Nehemiah 9:17

in their rebellion appointed a captain, &c. Based on Numbers 14:4, and perhaps representing a tradition that the words -And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt" were partially carried into effect.

The R.V. marg. runs, -The Sept. has, And appointed a captain to return to their bondage in Egypt." See Numbers 14:4. The Sept. (ἐν Αἰγύπτῳ) read b'mizraim for b'miryam. Another proposed rendering instead of -appointed a captain" is -turned their attention," or -directed their thoughts," literally -set their head."

a God ready to pardon R.V. marg. -Heb. a God of forgivenesses". The word for -forgivenesses" is found only in Daniel 9:9; Psalms 130:4.

merciful R.V. full of compassion.

and of great kindness R.V. plenteous in mercy.

For these descriptive epithets of Divine mercy cf. Nehemiah 9:31; Exodus 33:19; Exodus 34:6-7; Psalms 86:15; Psalms 103:8; Psalms 111:4; Psalms 145:8; 2 Chronicles 30:9; Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2; Nahum 1:3.

forsookest them not Cf. Nehemiah 9:31; Ezra 9:9.