Nehemiah 9:25

25 Your people captured fortified cities, ¹ fertile land, houses full of wealth, cisterns already dug, olive trees, fruit trees, and vineyards. They ate all they wanted and grew fat; they enjoyed all the good things you gave them.

Nehemiah 9:25 Meaning and Commentary

Nehemiah 9:25

And they took strong cities
Such as, in an hyperbolical way, are said to be walled up to heaven, ( Deuteronomy 1:28 )

and a fat land;
of a good and fruitful soil, abounding with all good things, ( Deuteronomy 8:7 Deuteronomy 8:8 )

and possessed houses full of all goods;
ready built and furnished for them, both with good provisions and good furniture:

wells digged;
to supply them with water:

vineyards, and olive yards, and fruit trees in abundance;
which they planted not:

and they did eat, and were filled, and became fat;
in body, though in mind became wanton and wicked; they made their hearts fat, or stupid, as Aben Ezra interprets it, see ( Deuteronomy 32:15 ) ( Isaiah 6:10 )

and delighted themselves in thy great goodness;
not in praising the Lord for it, and using it to his honour and glory, but indulged themselves to luxury and intemperance; though it may be understood of a lawful pleasure in the enjoyment of the great affluence they were brought into, which last agrees with what follows.

Nehemiah 9:25 In-Context

23 You gave them as many children as there are stars in the sky, and let them conquer and live in the land that you had promised their ancestors to give them.

24 They conquered the land of Canaan; you overcame the people living there. You gave your people the power to do as they pleased with the people and kings of Canaan.

25 Your people captured fortified cities, fertile land, houses full of wealth, cisterns already dug, olive trees, fruit trees, and vineyards. They ate all they wanted and grew fat; they enjoyed all the good things you gave them.

26 "But your people rebelled and disobeyed you; they turned their backs on your Law. They killed the prophets who warned them, who told them to turn back to you. They insulted you time after time,

27 so you let their enemies conquer and rule them. In their trouble they called to you for help, and you answered them from heaven. In your great mercy you sent them leaders who rescued them from their foes.

Cross References

• 1. 9.25Deuteronomy 6.10, 11.