Nehemiah 9:16-17 But they and their fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments, And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them, but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.
At the celebration of the returnees for the rebuilding of the wall, the leaders of the people rehearsed the history of Israel: they were bad, but God is good. After all that God had done for them, they responded by hardening their necks in stubborn rebellion against God, not listening, and refusing to obey. Therefore, they suffered the consequences by coming under the control of their enemies. Now they are confessing their sin, disobedience, and rebellion. Their troubles have brought them to the point of repentance and faith, confessing sin, seeking forgiveness, and turning back to God.
The confession of faith here includes believing and affirming that God is gracious and merciful, ready to forgive, and of great kindness. This gospel response is God’s response to their pain and suffering caused by their own sinfulness. This is the character and the essential nature of the Lord: grace and mercy.
We also confess our hard heart of sin, trusting in the character of God to have mercy and forgive because of Christ. The Lord shows us His essential nature is love by sending his Son to die for us, forgive our sins, and give us life. Upon hearing this Gospel the Spirit softens our hard hearts to receive the imprint of His life and love.