International Children’s Bible

Nehemiah 9:13-24 International Children’s Bible (ICB)

13. You came down to Mount Sinai.You talked to our ancestors from heaven.You gave them fair rules and true teachings.You gave them good orders and commands.

14. You told them about your holy Sabbath.You gave commands, orders and teachings to themthrough your servant Moses.

15. When they were hungry, you gave them bread from heaven.When they were thirsty, you brought them water from the rock.You told them to go into the land and take it over.You had promised to give it to them.

16. “But our ancestors were proud and stubborn.They did not obey your commands.

17. They refused to listen.They forgot the miracles you did for them.They became stubborn and turned against you.They chose a leader to lead them back to their slavery.But you are a forgiving God.You are kind and full of mercy.You do not become angry quickly. And you have great love.So you did not leave them.

18. Our ancestors even made an idol of a calf for themselves.They said, ‘This is your god, Israel.It brought you up out of Egypt.’They spoke against you.

19. “You have great mercy.So you did not leave them in the desert.During the day the pillar of cloud guided them on their way.And the pillar of fire led them at night.It lit the way they were supposed to go.

20. You gave your good Spirit to teach them.You gave them manna to eat.And you gave them water when they were thirsty.

21. You took care of them for 40 years in the desert.They needed nothing.Their clothes did not wear out.And their feet did not swell.

22. “You gave them kingdoms and nations.You gave them more land.They took over the country of Sihon king of Heshbon.And they took over the country of Og king of Bashan.

23. You made their children as many as the stars in the sky.And you brought them into the land.This was where you had told their ancestors to enter and take over.

24. So their children went into the land and took over.The Canaanites lived there.But you defeated them for our ancestors.You handed over to them the Canaanites, their kings and the people of the land.Our ancestors could do what they wanted with them.