Nehemiah 9:34
Nehemiah 9:34 in Multiple Translations
Our kings and leaders and priests and fathers did not obey Your law or listen to Your commandments and warnings that You gave them.
Neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our fathers, kept thy law, nor hearkened unto thy commandments and thy testimonies, wherewith thou didst testify against them.
neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our fathers, kept thy law, nor hearkened unto thy commandments and thy testimonies wherewith thou didst testify against them.
And our kings, our rulers, our priests, and our fathers have not kept your law or given attention to your orders and your witness, with which you gave witness against them.
Our kings, our leaders, our priests, and our forefathers did not follow your Law, and they ignored your commands and regulations you ordered them to keep.
And our kings and our princes, our Priests and our fathers haue not done thy Lawe, nor regarded thy commandements nor thy protestations, wherewith thou hast protested among them.
and our kings, our heads, our priests, and our fathers, have not done Thy law, nor attended unto Thy commands, and to Thy testimonies, that Thou hast testified against them;
Also our kings, our princes, our priests, and our fathers have not kept your law, nor listened to your commandments and your testimonies with which you testified against them.
Neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our fathers, kept thy law, nor hearkened to thy commandments and thy testimonies, with which thou didst testify against them.
Our kings, our princes, our priests, and our fathers have not kept thy law, and have not minded thy commandments, and thy testimonies which thou hast testified among them.
Our kings and other leaders and our priests and our other ancestors did not obey your laws. They did not heed your commands or the warnings that you gave to them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 9:34
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 9:34 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֶת
מְלָכֵ֤י/נוּ
שָׂרֵ֨י/נוּ֙
כֹּהֲנֵ֣י/נוּ
וַ/אֲבֹתֵ֔י/נוּ
לֹ֥א
עָשׂ֖וּ
תּוֹרָתֶ֑/ךָ
וְ/לֹ֤א
הִקְשִׁ֨יבוּ֙
אֶל
מִצְוֺתֶ֔י/ךָ
וּ/לְ/עֵ֣דְוֺתֶ֔י/ךָ
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
הַעִידֹ֖תָ
בָּ/הֶֽם
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
מְלָכֵ֤י/נוּ
melek
H4428
King's
N-mp | Suff
שָׂרֵ֨י/נוּ֙
sar
H8269
ruler
N-mp | Suff
כֹּהֲנֵ֣י/נוּ
kôhên
H3548
priest
N-mp | Suff
וַ/אֲבֹתֵ֔י/נוּ
ʼâb
H1
father
Conj | N-mp | Suff
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
עָשׂ֖וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
תּוֹרָתֶ֑/ךָ
tôwrâh
H8451
instruction
N-fs | Suff
וְ/לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
הִקְשִׁ֨יבוּ֙
qâshab
H7181
to listen
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מִצְוֺתֶ֔י/ךָ
mitsvâh
H4687
commandment
N-fp | Suff
וּ/לְ/עֵ֣דְוֺתֶ֔י/ךָ
ʻêdûwth
H5715
testimony
Conj | Prep | N-fp | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
הַעִידֹ֖תָ
ʻûwd
H5749
to uphold
V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms
בָּ/הֶֽם
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 9:34
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.
מְלָכֵ֤י/נוּ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-mp | Suff
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
שָׂרֵ֨י/נוּ֙
sar
H8269
"ruler"
N-mp | Suff
A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.
Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden
Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.
כֹּהֲנֵ֣י/נוּ
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
וַ/אֲבֹתֵ֔י/נוּ
ʼâb
H1
"father"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
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.
עָשׂ֖וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
תּוֹרָתֶ֑/ךָ
tôwrâh
H8451
"instruction"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for instruction or law, referring to the Ten Commandments or the first five books of the Bible, guiding human behavior and moral code.
Definition: 1) law, direction, instruction 1a) instruction, direction (human or divine) 1a1) body of prophetic teaching 1a2) instruction in Messianic age 1a3) body of priestly direction or instruction 1a4) body of legal directives 1b) law 1b1) law of the burnt offering 1b2) of special law, codes of law 1c) custom, manner 1d) the Deuteronomic or Mosaic Law
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: law. See also: Genesis 26:5; Nehemiah 8:7; Psalms 1:2.
וְ/לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | 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.
הִקְשִׁ֨יבוּ֙
qâshab
H7181
"to listen"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
To listen carefully is what this Hebrew word means, like pricking up your ears to hear something. It's used in many Bible verses, including Proverbs and Isaiah, to encourage people to pay attention. The KJV translates it as 'attend' or 'hear'.
