Definition: Nevertheless for thy great merciesâ sake thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou [art] a gracious and merciful God.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Nehemiah 9:31. It's a really important and comforting passage! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that God continues to love and care for the people he has entrusted to him, even when things are difficult or seem lost. He’s not abandoning them completely, but he's still showing compassion and mercy. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Nevertheless” : This word indicates a pause or transition . It means that after something bad happened, God is still offering his help. “…for thy great merciesâ” : This is the key part! “Mercy” means kindness, forgiveness, and compassion. "Great mercies" refers to great acts of kindness and favor. It’s a big deal that God has shown him. "...didst not utterly consume them…” : This means he didn't completely destroy or lose everything they had. He hasn't abandoned them entirely. "...nor forsake them…” : He hasn't left them behind. He’s still looking after and protecting them. “…for thou [art] a gracious and merciful God.” : This is the final part, and it emphasizes God’s amazing character. “Thou art” is a formal way of saying "you are." It means: “You are a God who is very kind and compassionate.” It's a statement of praise! So, putting it all together: Nehemiah 9:31 is saying that God continues to love and care for the people he’s given to him, even when they face challenges. He hasn’t completely discarded them or abandoned them – he's still showing his kindness and compassion. It’s a reminder of God’s unconditional love and care. What it means practically: It's a message of hope and reassurance. Even when we make mistakes, or things seem hopeless, God remains faithful and loving towards us. He doesn't give up on us! --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail with an analogy? Discuss the significance of this verse within the context of the story of Nehemiah?