Definition: Neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our fathers, kept thy law, nor hearkened unto thy commandments and thy testimonies, wherewith thou didst testify against them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Nehemiah 9:34. It’s a really important part of understanding how the people in ancient Israel were living and what their priorities were. Here's a simple explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that people weren’t following God’s laws or traditions very closely. Specifically, it highlights that the leaders – kings, princes, priests, and even their fathers – didn’t uphold the rules and teachings they had given to the people. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Neither have our kings…” : This means that the rulers of the land weren’t following God’s laws as diligently as they should be. “…our princes…” : This refers to the high-ranking officials and leaders within the kingdom. “…our priests…” : The religious leaders were not adhering to the sacred teachings. “…our fathers…” : This is a crucial point. It means that the people’s ancestors – the original followers of God's laws – weren't following them either. What does this mean ? It suggests a significant lack of respect and obedience to God’s word. It paints a picture of a society where the focus was more on worldly power and wealth than on the divine commandments. The Context - Why is this important? This verse is part of a larger story in the Book of Nehemiah, which describes a time when people were rebellious and ignored God’s instructions. It's a reminder that obedience to God’s law is vital for a righteous society and that leaders must be accountable to it. It shows that even those in positions of authority could fall short of their responsibilities. In essence, the verse warns us about the importance of respecting God’s laws and traditions as they are meant to guide our lives. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the Bible verse? Give an example of how this verse might have been interpreted in ancient times? Discuss what this verse tells us about leadership or responsibility?