Definition: 1) to hear, be attentive, heed, incline (of ears), attend (of ears), hearken, pay attention, listen 1a) (Qal) incline, attend (of ears), hearken, pay attention, listen 1b) (Hiphil) to pay attention, give attention
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: attend, (cause to) hear(-ken), give heed, incline, mark (well), regard. See also: 1 Samuel 15:22; Song of Solomon 8:13; Psalms 5:3.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מִצְוֺתֶ֔י/ךָ
mitsvâh
H4687
"commandment"
N-fp | Suff
This Hebrew word means a command or law given by God or humans, as seen in the Bible's rules and guidelines. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy. The commandments guide people's actions.
Definition: 1) commandment 1a) commandment (of man) 1b) the commandment (of God) 1c) commandment (of code of wisdom)
Usage: Occurs in 177 OT verses. KJV: (which was) commanded(-ment), law, ordinance, precept. See also: Genesis 26:5; 1 Chronicles 28:8; Psalms 19:9.
וּ/לְ/עֵ֣דְוֺתֶ֔י/ךָ
ʻêdûwth
H5715
"testimony"
Conj | Prep | N-fp | Suff
This word means a testimony or witness, often referring to God's laws or instructions. It is used in several books, including Exodus and Deuteronomy, to describe God's guidance. The word emphasizes the importance of following God's laws.
Definition: testimony
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: testimony, witness. See also: Exodus 16:34; Numbers 17:19; Psalms 19:8.
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.
הַעִידֹ֖תָ
ʻûwd
H5749
"to uphold"
V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms
To testify means to repeat or affirm something, like a witness in court. In the Bible, it appears in Deuteronomy 4:26 and Isaiah 44:26. It involves speaking up or warning others.
Definition: 1) to return, repeat, go about, do again 1a) (Piel) to surround, go round and round 1b) (Pilel) to restore, relieve 1c) (Hithpalel) to be restored
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: admonish, charge, earnestly, lift up, protest, call (take) to record, relieve, rob, solemnly, stand upright, testify, give warning, (bear, call to, give, take to) witness. See also: Genesis 43:3; Nehemiah 13:15; Psalms 20:9.
בָּ/הֶֽם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Nehemiah 9:34
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Nehemiah 9:34 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 9:34
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 9:34
- Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:34
- Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:34
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:34
- Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 9:34
- Sermons on Nehemiah 9:34
Context — The People Confess Their Sins
32So now, our God, the great and mighty and awesome God who keeps His gracious covenant, do not view lightly all the hardship that has come upon us, and upon our kings and leaders, our priests and prophets, our ancestors and all Your people, from the days of the kings of Assyria until today.
33You are just in all that has befallen us, because You have acted faithfully, while we have acted wickedly.
34Our kings and leaders and priests and fathers did not obey Your law or listen to Your commandments and warnings that You gave them.
35For even while they were in their kingdom, with the abundant goodness that You had given them, and in the spacious and fertile land that You had set before them, they would not serve You or turn from their wicked ways. 36So here we are today as slaves in the land You gave our fathers to enjoy its fruit and goodness— here we are as slaves!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 29:19 | I will do this because they have not listened to My words, declares the LORD, which I sent to them again and again through My servants the prophets. And neither have you exiles listened, declares the LORD.” |
| 2 | 2 Kings 17:13 | Yet through all His prophets and seers, the LORD warned Israel and Judah, saying, “Turn from your wicked ways and keep My commandments and statutes, according to the entire Law that I commanded your fathers and delivered to you through My servants the prophets.” |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 31:21 | And when many troubles and afflictions have come upon them, this song will testify against them, because it will not be forgotten from the lips of their descendants. For I know their inclination, even before I bring them into the land that I swore to give them.” |
| 4 | Nehemiah 9:30 | You were patient with them for many years, and Your Spirit admonished them through Your prophets. Yet they would not listen, so You gave them into the hands of the neighboring peoples. |
| 5 | 2 Kings 17:15 | They rejected His statutes and the covenant He had made with their fathers, as well as the decrees He had given them. They pursued worthless idols and themselves became worthless, going after the surrounding nations that the LORD had commanded them not to imitate. |
Nehemiah 9:34 Summary
[Nehemiah 9:34 tells us that the leaders of God's people did not obey His law or listen to His commands and warnings. This is a reminder that disobedience can have serious consequences, as seen in Jeremiah 2:13 and Ezekiel 18:4. We must strive to listen to and follow God's will, as stated in Psalm 119:1-176 and Matthew 7:24-27, and to obey His commands, as seen in John 14:15 and 1 John 2:3-6. By doing so, we can avoid the consequences of disobedience and live a life that is pleasing to God.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the leaders' disobedience in Nehemiah 9:34?
