Nehemiah 9:19
Nehemiah 9:19 in Multiple Translations
You in Your great compassion did not forsake them in the wilderness. By day the pillar of cloud never turned away from guiding them on their path; and by the night the pillar of fire illuminated the way they should go.
Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them light, and the way wherein they should go.
yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of cloud departed not from over them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to show them light, and the way wherein they should go.
Even then, in your great mercy, you did not give them up in the waste land: the pillar of cloud still went before them by day, guiding them on their way, and the pillar of fire by night, to give them light, and make clear the way they were to go.
But you because you are so merciful didn't abandon them in the desert. The column of cloud didn't stop guiding them during the day, and the column of fire continued to light their way at night.
Yet thou for thy great mercies forsookest them not in the wildernesse: the pillar of the cloude departed not from them by day to leade them the way, neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them light, and the way whereby they should goe.
and Thou, in Thine abundant mercies, hast not forsaken them in the wilderness — the pillar of the cloud hath not turned aside from off them by day, to lead them in the way, and the pillar of the fire by night, to give light to them and the way in which they go.
yet you in your manifold mercies didn’t forsake them in the wilderness. The pillar of cloud didn’t depart from over them by day, to lead them in the way; neither did the pillar of fire by night, to show them light, and the way in which they should go.
Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to show them light, and the way in which they should go.
Yet thou, in thy many mercies, didst not leave them in the desert: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day to lead them in the way, and the pillar of fire by night to shew them the way by which they should go.
“Because you always act mercifully, you did not abandon them when they were in the desert. The bright cloud which was like a huge pillar continued to lead them during the daytime, and the fiery cloud showed them where to walk at night.
Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 9:19
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 9:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אַתָּה֙
בְּ/רַחֲמֶ֣י/ךָ
הָֽ/רַבִּ֔ים
לֹ֥א
עֲזַבְתָּ֖/ם
בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֑ר
אֶת
עַמּ֣וּד
הֶ֠/עָנָן
לֹא
סָ֨ר
מֵ/עֲלֵי/הֶ֤ם
בְּ/יוֹמָם֙
לְ/הַנְחֹתָ֣/ם
בְּ/הַ/דֶּ֔רֶךְ
וְ/אֶת
עַמּ֨וּד
הָ/אֵ֤שׁ
בְּ/לַ֨יְלָה֙
לְ/הָאִ֣יר
לָ/הֶ֔ם
וְ/אֶת
הַ/דֶּ֖רֶךְ
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
יֵֽלְכוּ
בָֽ/הּ
וְ/אַתָּה֙
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Conj | Pron
בְּ/רַחֲמֶ֣י/ךָ
racham
H7356
womb
Prep | N-mp | Suff
הָֽ/רַבִּ֔ים
rab
H7227
many
Art | Adj
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
עֲזַבְתָּ֖/ם
ʻâzab
H5800
Forsaken
V-Qal-Perf-2ms | Suff
בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֑ר
midbâr
H4057
mouth
Prep | N-ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
עַמּ֣וּד
ʻammûwd
H5982
pillar
N-ms
הֶ֠/עָנָן
ʻânân
H6051
cloud
Art | N-ms
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
סָ֨ר
çûwr
H5493
to turn aside
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
מֵ/עֲלֵי/הֶ֤ם
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Prep | Suff
בְּ/יוֹמָם֙
yôwmâm
H3119
by day
Prep | N-ms
לְ/הַנְחֹתָ֣/ם
nâchâh
H5148
to lead
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
בְּ/הַ/דֶּ֔רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
Prep | Art | N-cs
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
עַמּ֨וּד
ʻammûwd
H5982
pillar
N-ms
הָ/אֵ֤שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
Art | N-cs
בְּ/לַ֨יְלָה֙
layil
H3915
night
Prep | N-ms
לְ/הָאִ֣יר
ʼôwr
H215
to light
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
לָ/הֶ֔ם
Prep | Suff
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/דֶּ֖רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
Art | N-cs
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יֵֽלְכוּ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
בָֽ/הּ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 9:19
וְ/אַתָּה֙
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Conj | Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
בְּ/רַחֲמֶ֣י/ךָ
racham
H7356
"womb"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
This word refers to compassion or tender love, often describing God's feelings towards people. It can also mean the womb, symbolizing care and nurturing. The KJV translates it as compassion, mercy, or pity.
