Definition: And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Nehemiah 1:5. It’s a really important and heartfelt plea from a leader to God. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God’s love and concern for people who are loving him and following his rules. It's a bit of an apology and a request for God’s protection and favor. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And said, I beseech thee…” - This is a very gentle way of saying “I humbly ask you.” It shows respect and acknowledges that this person isn't asking for something grand or demanding. “…O LORD God of heaven…” - This establishes who the speaker is – God, the ultimate authority in the heavens (the highest part of the universe). “the great and terrible God…” - This emphasizes that this isn’t just any God; it's a powerful, significant God. "Great" and "terrible" are used to show how important he is. “…that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:” – This is the core of the verse. Let’s break this down further: “Covenant” : A covenant means a special agreement or promise made between two people, often with important consequences if one breaks the promise. Think of it as a sacred agreement. “Mercy” : This is God's forgiveness and compassion – a gift of kindness and relief. “them that love him…” - This refers to people who are truly devoted to God, those who have a genuine relationship with Him. “and observe his commandments:” - This means following God’s rules, laws, and guidelines. It's about living a righteous life – doing what is right and holy. Overall Meaning: Nehemiah is pleading with God to protect and favor those who are loving him and obeying his instructions. He’s asking for God’s mercy and protection for them because of their devotion. It’s a heartfelt expression of gratitude and trust in God's goodness. --- In short, it’s a plea for God to be pleased with people who are living a life that reflects His love and righteousness. Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Give an example of how this principle applies in real-life situations?