The leaders' disobedience is significant because it highlights the pervasive sinfulness of God's people, as seen in Nehemiah 9:34, and is a reminder that God holds leaders accountable for their actions, as stated in Romans 13:1-7 and Hebrews 13:17.
How does this verse relate to the concept of covenant in the Bible?
This verse is connected to the concept of covenant because it shows how the leaders' disobedience led to the breaking of God's covenant with His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 29:1-30:20 and Jeremiah 31:31-34.
What can we learn from the fact that the leaders did not listen to God's commandments and warnings?
We can learn that disobedience and ignoring God's warnings can have severe consequences, as seen in Proverbs 29:1 and Isaiah 66:4, and that it is essential to listen to and obey God's commands, as stated in Psalm 119:1-176 and Matthew 7:24-27.
How does this verse apply to our lives today?
This verse applies to our lives today because it reminds us that, as believers, we are also accountable for our actions and our obedience to God's commands, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:1-31 and Ephesians 4:1-32, and that we must strive to listen to and follow God's will, as stated in Romans 12:1-2 and Colossians 3:1-25.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can ensure that I am listening to and obeying God's commands in my own life?
- How can I, as a leader or influencer, be more mindful of my responsibility to obey God's commands and set a good example for others?
- What are some potential consequences of disobeying God's commands, and how can I avoid them in my own life?
- How can I balance the desire to follow God's will with the temptation to follow my own desires and interests?
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 9:34
Neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our fathers, kept thy law,.... All ranks of men, from the highest to the lowest, had shown no regard, nor yielded obedience to the holy law of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 9:34
Howbeit thou art just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly: No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:34
Nehemiah 9:34 Neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our fathers, kept thy law, nor hearkened unto thy commandments and thy testimonies, wherewith thou didst testify against them.Ver. 34. Neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, &c.] But as there hath been a general defection, so a well-deserved desolation, wherein we have all justly shared. Nor hearkened to thy commandments] And that because they testified against their contrary practices. This wicked men cannot away with, they hate him that reproveth in the gate, as Ahab did Micaiah. None but the gracious can say, Let the righteous smite me, be the reproof never so well tempered. No sugar can bereave a pill of its bitterness. Now the ear trieth words, as the mouth tasteth meats, Job 12:11. And ungodly men (as they write of some creatures) have fel in aure, and must get their ears cured ere they can be in case to hear God’ s commandments and his testimonies. It is said of Gerson, that he loved a friendly reprover; and of Queen Anne Bullen, that she not only was willing to be admonished, but also required her chaplains freely and plainly to tell her of whatsoever was amiss. Scilicet Christus voluit aliquando etiam reginam in coelum vehere, as Luther once said of Elizabeth, queen of Denmark.
These kings and princes of Israel were nonsuch.
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:34
(34) Our kings.—Note that the prophets are omitted in this enumeration.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:34
Verse 34. Neither have our kings] In this verse he acknowledges that the kings, princes, priests, and fathers, had broken the law: but the prophets are left out; for they continued faithful to God, testifying by his Spirit against the crimes of all; and this even at the risk of their lives.
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 9:34
34. neither have our kings] The construction is the same as in Nehemiah 9:19; Nehemiah 9:32, ‘As for our kings, … they have not.’ kept thy law] Literally ‘done thy law,’ i.e. carried into practice the Divine teaching. Cf. Nehemiah 9:14; Nehemiah 9:29. nor hearkened] Cf. Zechariah 1:4, ‘But they (your fathers) did not hear nor hearken unto me, saith the Lord.’ didst testify against them] Probably with special reference to Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28-30.
Sermons on Nehemiah 9:34
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Progress of Redemption #10 by David Shirley | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the period of time when God spoke through the prophets, which lasted for about four to five hundred years from 840 BC to 420 BC. The major the |
|
The Witness of the Spirit by J.W. McGarvey | J.W. McGarvey preaches about the assurance of being children of God, emphasizing the importance of knowing our status as God's children for both our eternal happiness and joy in th |