The Gracious God, Sinners and Foreigners: How Nehemiah 9 Interprets the History of Israel

Abstract

After recounting the rebuilding of the ramparts (1:1–7:3) and the repopulation of Jerusalem (7:4-72), the Book of Nehemiah describes how the governor pursued his task of restoration by means of a religious reform (chaps. 8–10). This includes, in particular, the re-establishment of the Festival of Sukkoth and the ceremony during which the community addresses to YHWH a long prayer and promises to keep the Law of Moses. The passage that concerns us here is the prayer recalling various episodes from Israel’s ancient history. How does the prayer view Israel’s history? To answer the question, I shall begin by observing the structure of the prayer, which will then allow me to demonstrate some characteristics of its interpretation of history, and I shall conclude by seeking to determine the actual situation that underlies the text.