Definition: womb Another spelling of re.chem (רֶ֫חֶם "womb" H7358)
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: bowels, compassion, damsel, tender love, (great, tender) mercy, pity, womb. See also: Genesis 43:14; Psalms 106:46; Psalms 25:6.
הָֽ/רַבִּ֔ים
rab
H7227
"many"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
עֲזַבְתָּ֖/ם
ʻâzab
H5800
"Forsaken"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms | Suff
Forsaken means to loosen or relinquish something, often implying abandonment. In the Bible, the word appears in Psalm 22:1, where David cries out to God, saying my God, why have you forsaken me. The term signifies a sense of desperation and isolation.
Definition: This name means to restore, repair Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 206 OT verses. KJV: commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:24; Nehemiah 5:10; Psalms 9:11.
בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֑ר
midbâr
H4057
"mouth"
Prep | N-ms
The wilderness refers to a desert or open field, like the one the Israelites wandered in after leaving Egypt. It can also mean a place of solitude or a region without many people. In the Bible, it is often associated with the journey to the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) mouth 1a) mouth (as organ of speech)
Usage: Occurs in 257 OT verses. KJV: desert, south, speech, wilderness. See also: Genesis 14:6; Joshua 5:4; Psalms 29:8.
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.
עַמּ֣וּד
ʻammûwd
H5982
"pillar"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a pillar or column, often used as a symbol of strength or support. It can also describe a platform or a stand, like a column of smoke rising into the air. The word is used in various contexts, including architecture and nature.
Definition: 1) pillar, column 1a) pillar 1b) column, upright 1c) column (of smoke)
Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] apiece, pillar. See also: Exodus 13:21; 1 Kings 7:3; Psalms 75:4.
הֶ֠/עָנָן
ʻânân
H6051
"cloud"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word means a cloud or cloudy, and is used to describe the cloud that God uses to appear to his people. It appears in the Bible to describe God's presence, and is translated as cloud in the KJV.
Definition: 1) cloud, cloudy, cloud-mass 1a) cloud-mass (of theophanic cloud) 1b) cloud Aramaic equivalent: a.nan (עֲנָן "cloud" H6050)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: cloud(-y). See also: Genesis 9:13; Deuteronomy 1:33; Psalms 78:14.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
סָ֨ר
çûwr
H5493
"to turn aside"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.
מֵ/עֲלֵי/הֶ֤ם
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
בְּ/יוֹמָם֙
yôwmâm
H3119
"by day"
Prep | N-ms
The word 'yomam' means 'by day' or 'daily', and is used in the Bible to describe actions or events that happen during the daytime. It can also refer to the daytime itself, as opposed to the nighttime. This word is used to emphasize the daily nature of certain activities or routines.
Definition: adv 1) by day, in the daytime subst 2) daytime
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: daily, (by, in the) day(-time). See also: Exodus 13:21; Psalms 32:4; Psalms 1:2.
לְ/הַנְחֹתָ֣/ם
nâchâh
H5148
"to lead"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
To lead or guide is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also imply transporting people into exile or as colonists. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Exodus and 1 Kings, to describe leadership and migration.
Definition: 1) to lead, guide 1a) (Qal) to lead, bring 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, guide
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: bestow, bring, govern, guide, lead (forth), put, straiten. See also: Genesis 24:27; Psalms 31:4; Psalms 5:9.
בְּ/הַ/דֶּ֔רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
Prep | Art | N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | 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.
עַמּ֨וּד
ʻammûwd
H5982
"pillar"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a pillar or column, often used as a symbol of strength or support. It can also describe a platform or a stand, like a column of smoke rising into the air. The word is used in various contexts, including architecture and nature.
Definition: 1) pillar, column 1a) pillar 1b) column, upright 1c) column (of smoke)
Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] apiece, pillar. See also: Exodus 13:21; 1 Kings 7:3; Psalms 75:4.
