Nehemiah 9:21-26
In spite of their persistent rebellion, God provided for all Israel’s needs in the wilderness for forty years: “…Their clothes did not wear out, nor did their feet swell up.” (21b). In their journey to the promise land, God gave them victory over all who opposed their progress. He also brought them into the land of promise and gave them possession of it overcoming all the previous occupants. “They captured fortified cities and a fertile land. They took possession of houses full of every good thing…” (25a, b) They enjoyed plenty of food and “…lived luxuriously in Your great goodness.” (25e). “But they became rebellious and revolted against You, And threw Your Law behind their backs And killed Your prophets who had admonished them In order to bring them back to You. And they committed great blasphemies.” (26) In the context of prosperity from God, they turned their backs on His Word. After this they attacked the people seeking to bring them to a place of repentance for their own good. The consequences of these actions led to engaging in blasphemies. How quickly we forget what God did for us in the past while enjoying the prosperity of the present. Let us constantly turn to God and His Word, lest we forget God’s amazing goodness..