Nehemiah 9:20
You gave Your good Spirit to instruct them. You did not withhold Your manna from their mouths, and You gave them water for their thirst.
You gave
The phrase "You gave" underscores the generosity and providence of God. In Hebrew, the root word is "נָתַן" (natan), which means to give, bestow, or grant. This action is a divine initiative, emphasizing God's grace and willingness to provide for His people. Historically, this reflects God's continuous provision for Israel during their wilderness journey, a theme that resonates throughout the Old Testament.

Your good Spirit
The "good Spirit" refers to the Holy Spirit, depicted as benevolent and guiding. The Hebrew word for spirit is "רוּחַ" (ruach), which can mean breath, wind, or spirit. The adjective "good" (טוֹב, tov) highlights the Spirit's nature as beneficial and righteous. This phrase indicates the Spirit's role in teaching and guiding the Israelites, a precursor to the New Testament understanding of the Holy Spirit as a counselor and teacher.

to instruct them
The purpose of giving the Spirit was "to instruct them." The Hebrew root "יָרָה" (yarah) means to teach or direct. This instruction was not merely informational but transformational, guiding the Israelites in understanding God's laws and ways. It reflects the broader biblical theme of God desiring His people to know Him and walk in His ways, as seen in the giving of the Law at Sinai.

You did not withhold
This phrase emphasizes God's faithfulness and generosity. The Hebrew root "מָנַע" (mana) means to withhold or keep back. God's refusal to withhold His provision demonstrates His commitment to sustaining His people, even when they were rebellious or unfaithful. It is a testament to His covenantal love and mercy.

Your manna
"Manna" was the miraculous food provided by God to the Israelites in the wilderness. The Hebrew word "מָן" (man) is used here, which is derived from the question "מָה הוּא" (man hu), meaning "What is it?" This reflects the Israelites' initial reaction to this divine provision. Manna symbolizes God's direct intervention and care, sustaining His people physically and spiritually.

from their mouths
The phrase "from their mouths" indicates the direct provision of sustenance. It highlights the personal and immediate nature of God's care, ensuring that His people had what they needed to survive. This provision was not just for physical nourishment but also a sign of God's presence and faithfulness.

and You gave them water
Water, like manna, was a critical provision in the desert. The Hebrew word "מַיִם" (mayim) is used for water, a symbol of life and refreshment. God's provision of water from the rock, as recounted in Exodus, is a powerful reminder of His ability to meet needs in seemingly impossible situations. It also foreshadows the living water that Christ offers in the New Testament.

for their thirst
The phrase "for their thirst" underscores the human need and God's response to it. Thirst represents a deep, existential need that only God can truly satisfy. This provision points to God's understanding of human frailty and His desire to meet both physical and spiritual needs, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the living water.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nehemiah
A Jewish leader who played a crucial role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and the spiritual renewal of the Jewish people after the Babylonian exile.

2. The Israelites
The people of God who were delivered from Egypt and wandered in the wilderness, receiving God's provision and guidance.

3. The Wilderness
The desert area where the Israelites wandered for 40 years, a place of testing and divine provision.

4. The Good Spirit
Refers to the Holy Spirit, who guided and instructed the Israelites during their journey.

5. Manna and Water
Symbols of God's provision, representing His care and sustenance for His people in the wilderness.
Teaching Points
The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is our instructor and guide, just as He was for the Israelites. We should seek His guidance in our daily lives.

God's Faithful Provision
Just as God provided manna and water, He meets our needs today. Trust in His provision, even in times of scarcity.

Spiritual Sustenance
Beyond physical needs, God provides spiritual nourishment through His Word and Spirit. Prioritize spiritual growth and reliance on God.

Gratitude for God's Gifts
Recognize and give thanks for the ways God provides for us, both materially and spiritually.

Dependence on God
The Israelites' journey reminds us of our dependence on God. In our own "wilderness" experiences, lean on His strength and provision.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the role of the Holy Spirit in Nehemiah 9:20 compare to His role in the New Testament church?

2. In what ways can we see God's provision in our lives today, similar to the manna and water provided to the Israelites?

3. How can we cultivate a deeper reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance in our daily decisions?

4. What are some practical ways to express gratitude for God's provision in our lives?

5. How does understanding God's provision in the wilderness help us trust Him in our own challenging circumstances?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 16 and Numbers 11
These passages describe the provision of manna, highlighting God's faithfulness in providing for the Israelites' physical needs.

