Nehemiah Chapter 8
Please read: Nehemiah 8 –
Ezra had arrived first to Jerusalem and Nehemiah about 13 years later. Now both were serving the LORD together. Ezra served as priest and teacher to the people while Nehemiah served as a governor and leader to encourage the physical restoration of Jerusalem. Both men served with the same ultimate purpose and that was to restore the people to God. And what occurred in this chapter could be described as a restoration and a renewed dedication to worship God and God alone.
The fact that the people gathered in one place to hear the reading of the Law (the first 5 books of the Bible), is in itself amazing. This shows that God was working in their hearts before they ever arrived back in Jerusalem. This is where God can do a great work in the hearts of His people, when they gather with one mind in unity wanting to hear the reading and teaching of the Word of God.
Let's Reflect
1. The Bible says that the people were able to hear Ezra read from the Law. What made it possible for all the people to hear him?
2. On that day that Ezra read to the people, for how long did he read to them?
3. There were other men with Ezra on that day standing with him to show their support of the Law being read. What was something these men did as recorded in verse 7?
4. What was the reaction of the people as they heard the Law read to them?
5. Verse 9 tells us that not only was Ezra and the Levites there that day, but what other leader was present?
6. According to verses 13-15 what did they learn about celebrations that God wanted them to participate in, in the seventh month of the year?
7. Why do you think the leadership of Israel told the people to stop grieving over the recognition of their disobedience and to instead rejoice?
8. What was the name of the feast and celebration called, that they were to participate in?
