(19) Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people.
Nehemiah's petition, to be remembered for good, was not offered up as if he looked for a reward from the Lord for his good services; but only implied that he himself might receive from a gracious God the favor of his good will and pleasure. That God who had inclined his heart to love God's people, would remember that his love to the people arose from the love the Lord had put in his heart to the Lord himself, and that God would bless him with the kindness he manifested to Israel, and remember him in his covenant mercy.
REFLECTIONS
WHAT a blessing to every state, and to every people, are faithful governors! placed by a gracious God in the supreme department of magistracy, like the beneficent planets of the earth, they shine as lights in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. And when the Lord Jesus, who places them where they are, graciously furnishes them with hearts, and heads, and hands, to minister to his glory, and the people's welfare, like Nehemiah, their government becomes a blessing, and their persons sacred and beloved.
But, my soul, while thou art contemplating the happy state of an earthly governor, a faithful magistrate, like Nehemiah, among men, look to thy Jesus, the Almighty supreme Lord of heaven and earth, by whom kings reign, and princes decree justice. All the good that is done upon earth he doeth it himself. Yes, blessed Jesus! it is thou that by the sweet and secret influences of thy Spirit dost order, regulate, appoint, and give blessings to the whole events of justice, truth, and faithfulness found among men. In thee, and from thee every source of blessing must flow. Nay, thou thyself art the everlasting glory, the honor, beauty, and loveliness of all merciful dispensations. And art thou, then, my governor, my Lord, my God, my Holy One? Oh! give me to hail thee, and to acknowledge thee Lord of all. And while I bend the knee before thee, do thou bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. Lord, let me dwell under thy shadow; revive as the corn, and grow as the vine; that the smell of fragrancy in thy sweet sacrifice may be as the wine of Lebanon.