Nehemiah 9:11

Arabic 2018 (الترجمة الكاثوليكيّة (اليسوعيّة))

وفَلَقتَ البَحرَ أَمامَهم، فجازوا في وَسَطِ البَحرِ على اليَبَس، وطَرَحتَ مُطارِديهم في الأَعْماق، كحَجَرٍ في مِياهٍ طاغِيَة.

What Does This Mean?

This verse describes how God parted the sea, allowing the Israelites to walk through on dry land while their enemies were drowned. It emphasizes God's protective power over His people. The speaker is likely one of the Israelites recounting this miraculous event.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a magic swimming pool that can part its water so you can walk through without getting wet. That's what God did for the Israelites! He made a path for them to walk on dry land through the sea, and their enemies couldn't follow and sank like heavy stones.

Historical Background

Nehemiah 9:11 is part of a prayer of thanksgiving and confession by the people of Israel, as recorded in the book of Nehemiah. This book was written around the 5th century BCE, likely by Nehemiah himself, to recount the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem and the spiritual revival of the people. The passage reflects the historical narrative of the Exodus.

Living It Out Today

Today, this verse can remind us that in times of crisis, God can provide us with unexpected ways to escape danger. For instance, a person might find an unexpected solution to a seemingly insurmountable problem at work, just as God provided the Israelites with a way through the sea.

Topics

• faith
• protection
• miracles
• salvation
• deliverance
• redemption

Related Verses

• Exodus 14:21-22
• Psalms 78:13
• Psalms 136:13
• Isaiah 51:10
• Revelation 15:2

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the sea compared to a stone?

The comparison is made to highlight the power of God. Just as a stone sinks quickly in water, the enemies of the Israelites were thrown into the sea and sank, emphasizing God's decisive action against them.

What does this verse teach about God's character?

This verse shows God's protective and powerful character. He cares for His people and provides miraculous help to deliver them from danger and their enemies.

How can we apply this verse in our daily lives?

We can trust that God will provide unexpected ways of escape and protection when we face challenges. This verse encourages us to seek God's guidance and protection in times of need.

Is this verse historical or metaphorical?

This verse is rooted in the historical event of the Exodus, but it can also be seen as a metaphor for God's protective power in other contexts. It represents the broader truth of God's deliverance and protection of His people.