Nehemiah 9:32-37 meaning

In Nehemiah 9:32-37, the returned exiles cry out to God, beginning with the plea, “Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who keeps covenant and lovingkindness, do not let all the hardship seem insignificant before You, which has come upon us, our kings, our princes, our priests, our prophets, our fathers and on all Your people, from the days of the kings of Assyria to this day” (v. 32). These leaders of Judah acknowledge the Lord’s steadfast character as One who is mighty, awesome, and ever faithful in His promises. The mention of the kings of Assyria looks back to the period when the northern kingdom of Israel was overrun by a powerful empire based in Mesopotamia, culminating in 722 BC when Assyria’s armies destroyed Samaria. After they demolished Samaria, the Assyrian's tried to capture Jerusalem from King Hezekiah but was thwarted by God's help (see our commentary on Isaiah 36).  The people of Judah see that even from that distant time, God has carried them, despite generations of defeat and exile. They request that none of this suffering be overlooked, trusting that the same God who keeps covenant will hear them.

The exiles then confess in heartfelt honesty, “However, You are just in all that has come upon us; For You have dealt faithfully, but we have acted wickedly” (v. 33). Here, they openly affirm the Lord’s justice, admitting that the calamities they endured were not due to any failing on God’s part. Rather, it was their own disobedience and the chronic idolatry of Israel and Judah that brought punishment. God’s discipline was fair, yet He still shows love that remains willing to restore His wayward people to full fellowship if they repent.

Next, the people confess the failures of previous generations: “For our kings, our leaders, our priests and our fathers have not kept Your law or paid attention to Your commandments and Your admonitions with which You have admonished them” (v. 34). Rather than blaming a single ruler or moment in history, this verse spreads the responsibility to every level of their society in times past. The kings, who often sought alliances with nations like Assyria or Egypt, neglected God’s law. The priests and elders, entrusted with the spiritual well—being of the nation, disregarded the very commandments intended to guide them. This points to a pervasive hardening of heart that took root in the nation over many decades.

They recount Israel’s blessings in the next verse, stating, “But they, in their own kingdom, with Your great goodness which You gave them, with the broad and rich land which You set before them, did not serve You or turn from their evil deeds" (v. 35). Here they recall the abundant land God graciously provided—often called the land of Canaan, a place flowing with gifts meant to be enjoyed in a covenant relationship with the Lord. Tragically, although God poured out goodness upon them, many of their ancestors became complacent and devoted themselves to idols (Deuteronomy 8:10-14). Their hearts strayed, turning blessings into pride and neglecting the service and obedience that would have sustained God’s favor.

In their prayerful confession, the people acknowledge a startling reality: “Behold, we are slaves today, and as to the land which You gave to our fathers to eat of its fruit and its bounty, behold, we are slaves in it” (v. 36). The exiles recognize that instead of enjoying freedom in the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, they remain under foreign dominion, likely that of the Persian Empire in Nehemiah’s time (mid—5th century BC). They realize their presence in Jerusalem does not equate to full autonomy. Even with the temple rebuilt and the wall restored (Nehemiah 6:15), they see themselves as beholden to external powers due to the sins of their forefathers.

Finally, they lament the burden of tribute and foreign oversight, saying, “Its abundant produce is for the kings whom You have set over us because of our sins; they also rule over our bodies and over our cattle as they please, so we are in great distress” (v. 37). Instead of enjoying the fruits of the land themselves, they must turn over portions of their harvest and wealth to rulers installed by outside empires. They understand that this domination is “because of our sins,” indicating a direct link between their disobedience and the oppression they experience. Yet even as they grieve, they demonstrate humility before the covenant God, whose lovingkindness they trust to bring deliverance (Isaiah 55:7). Their hearts long to see the full measure of God’s promise restored in their day—not through empty ritual, but by genuine repentance and a renewed spirit.

The restored community’s prayer of confession and hope in Nehemiah 9:32-37 reminds believers of the ever—present invitation to return to God, who remains faithful in covenant even when His people wander astray (Luke 15:20). Jesus embodies the same gracious nature, drawing near to sinners and offering restoration for those who repent (John 6:37). Like the exiles, anyone returning to the Lord can find mercy, as His commitment to keep covenant cannot be undone by human failings.