Nehemiah chapter 9, summarised the Israelites journey from the time God chose Abraham to be the father of the nation of Israel, their exodus out of Egypt, their exile until their restoration to their homeland in Judah.

Nehemiah emphasized that God was with His people in every situation whether good or bad.

The children of Israel spent forty years in the wilderness where the Lord fed them with bread from heaven and water from the rock. Their clothes never worn out nor their shoes worn out on their feet (Deuteronomy 29:5).

God led them through the wilderness by a pillar of cloud and fire to give them light. God was always with the people in spite of their stubborn and rebellious behaviour.

When they sinned, God delivered them into the hands of the enemy, but when they cried out to God He heard and saved them.

Irrespective of the people’s behavior, the Lord demonstrated His everlasting mercy and forgiveness to them.

But they and our fathers acted proudly, hardened their necks, and did not heed Your commandments. They refused to obey, and they were not mindful of Your wonders that You did among them.

But they hardened their neck and in their rebellion they appointed a leader to return to their bondage. But You are God, ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abundant in kindness, and did not forsake them. (Nehemiah 9:16-17)