs in 204 OT verses. KJV: cast out, consume, destroy, disinherit, dispossess, drive(-ing) out, enjoy, expel, [idiom] without fail, (give to, leave for) inherit(-ance, -or) [phrase] magistrate, be (make) poor, come to poverty, (give to, make to) possess, get (have) in (take) possession, seize upon, succeed, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 15:3; Joshua 15:63; Psalms 25:13.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

הָ/אָ֔רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | N-cs

The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.

Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

נָשָׂ֥אתָ nâsâʼ H5375 "to lift" V-Qal-Perf-2ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.

Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought

Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

יָדְ/ךָ֖ yâd H3027 "hand" N-cs | Suff

In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.

Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists

Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.

לָ/תֵ֥ת nâthan H5414 "to give" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

לָ/הֶֽם "" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — Nehemiah 9:15

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Nehemiah 9:15 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 9:15
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 9:15
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:15
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:15
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 9:15
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:15
Sermons on Nehemiah 9:15

Context — The People Confess Their Sins

13You came down on Mount Sinai and spoke with them from heaven. You gave them just ordinances, true laws, and good statutes and commandments. 14You revealed to them Your holy Sabbath and gave them commandments and statutes and laws through Your servant Moses.

15In their hunger You gave them bread from heaven; in their thirst You brought them water from the rock. You told them to go in and possess the land that You had sworn to give them.

16But they and our fathers became arrogant and stiff-necked and did not obey Your commandments. 17They refused to listen and failed to remember the wonders You performed among them. They stiffened their necks and appointed a leader to return them to their bondage in Egypt. But You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in loving devotion, and You did not forsake them.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Corinthians 10:3–4	They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ.
2	Deuteronomy 1:8	See, I have placed the land before you. Enter and possess the land that the LORD swore He would give to your fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and to their descendants after them.”
3	Exodus 17:6	Behold, I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. And when you strike the rock, water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel.
4	Exodus 16:14–15	When the layer of dew had evaporated, there were thin flakes on the desert floor, as fine as frost on the ground. When the Israelites saw it, they asked one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. So Moses told them, “It is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat.
5	Exodus 16:4	Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain down bread from heaven for you. Each day the people are to go out and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test whether or not they will follow My instructions.
6	Psalms 105:40–41	They asked, and He brought quail and satisfied them with the bread of heaven. He opened a rock, and water gushed out; it flowed like a river in the desert.
7	John 6:31–35	Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’ ” Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” “Sir,” they said, “give us this bread at all times.” Jesus answered, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst.
8	Psalms 78:24–25	He rained down manna for them to eat; He gave them grain from heaven. Man ate the bread of angels; He sent them food in abundance.
9	Deuteronomy 8:3	He humbled you, and in your hunger He gave you manna to eat, which neither you nor your fathers had known, so that you might understand that man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.
10	Psalms 114:8	who turned the rock into a pool, the flint into a fountain of water!

Nehemiah 9:15 Summary

This verse reminds us that God takes care of our needs, just like He provided food and water for the Israelites in the desert. He gave them bread from heaven and water from a rock, showing His power and love. God also reminded them of the promise He made to give them a new home, which is like the promises He makes to us today (as seen in Jeremiah 29:11). We can trust God to take care of us, just like He took care of the Israelites, and remember His faithfulness in our own lives, as encouraged in Lamentations 3:22-23.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of God giving the Israelites bread from heaven?

God giving the Israelites bread from heaven, as mentioned in Nehemiah 9:15, was a demonstration of His provision and care for them, similar to what is described in Exodus 16:4, where God provided manna to feed the Israelites in the wilderness.

Why did God bring water from the rock for the Israelites?

God bringing water from the rock, as mentioned in Nehemiah 9:15, was an act of mercy and provision, as seen in Exodus 17:6, where God instructed Moses to strike the rock to bring forth water, demonstrating His care and supply for His people.

What does it mean that God told the Israelites to possess the land He had sworn to give them?

This refers to God's promise to give the Israelites the land of Canaan, as described in Genesis 12:7 and reiterated in Deuteronomy 1:8, which was a key part of His covenant with Abraham and His people.

How does this verse relate to the overall story of the Israelites?

Nehemiah 9:15 is part of a larger narrative of God's relationship with the Israelites, highlighting His faithfulness and provision, as seen in verses like Psalm 105:42-45, which recounts God's faithfulness to His people throughout their history.

