The term keep
means to guard, watch over. In his covenant bond with his people Israel, the Lord has given promises of blessing and curse (Leviticus 26:1–46; Deuteronomy 28:1–68). He watches over his God-imposed relation with Israel so as to act in step with his own commitments in the covenant. With the addition of the word steadfast love,
Nehemiah acknowledges that God is not ruthless or unfeeling in keeping his covenant with a sinful people. On the contrary, with the term steadfast love
he confesses God’s kindness and compassion and loyalty to his (weak) covenant partner.
5 And I said, “O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments,