A deep solemnity must have characterized the gatherings of chapter 8; no book of man was being read, but the mighty Book of God (see 2 Cor. 10:4, 54(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (2 Corinthians 10:4‑5)). Self-examination followed, and the conscience and heart were reached so that the children of Israel (note the change from the term previously used "people", for separation had taken place) were assembled now with fasting (the opposite of "feasting"), and with evidences of mourning.
Separated from those who were not God's earthly people, they stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers. The remarkable prayer which, issuing as a covenant, occupies the chapter, gives the confession of the God-fearing, humbled remnant of His people, carried away into captivity because of their sins, and now restored through divine mercy to the divine center.
If there were today such humbling, such application of the Word of God to the life and associations of the children of God, as a body here on earth, what might not be expected in the way of fruit for God? May we who are Christ's take to heart the spirit of these men and women of God of Nehemiah 9.
We again notice, as in the later days of Israel and Judah's kingdoms, that in speaking to God, the covenant of Sinai has but, small place, if mentioned at all, Under it, the nation had utterly and irrevocably failed, but there was a covenant with Abraham which faith could and did seize upon,
Here, God is acknowledged as the source of all, the Preserver of all, and the object of the worship of the host of heaven, but how different is the state of the millions of earth !
He had chosen Abram, brought him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, changed his name, found him faithful in heart, made a covenant with him and performed his words (verses 7-8).
In their prayer of confession, these chastened souls reviewed, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, we doubt not, the history of their nation from Egypt down, telling of the gracious and merciful dealings of God for and with them, and of His power shown therein, and of their own waywardness which again and again brought His hand upon them, and had at length caused Him to give them into the hand of the people of the lands. Nevertheless for His great mercies' sake He did not utterly consume them, nor forsake them (verses 8-31).
To "the great, the mighty, the terrible God, Who keepest covenant and mercy", they presented their supplication, that all the difficulties in which they were found, might not seem little before Him; however, the responsibility for their situation lay wholly with themselves,—-kings, princes, priests and fathers had not kept God's law, nor hearkened to His commandments and testimonies, and He was Just, and had done right in allowing their afflictions.