For they have not served thee in their kingdom, and in thy great goodness that thou gavest them, and in the large and fat land which thou gavest before them, neither turned they from their wicked works.
They did not serve you during their time of prosperity, even though you gave them great blessings and a rich, fertile land. They refused to turn away from their evil actions.
The writer is acknowledging that God's people failed to serve Him faithfully even when He blessed them with prosperity and a good land, and they wouldn't stop doing wrong.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Nehemiah, chapter 9, the Israelites are gathered for a solemn assembly of confession and prayer after returning from exile in Babylon, where they reflect on their nation's history of rebellion against God. This verse specifically recalls how their ancestors failed to serve God faithfully, even though He had blessed them with a prosperous land and great goodness during their kingdom under leaders like David and Solomon. It serves as part of a broader narrative of repentance, emphasizing the pattern of ingratitude that led to their hardships.
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