Nehemiah 9:1-38

9:1-3 | Three weeks had passed since the gathering began at the Water Gate. After a time of celebration for all that God had done, it was time for the people to repent, both personally and as a nation. Such confession, which combines exalting the name (or character) of God and acknowledging guilt for sins, is found elsewhere in Scripture (Josh. 7:6).

9:5-38 | This is the longest sustained worship hymn in Scripture. It is unknown whether this was read or recited from memory by the Levites. Still, it is a wonderful confession as part of worship and a memorable review of the blessings of God.

9:14 | Among God’s gifts to His people was the institution of the Sabbath. Sabbath observance was a covenant sign established specifically between God and His people at Sinai (Ex. 31:12-17).

9:26-27 | The deliverers that God provided throughout Israel’s history foreshadow the ultimate Deliverer, God’s own Son.

9:36-38 | Until this point, the Levites in their hymn reviewed Israel’s history; now they gave it a personal application. Here we are, said twice, represents the people’s desire to come back under God’s covenant and agree to once again be His people.