The Pulpit Commentary on Nehemiah 9:8

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

Faithfulness of heart.

"And roundest his heart faithful before thee." We have here—

I. A PRINCIPAL CHARACTERISTIC OF A GODLY MAN.

1. Its seat. The heart. No merely outward practices constitute faithfulness before God.

2. Its reality. It is faithfulness "before God," such as he who searches the heart can see to exist; not merely what men might from outward appearances erroneously think to exist.

3. Its principle. Faith in God (see above, IV.).

4. Its manifestations.

Notwithstanding temptations, difficulties, opposition, persecution, defections of others.

II. THE DIVINE RECOGNITION OF IT.

1. He knows and marks it. "Foundest," etc. "The Father seeketh such," and rejoices to find them. If unobserved by men, not by him.

2. He accepts it. Though it be accompanied with imperfections, as in the case of Abraham.

3. He honours and rewards it. With gracious assurances, and the fulfilment of them. To the faithful he will show himself faithful. They shall at length be addressed, "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." In conclusion, God sees all hearts; what does he find in ours?

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