“Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preserve them all; and the host of heaven worships thee.”
(Nehemiah 9:6)
The prophet’s confession in Nehemiah 9 arises from a heart that is overwhelmed with the majesty of God as the sole Creator and continual Preserver of all things. Nehemiah declares that God alone is the LORD with no rival in creation, no partner in power, no equal in glory. He stands solitary in His divine being, and all else exists by His will.
He made heaven, the heaven of heavens, and all their host. The visible skies and the unseen realm of angels alike owe their being to Him. Those glorious spirits, mighty in strength, were brought into existence by the command of God. And now, though exalted above men in nature, they bow before Him in worship.
He made the earth and all things that are therein. Every mountain, river, field, creature, and man owes existence to His creative word. The seas also, vast and deep, with all their hidden life, were formed by Him. There is nothing that exists apart from His will. Creation is not self-originating but God-declared.[1]
Yet the prophet does not stop at creation. He also declares that this same LORD preserves it all. The same power that brought all things into being continues to sustain it all moment by moment. If God were to withdraw His preserving hand, all would collapse into nothing.
His preservation extends to every detail. The movements of the heavens, the order of nature, the breath of every creature, the continuance of every life—all depend upon God. All things live, move, and have their being in Him.
Moreover, the text shows that the host of heaven worships Him. Angels who never sinned, who see more clearly than men, bow continually before His throne. Their worship is fitting. They adore because they see. They praise because they know.
How much more should man, redeemed by grace, bow in adoration before such a God? If angels worship Him for creation and preservation, believers should also worship and adore Him for redemption. Indeed, the song of the saints should rise higher still: Thou, even thou, art LORD alone!
Contemplations:
- God’s Absolute Uniqueness. Lord, I adore You as the one true and living God. There is none equal to You and none that can be compared with You. You alone are the LORD. You alone are eternal, self-existent, and independent and I worship You for Your unmatched glory.
- God as Creator of All Things. Father, I adore You as the Maker of heaven and earth. All things were formed by Your word and brought into being by Your will. The vast heavens, the deep seas, and all their hosts testify of Your power. I praise You that all creation declares Your greatness.
- God as Sustainer of All Life. Lord, I adore You that You not only created all things, but preserve them continually. Every breath I take is sustained by You. Every moment of my life depends on Your will. You uphold all things by Your power, and without You nothing could continue.
- God Worshipped by Heaven Itself. Father, I adore You that the host of heaven worships You. Angels, mighty and holy, bow before Your throne in reverence and praise. Let my worship join theirs. Though I am weak and sinful, let my heart also be lifted to adore You with sincerity and awe.
Prayer (Adoration)
Most high and glorious God, I bow before You and confess that You alone are the LORD. There is none like You in heaven above or in earth beneath. You are the eternal, self-existent, and sovereign God, worthy of all glory, honor, and praise.
By Your word the heavens were made, and all their host by the breath of Your mouth. You formed the earth and the seas and all that is in them. Nothing exists apart from Your will.
I adore You as the Preserver of all things. You sustain the universe by Your power and uphold every creature by Your will. You give life and breath; without You all would perish. I praise You that my life is held continually in Your hand.
Even the host of heaven worships You. The angels, who excel in strength and purity, bow before Your throne and delight to do Your will. Let my life be a continual offering of praise, and let my heart delight in honoring the God who made me and sustains me.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Further Scripture References for Neh. 9:6:
Gen. 1:1; Deut. 10:14; Isa. 37:16; Acts 4:24
[1] Jonathan Edwards, The “Miscellanies”: (Entry Nos. 1153–1360), ed. Douglas A. Sweeney and Harry S. Stout, vol. 23, The Works of Jonathan Edwards (New Haven; London: Yale University Press, 2004), 341-342.
