Definition: Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before thee, that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people, since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Nehemiah 9:32. It’s a really important and somewhat dramatic statement about God’s protection and judgment. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God is deeply concerned about the suffering and trouble happening to people – particularly those in positions of power, like kings, princes, priests, and prophets. He’s acknowledging that this trouble has been going on for a very long time, stretching back even to the time of Assyria (a powerful empire known for its brutality). Let's unpack it word by word: “Now therefore, our God…” – This is a formal introduction. It’s saying, "This is about something significant." “…the great, the mighty, and the terrible God…” - God isn’t just any God; He's a God of immense power and judgment. He’s not afraid to show His strength. “who keepest covenant and mercy…” – This is key. “Covenant” means a binding agreement, a promise. "Mercy" means kindness and forgiveness. So, God is keeping promises and offering forgiveness. “…let not all the trouble seem little before thee…” - This is the part that really highlights God's concern. It’s saying, “Don’t let this hardship, this trouble, feel insignificant to you.” “that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers…” - This lists all the different groups of people affected by this trouble – kings, rulers, priests, and even those who came before them. It's a long list of suffering. “and on thy people, since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day.” – This is the crucial part that connects it to a specific historical event. It says that this trouble has been ongoing for thousands of years , starting with the powerful Assyrian empire and continuing through all time. Overall Meaning - A Warning & Plea: The verse essentially warns people to be aware of the suffering they've experienced and to remember that God is watching over them. It’s a plea to not minimize the challenges they face, because God is actively involved. It's a reminder that God isn't just interested in our lives; He’s concerned with the entire world and all its people. Why is this important? This verse speaks to themes of justice, responsibility, and divine protection. It suggests that God has a vested interest in the well-being of humanity and that we should be mindful of the suffering around us. --- To help me explain it even better for you , could you tell me: What specifically are you finding confusing about this verse? (e.g., Is it the imagery, the length of the list, or something else?)