הָ/אֵ֤שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
Art | N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
בְּ/לַ֨יְלָה֙
layil
H3915
"night"
Prep | N-ms
Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.
Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.
לְ/הָאִ֣יר
ʼôwr
H215
"to light"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
Or means to give light, whether physically or spiritually, as in Psalm 119:105 where God's word is a light to our path.
Definition: 1) to be or become light, shine 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become light (day) 1a2) to shine (of the sun) 1a3) to become bright 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be illuminated 1b2) to become lighted up 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give light, shine (of sun, moon, and stars) 1c2) to illumine, light up, cause to shine, shine 1c3) to kindle, light (candle, wood) 1c4) lighten (of the eyes, his law, etc) 1c5) to make shine (of the face)
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break of day, glorious, kindle, (be, en-, give, show) light (-en, -ened), set on fire, shine. See also: Genesis 1:15; Psalms 67:2; Psalms 13:4.
לָ/הֶ֔ם
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | 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.
הַ/דֶּ֖רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
Art | N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
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.
יֵֽלְכוּ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
בָֽ/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Nehemiah 9:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
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- Nehemiah 9:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 9:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 9:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:19
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:19
- Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 9:19
- Sermons on Nehemiah 9:19
Context — The People Confess Their Sins
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.
18Even when they cast for themselves an image of a calf and said, ‘This is your God who brought you up out of Egypt,’ and when they committed terrible blasphemies,
19You in Your great compassion did not forsake them in the wilderness. By day the pillar of cloud never turned away from guiding them on their path; and by the night the pillar of fire illuminated the way they should go.
20You gave Your good Spirit to instruct them. You did not withhold Your manna from their mouths, and You gave them water for their thirst. 21For forty years You sustained them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing. Their clothes did not wear out and their feet did not swell.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 106:45 | And He remembered His covenant with them, and relented by the abundance of His loving devotion. |
| 2 | Nehemiah 9:27 | So You delivered them into the hands of enemies who oppressed them, and in their time of distress they cried out to You. From heaven You heard them, and in Your great compassion You gave them deliverers who saved them from the hands of their enemies. |
| 3 | Malachi 3:6 | “Because I, the LORD, do not change, you descendants of Jacob have not been destroyed. |
| 4 | Nehemiah 9:12 | You led them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, to light for them the way in which they should travel. |
| 5 | Daniel 9:9 | To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness, even though we have rebelled against Him |
| 6 | Daniel 9:18 | Incline Your ear, O my God, and hear; open Your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears Your name. For we are not presenting our petitions before You because of our righteous acts, but because of Your great compassion. |
| 7 | Numbers 14:14 | And they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land. They have already heard that You, O LORD, are in the midst of this people, that You, O LORD, have been seen face to face, that Your cloud stands over them, and that You go before them in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. |
| 8 | Lamentations 3:22 | Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. |
| 9 | Ezekiel 20:14 | But I acted for the sake of My name, so that it would not be profaned in the eyes of the nations in whose sight I had brought them out. |
| 10 | Nehemiah 9:31 | But in Your great compassion, You did not put an end to them; nor did You forsake them, for You are a gracious and compassionate God. |
Nehemiah 9:19 Summary
This verse reminds us that even when we are disobedient or rebellious, God still loves and cares for us, and will guide us and provide for our needs. Just like the Israelites in the wilderness, we can trust in God's compassion and faithfulness, as seen in Nehemiah 9:19, and know that He will never leave us or forsake us, as promised in Deuteronomy 31:6. God's guidance and provision are always available to us, and we can seek to follow His leading and trust in His love, just as the Israelites did in the wilderness, with the help of the Holy Spirit, as seen in Romans 8:14.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God did not forsake the Israelites in the wilderness?
This means that even when the Israelites were disobedient and rebellious, God still provided for their needs and guided them, as seen in Nehemiah 9:19, and as promised in Deuteronomy 31:6.
Why did God use a pillar of cloud and a pillar of fire to guide the Israelites?
The pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire were physical manifestations of God's presence and guidance, helping the Israelites to trust in Him and follow His leading, as also seen in Exodus 13:21-22.
How does God's compassion in the wilderness relate to our lives today?
