The Unwavering Gifts of God Despite Human Transgressions

The fact is still dwelt upon that God did not withdraw his gifts from his people after their great transgression in the matter of the calf. Hence this second reference in our chapter to the miraculous provision of food and water. God still gave his Spirit to instruct Israel, bestowing this gift on Moses and on others whom he was pleased thus to endow (see Num. 11:17; cf. Neh. 9:30). Thy good Spirit (cf. Ps. 143:10, “Let thy good spirit lead me,” R. V. Marg.).

“And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone.” (Numbers 11:17, KJV)

“Yet many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by thy spirit in thy prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore gavest thou them into the hand of the people of the lands.” (Nehemiah 9:30, KJV)

“Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.” (Psalm 143:10, KJV)

Gould, G. P. (1918). An American Commentary on the Old Testament: Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther (Vol. 2, pp. 31–32). American Baptist Publication Society. (Public Domain)