Old Testament
Nehemiah 9:26
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"Nevertheless they were disobedient and rebelled against you, and cast your law behind their backs, and killed your prophets who testified against them to turn them to you, and they committed great provocations."
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Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations.
What Nehemiah 9:26 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the people of Israel are being reminded of their history of disobedience to God. Despite His guidance and the warnings from prophets sent to them, they chose to ignore His laws and rebel against Him. They even went so far as to harm those who spoke the truth to them, showing a deep-seated rejection of God's authority. This behavior is described as 'great provocations,' indicating that their actions were not just minor mistakes but serious offenses against God. The verse highlights the cycle of rebellion and the consequences that follow when people turn away from divine instruction. It serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of heeding God's word and the dangers of disregarding His guidance.
How to apply Nehemiah 9:26 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own lives and consider how we respond to guidance and correction. It reminds us to be open to God's teachings and the messages delivered by those who care for our spiritual well-being. Ignoring these can lead to serious consequences.
Curated for this public verse page. Nehemiah Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Nehemiah
- Author
- Nehemiah, with Ezra
- Written
- Around 430 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The post-exilic Jewish community
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Nehemiah 9:26 mean?
Nehemiah 9:26 recounts how the Israelites repeatedly disobeyed God, rejecting His laws and harming the prophets He sent to guide them. This verse highlights their rebellion and the serious consequences of turning away from divine instruction.
What is the significance of 'great provocations' in Nehemiah 9:26?
The term 'great provocations' in Nehemiah 9:26 refers to the serious offenses committed by the Israelites against God. It emphasizes that their actions were not minor mistakes but significant rebellions that angered God.
How does Nehemiah 9:26 relate to the consequences of sin?
Nehemiah 9:26 illustrates the cycle of disobedience and the resulting consequences faced by the Israelites. Their rejection of God's law and the harm done to His prophets serve as a warning about the dangers of ignoring divine guidance.
What does Nehemiah 9:26 teach about listening to prophets?
Nehemiah 9:26 teaches the importance of heeding the messages of prophets, as they are sent to guide people back to God. Ignoring their warnings can lead to serious repercussions, as seen in the history of Israel.
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