God's great compassion towards the Israelites in the wilderness is a reminder of His enduring love and care for His people, and we can trust in His faithfulness and provision for us, just as the Israelites did, as promised in Hebrews 13:5-6.
What can we learn from the Israelites' experience in the wilderness about God's character?
The Israelites' experience in the wilderness reveals God's character as gracious, compassionate, and slow to anger, as seen in Nehemiah 9:17, and this understanding of God's character can deepen our trust and worship of Him, as expressed in Psalm 103:8.
Reflection Questions
- How have I experienced God's guidance and provision in my own life, even in difficult or uncertain times?
- What are some ways that I can trust in God's compassion and faithfulness, just as the Israelites were called to do in the wilderness?
- How can I apply the lesson of God's enduring love and care for the Israelites to my own relationships and interactions with others?
- What are some practical ways that I can seek to follow God's leading and guidance in my daily life, just as the Israelites followed the pillar of cloud and fire?
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 9:19
Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness,.... Where no supply could be had, if he had cast them off, see Ne 9:17, the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 9:19
Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:19
Thou forsookest them not in the wilderness; where, if thou hadst left them without thy conduct and comfort, they had been utterly lost and undone.
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:19
Nehemiah 9:19 Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them light, and the way wherein they should go.Ver. 19. Yet thou in thy manifold mercies] Nothing else could have kept him from turning them off, and saying to them, as once Jephthah did, Judges 11:7, "Behold, ye have thrust me out; and do ye come unto me in your distress? Go, cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation," Judges 10:14 Forsookest them not in the wilderness] And yet he was near the matter when he would own them no longer, but even fathered them upon Moses, saying, Exodus 32:7, "Thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves." The pillar of cloud departed not] It is sad with a people when God sends for his love tokens (his ordinances); when they have sinned away their light, and so wiped off all their comfortables.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:19
Verse 19. The pillar of the cloud departed not from them] מעליהם mealeyhem, "from over them." I have already had occasion to observe that this miraculous cloud, the symbol of the Divine presence, assumed three different positions while accompanying the Israelitish camp: 1. As a cloud in the form of a pillar, it went before them when they journey, to point out their way in the wilderness. 2. As a pillar of fire, it continued with them during the night, to give them light, and be a rallying point for the whole camp in the night season. 3. As an extended cloud, it hovered over them in their encampments, to refresh them with its dews, and to keep them from the ardours of the sun.
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 9:19
19. the pillar of the cloud] R.V. the pillar of cloud. In the original the construction is ‘As for the pillar of cloud, it departed not, &c.’ from them] R.V. from over them. More literally. and the way] The LXX. and Vulg. omit the ‘and,’ as if the clause stood in apposition to the one preceding; even retaining the copula, that is a possible explanation of the words. According to the Eng. translation ‘and the way’ is an accusative, having a verb to govern it, supplied by Zeugma from the clause ‘to shew them light.’
Sermons on Nehemiah 9:19
| Sermon | Description | |
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Nehemiah 9 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the character of God as revealed in Nehemiah 9, highlighting His righteousness, mercy, and faithfulness to His people. The chapter recounts the Israelites' s |
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His Tender Mercies by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound nature of God's tender mercies, illustrating how they are the daily sustenance that keeps us from hell, forgives our sins, and meets our needs |
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Prayer - 1 Peter 1:3-5, Part 2 by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the abundant mercy of God as the foundation of our regeneration and lively hope in Christ, highlighting that this mercy is both general and special. He explain |
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How to Experience Personal Revival by Andrew Strom | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of experiencing revival in one's life. He explains that revival is a state of continuous, close communion with God. The founda |
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"Old Fashioned Hell Fire Preaching" by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon emphasizes the danger of trying to modernize or improve upon the ways of God, likening it to the mistake of trying to steady the Ark of God with human efforts. It highl |
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(Deeper Waters) Session 3 - the Habitation of God by David Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing his arrival at a new home and how he can immediately discern certain characteristics about the people living there. He then moves o |
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Attributes of God (Series 2): The Immutability of God by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the unchanging nature of God and His Word. He highlights that while everything in the world may change, God remains constant. The preacher e |