Isaiah 63:11-14
This passage speaks of God's Spirit leading His people, similar to the guidance mentioned in Nehemiah 9:20.

John 6:31-35
Jesus refers to Himself as the "bread of life," connecting the manna in the wilderness to His provision of spiritual sustenance.
A Prayerful Review of Divine Goodness as Manifested in the Facts of Human LifeJ.S. Exell Nehemiah 9:1-29
ConfessionW. Clarkson Nehemiah 9:1-5, 16-18, 26,28-30, 33-35
The Solemn Fast of Assembled IsraelR.A. Redford Nehemiah 9:1-38
AppealW. Clarkson Nehemiah 9:2, 31-33, 36-38
God's ChoiceDean Farrar.Nehemiah 9:4-38
The Certainty of God's PromisesThomas Jones.Nehemiah 9:4-38
The Divine Promise SureHervey.Nehemiah 9:4-38
The Purpose of the Rehearsal of National ShortcomingsW. P. Lockhart.Nehemiah 9:4-38
The SuppliantW. Ritchie.Nehemiah 9:4-38
The Te DeumW. P. Lockhart.Nehemiah 9:4-38
Adoration and ThanksgivingW. Clarkson Nehemiah 9:6-15, 19-25, 27-31
The Divine Description of a Sinful LifeJ.S. Exell Nehemiah 9:19-27
People
Abram, Amorites, Bani, Bunni, Canaanites, Chenani, Egyptians, Ezra, Girgashite, Girgashites, Hashabniah, Hittites, Hodiah, Hodijah, Israelites, Jebusites, Jeshua, Kadmiel, Levites, Og, Perizzites, Pethahiah, Pharaoh, Shebaniah, Sherebiah, Sihon
Places
Assyria, Bashan, Egypt, Gate of Ephraim, Heshbon, Mount Sinai, Red Sea, Ur
Topics
Act, Cause, Didn't, Gavest, Hast, Instruct, Manna, Mouth, Mouths, Spirit, Teacher, Thirst, Wisely, Withheld, Withheldest, Withhold
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nehemiah 9:20

     1050   God, goodness of
     1403   God, revelation
     1511   Trinity, relationships in
     3050   Holy Spirit, wisdom
     3110   Holy Spirit, titles of
     3140   Holy Spirit, teacher
     3272   Holy Spirit, in OT
     3281   Holy Spirit, inspiration
     4293   water
     4474   manna
     5167   mouth
     5580   thirst
     8138   monotheism

Nehemiah 9:16-20

     6667   grace, in OT

Nehemiah 9:16-29

     5170   neck

Nehemiah 9:16-31

     6223   rebellion, of Israel

Nehemiah 9:19-21

     4230   desert

Library
The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength. Neh 9:10

John Newton—Olney Hymns

Questions About the Nature and Perpetuity of the Seventh-Day Sabbath.
AND PROOF, THAT THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK IS THE TRUE CHRISTIAN SABBATH. BY JOHN BUNYAN. 'The Son of man is lord also of the Sabbath day.' London: Printed for Nath, Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, 1685. EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. All our inquiries into divine commands are required to be made personally, solemnly, prayerful. To 'prove all things,' and 'hold fast' and obey 'that which is good,' is a precept, equally binding upon the clown, as it is upon the philosopher. Satisfied from our observations
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Ten Reasons Demonstrating the Commandment of the Sabbath to be Moral.
1. Because all the reasons of this commandment are moral and perpetual; and God has bound us to the obedience of this commandment with more forcible reasons than to any of the rest--First, because he foresaw that irreligious men would either more carelessly neglect, or more boldly break this commandment than any other; secondly, because that in the practice of this commandment the keeping of all the other consists; which makes God so often complain that all his worship is neglected or overthrown,
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The "Fraternity" of Pharisees
To realise the state of religious society at the time of our Lord, the fact that the Pharisees were a regular "order," and that there were many such "fraternities," in great measure the outcome of the original Pharisees, must always be kept in view. For the New Testament simply transports us among contemporary scenes and actors, taking the then existent state of things, so to speak, for granted. But the fact referred to explains many seemingly strange circumstances, and casts fresh light upon all.
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Fragrant Spices from the Mountains of Myrrh. "Thou Art all Fair, My Love; There is no Spot in Thee. " --Song of Solomon iv. 7.
FRAGRANT SPICES FROM THE MOUNTAINS OF MYRRH. HOW marvellous are these words! "Thou art all fair, My love; there is no spot in thee." The glorious Bridegroom is charmed with His spouse, and sings soft canticles of admiration. When the bride extols her Lord there is no wonder, for He deserves it well, and in Him there is room for praise without possibility of flattery. But does He who is wiser than Solomon condescend to praise this sunburnt Shulamite? Tis even so, for these are His own words, and were
Charles Hadden Spurgeon—Till He Come

