Nehemiah Chapter 9    

“and dirt on them.” A sign of humility was to put dirt on one’s head.

“worshiped.” The Hebrew word translated “worship,” shachah (#07812 שָׁחָה), is the same Hebrew word as “bow down.” [For more on bowing down, see commentary on 1 Chron. 29:20].

“worship.” The Hebrew word translated “worship,” shachah (#07812 שָׁחָה), is the same Hebrew word as “bow down.” Thus, this could be translated, “the army of heaven bows down to you.” [For more on bowing down, see commentary on 1 Chron. 29:20].

“and did not listen to your commands.” In a context like this, the word “listen” can also be used idiomatically and have the meaning “obey.” Some scholars refer to this as the “pregnant sense” of the word. In this verse it has the meaning “listen to and obey.” Many Hebrew words are used with an idiomatic or pregnant sense (see commentary on Luke 23:42).

“your spirit through the hand of your prophets.” God put His holy spirit on the prophets, who then spoke by revelation what God commanded them to speak.