Reflection Questions

How have you experienced God's provision in your life, similar to the Israelites receiving bread from heaven and water from the rock?
What are some ways you can trust God to provide for your needs, just as He did for the Israelites in the wilderness?
How does remembering God's faithfulness in the past, as described in Nehemiah 9:15, encourage you to trust Him for your future?
In what ways can you apply the principle of trusting God's promises, as seen in His covenant with Abraham, to your own life and circumstances?

Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 9:15

And gavest them bread from heaven for their hunger,.... To satisfy that, meaning the manna, Exodus 16:3 and broughtest forth water for them out of the rock, for their thirst; to quench it; this was

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 9:15

Thou art the LORD the God, who didst choose Abram, and broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gavest him the name of Abraham; No JFB commentary on these verses.

Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:15

Nehemiah 9:15 And gavest them bread from heaven for their hunger, and broughtest forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and promisedst them that they should go in to possess the land which thou hadst sworn to give them.Ver. 15. And gavest them bread from heaven] Pluviam escatilem, et petrum aquatilem, as Tertullian phraseth it. God rained down angel’ s food, and set the flint abroach; and this he did for their hunger, for their thirst, fitting his favours ad cardinem desiderii, from the desire of their heart, according to their need and request. Besides that, their bread was sacramental, whereof they communicated everyday. Their drink also was sacramental, that this ancient Church might give no warrant of a dry communion: for they did all eat of the same spiritual meat, and did all drink the same spiritual drink, the same that we do at the Lord’ s supper, 1 Corinthians 10:3-4. And promisedst them that they should go in, &c.] And the like promise he hath made of heaven to all his people. "Let us therefore fear," &c., Hebrews 4:1. Let us therefore cleanse ourselves, &c., 2 Corinthians 6:1. Let us haste away in our affections, Colossians 3:2. Which thou hast sworn] So he hath to give us heaven (because he knows how backward we are to believe him, with such a pawn), that by two immutable things, God’ s word and God’ s oath (which maketh his word not more true, but yet more credible), we might have strong consolation, Hebrews 6:18, and more abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, 2 Peter 1:11.

Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:15

(15) Bread from heaven.—A change of phrase, which our Lord consecrated for ever (John 6).

Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 9:15

15. bread from heaven] See Exodus 16:4, ‘I will rain bread from heaven for you.’ Cf. Psalms 78:24, ‘and gave them of the corn of heaven.’ Psalms 105:40, ‘and satisfied them with the bread of heaven.’ water for them out of the rock] Cf. Exodus 17:6. But a closer resemblance is afforded by Numbers 20:8, ‘And thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock.’ See Psalms 105:41, ‘He opened the rock, and waters gushed out.’ promisedst] R.V. commandedst. Heb. ‘didst say.’ Cf. Nehemiah 9:24. sworn] R.V. lifted up thine hand. Cf. Numbers 14:30, ‘the land, concerning which I lifted up my hand that I would make you dwell therein.’

Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:15

15. Thou hadst sworn — Literally, as the margin, which thou didst lift up thy hand to give them. Allusion to the custom or ceremony of solemnly raising the hand in taking an oath.

Sermons on Nehemiah 9:15

	Sermon	Description
	Establishing the Lordship of Christ by Major Ian Thomas	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He explains that the Holy Spirit's presence within us is a guarantee of our acceptance in God
	Christ All in All by D.L. Moody	D.L. Moody emphasizes that Christ is everything to those who truly find Him, serving as our Savior, Redeemer, Deliverer, Leader, Light, Teacher, Shepherd, and Burden-bearer. He pas
	The Power of His Presence by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for a revelation of God's presence in our lives. She highlights the importance of being honest before God and allowing Him to revea
	A Word of Faith by Paris Reidhead	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of faith and belief in achieving one's goals. He uses examples from history, business, and everyday life to illustrate how fai
	The Manna, the Rock and the Victory by A.B. Simpson	A.B. Simpson emphasizes the spiritual significance of the manna, the rock, and the victory in the Christian life, illustrating how these elements represent Christ's provision for o
	Studies in Esther - Part 1 by Major Ian Thomas	Major Ian Thomas explores the Book of Esther, emphasizing the need for a solid foundation in biblical exegesis. He introduces key characters: King Ahasuerus representing human pers
	Life and Immortality Brought to Light Through the Gospel by Isaac Penington	Isaac Penington preaches about the threefold appearance of Christ throughout history, emphasizing how Christ was prefigured in the Old Testament, manifested in a body of flesh, and