נחמיה, פרק א׳, פסוק י׳

In an earnest plea for salvation, Nehemiah draws upon the deep historical relationship between God and the Israelites. He builds his request for divine intervention by looking back at the profound events of the past. By emphasizing that the Israelites are God's servants and His people, Nehemiah underscores that they ultimately belong to Him [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

He brings up the memory of a great redemption achieved through immense power and strength, specifically pointing to the Exodus from Egypt. During Nehemiah's era, the practical ability of the Israelites to return to their homeland was granted by the permission of Persian kings. However, Nehemiah intentionally focuses on the original, foundational redemption that was accomplished entirely through God's power, complete with signs and wonders. The goal of recalling this ancient deliverance is to awaken divine kindness and mercy. The underlying belief is that just as God brought His people out of Egypt with great might, He should similarly reveal His wonders in the present moment and rescue them from their current distress [מלבי״ם].