unfoldingWord_en_tn/neh/09/28.md

In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.

## after they had rest, they did evil before you ##

Here "they" refers to the Israelites and "you" to Yahweh.

## you abandoned them to the hand of their enemies ##

Here the word "hand" (a part) signifies the "enemies" (as a whole). AT: "you abandoned them to their enemies" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

## so their enemies ruled over them ##

"so their enemies subdued them"

## did not listen to your commands ##

"did not obey your commands"

## your decrees which give life ##

The decrees do not give life but obeying the decrees causes God to bless the obedient person.

## They did not obey them ##

Here "them" refers to Yahweh's decrees.

## but they paid them no attention ##

The word "them" refers to Yahweh's decrees.  "but they turned their backs and stiffened their necks" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

## and they refused even to listen to them ##

"and refused to obey."