Nehemiah 9:7-8 - Homiletics

God's favour to Abraham.

The multitude, led by the Levites, now begin the recital of God's gracious dealings with their race; and, first, with their great ancestor, Abraham. By the words, "Thou art Jehovah God," they allege that it was the only living and true God, the Creator of all things, who distinguished Abraham, and through him their nation, by his favour. They then recount—

I. His CHOICE of Abraham. Of his own gracious will separating him from others, to preserve the knowledge and worship of himself, and to be the Father of the people whom he appointed to be peculiarly his own.

II. His LEADING him from Chaldaea to Canaan.

III. His CHANGE of his name from Abram to Abraham. Thus promising him a numerous posterity.

IV. His RECOGNITION Of his faithfulness. A reference to Genesis 15:6 , where "believed" is part of the same verb as the word "faithful" here (comp. Galatians 3:9 —faithful Abraham ). Abraham was faithful in heart, and that before God. He trusted God, and continued to trust him through all trials of his faith. He was faithful in maintaining the worship of God in the midst of idolaters, and in teaching his household to "keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment" ( Genesis 18:19 ). And God marked and rewarded his fidelity.

V. His COVENANT with him. Genesis 15:18-21 seems especially referred to. The larger promises, that Abraham and his posterity should be a blessing to all men, do not here come into view.

VI. His PERFORMANCE Of the covenant. In which God's righteousness is recognised ( Genesis 15:6 ).

Reflections : —

1 . All blessings enjoyed by men have their origin in the free grace and choice of God.

2 . Yet God in his treatment of men has regard to their faithfulness to him.

3 . The righteousness, as well as the goodness, of God assures us that he will fulfil all his promises.

4 . We as well as the Jews have reason to praise God for the grace shown to Abraham. For he is our spiritual ancestor, "the father of all them that believe" ( Romans 4:11 ).