Definition: And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou [art] a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Nehemiah 9:17. It’s a really important passage about forgiveness and dealing with people who are trying to trick or manipulate others. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Nehemiah was overseeing the rebuilding of Jerusalem. He was trying to restore order and rebuild the city after a period of chaos. A group of people were attempting to trick him into giving them special privileges or benefits. They were trying to get ahead by exploiting his position. What Happened Next: He refused to obey their requests. This is key – he didn't comply with what they wanted. He was also aware of the people’s “wonders” – meaning, they were doing something impressive or special. They were trying to seem better than everyone else. He then appointed a captain to return these people back into their original bondage (being enslaved). Essentially, he decided to punish them for their wrongdoings. The Crucial Part - The Message of Kindness and Forgiveness: “But hardened their necks” : This means they became angry and determined to continue their deceitful behavior. “And in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage.” : They were essentially trying to trick him into giving them something, and he refused. As punishment, he decided to force them back into slavery. “But thou [art] a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.” This is the heart of the verse. It means: Ready to Pardon: God isn’t angry with them; He's willing to forgive them for their wrongdoings. Gracious and Merciful: God shows compassion and kindness, even when people have made mistakes. Slow to Anger: He doesn't react quickly or harshly. Of great kindness: He’s thoughtful and considerate. Forsookest them not: This is the most important part - God didn't abandon them, He forgave them. In essence, this verse emphasizes that God isn’t just about punishment; He’s also about forgiveness. He’s willing to let go of past wrongs and offer a second chance to those who have made mistakes. Why is it important? This passage teaches us about the importance of mercy and understanding. It reminds us that God loves everyone, even when we don't deserve His love. It also shows us that forgiveness is possible after wrongdoing. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part in more detail? Give you some examples of how this verse applies to real-life situations? Discuss the context of this passage within the larger story of Nehemiah's time?