The Personality of the Holy Spirit.
Before one can correctly understand the work of the Holy Spirit, he must first of all know the Spirit Himself. A frequent source of error and fanaticism about the work of the Holy Spirit is the attempt to study and understand His work without first of all coming to know Him as a Person. It is of the highest importance from the standpoint of worship that we decide whether the Holy Spirit is a Divine Person, worthy to receive our adoration, our faith, our love, and our entire surrender to Himself,
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit

The Early Life of Malachy. Having Been Admitted to Holy Orders He Associates with Malchus
[Sidenote: 1095.] 1. Our Malachy, born in Ireland,[134] of a barbarous people, was brought up there, and there received his education. But from the barbarism of his birth he contracted no taint, any more than the fishes of the sea from their native salt. But how delightful to reflect, that uncultured barbarism should have produced for us so worthy[135] a fellow-citizen with the saints and member of the household of God.[136] He who brings honey out of the rock and oil out of the flinty rock[137]
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

The Prophecy of Obadiah.
We need not enter into details regarding the question as to the time when the prophet wrote. By a thorough argumentation, Caspari has proved, that he occupies his right position in the Canon, and hence belongs to the earliest age of written prophecy, i.e., to the time of Jeroboam II. and Uzziah. As bearing conclusively against those who would assign to him a far later date, viz., the time of the exile, there is not only the indirect testimony borne by the place which this prophecy occupies in
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The Preface to the Commandments
And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God,' &c. Exod 20: 1, 2. What is the preface to the Ten Commandments? The preface to the Ten Commandments is, I am the Lord thy God.' The preface to the preface is, God spake all these words, saying,' &c. This is like the sounding of a trumpet before a solemn proclamation. Other parts of the Bible are said to be uttered by the mouth of the holy prophets (Luke 1: 70), but here God spake in his own person. How are we to understand that, God spake,
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Of Immediate Revelation.
Of Immediate Revelation. [29] Seeing no man knoweth the Father but the Son, and he to whom the Son revealeth him; and seeing the revelation of the Son is in and by the Spirit; therefore the testimony of the Spirit is that alone by which the true knowledge of God hath been, is, and can be only revealed; who as, by the moving of his own Spirit, he disposed the chaos of this world into that wonderful order in which it was in the beginning, and created man a living soul, to rule and govern it, so by
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories
[Sidenote: Influences in the exile that produced written ceremonial laws] The Babylonian exile gave a great opportunity and incentive to the further development of written law. While the temple stood, the ceremonial rites and customs received constant illustration, and were transmitted directly from father to son in the priestly families. Hence, there was little need of writing them down. But when most of the priests were carried captive to Babylonia, as in 597 B.C., and ten years later the temple
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

The Holy War,
MADE BY SHADDAI UPON DIABOLUS, FOR THE REGAINING OF THE METROPOLIS OF THE WORLD; OR, THE LOSING AND TAKING AGAIN OF THE TOWN OF MANSOUL. THE AUTHOR OF 'THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.' 'I have used similitudes.'--Hosea 12:10. London: Printed for Dorman Newman, at the King's Arms in the Poultry; and Benjamin Alsop, at the Angel and Bible in the Poultry, 1682. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Bunyan's account of the Holy War is indeed an extraordinary book, manifesting a degree of genius, research, and spiritual
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Ezra-Nehemiah
Some of the most complicated problems in Hebrew history as well as in the literary criticism of the Old Testament gather about the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Apart from these books, all that we know of the origin and early history of Judaism is inferential. They are our only historical sources for that period; and if in them we have, as we seem to have, authentic memoirs, fragmentary though they be, written by the two men who, more than any other, gave permanent shape and direction to Judaism, then
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Nehemiah 9:20 NIV
Nehemiah 9:20 NLT
Nehemiah 9:20 ESV
Nehemiah 9:20 NASB
Nehemiah 9:20 KJV

Nehemiah 9:20 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Nehemiah 9:19
Top of Page
Top of Page