The Pulpit Commentary on Nehemiah 1:5

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Love and obedience.

"God that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments." We have here—

I. TWO CHARACTERISTICS OF GOD'S PEOPLE.

1. Love to God. Old Testament piety is sometimes wrongly represented as though it consisted mainly in a strict observance of outward rules, from fear, with little or no love. The "first commandment," and many of the Psalms, not to speak of other Scriptures, should have precluded such an idea. A just conception of Old Testament religion is not to be obtained from the Pharisees. God is presented in the Old Testament as an object of love on account of

Much more, doubtless, are the manifestations of God in Christ adapted to awaken and nourish love to him.

2. Observance of his commandments. This includes obedience and watchful care ("observe") to obey; and therefore to obtain the knowledge of them, avoid or overcome temptations to neglect or disobedience, and to secure the grace needful for knowing and doing them (see Psalms 119:1-176. passim).

3. The combination of the two. They are essential to each other, and act and re-act for each other's growth. Obedience without love is as nothing.

II. THEIR BLESSEDNESS.

1. They enjoy the friendship of "the great and terrible God."

2. They experience his mercy and faithfulness. To keep his covenant with them is to keep mercy.

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