SCRIPTURE: NEHEMIAH 8
EZRA READS THE LAW (vs. 1-18)
After the Israelites had settled in their towns, all the people assembled in the square before the Water Gate on the 7th month. They told Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses. Ezra read it aloud from daybreak till noon before the Water Gate while the people listened attentively to the Book of Law.
Ezra stood on a high wooden platform and opened the book. As he opened it, all the people stood up. Ezra praised the Lord, the great God and all the people lifted their hands and responded: “Amen, Amen”. Then they laid down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. (vs. 5-6)
The Levites read the Book of the Law, explained to them the meaning so that they could understand well. All the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. But Nehemiah, Ezra and the Levites told the people: “This day is sacred to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep” (v. 9). Nehemiah told them to go and enjoy food and sweet dish and share some to those who have nothing prepared. He said: “This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (v. 10). The Levites also said: “Be still, for this is a sacred day. Do not grieve” (v. 11). So all the people went away to eat and drink and celebrated it with great joy.
On the second day of the month, the heads of all the families along with the priests and the Levites gathered together to listen to Ezra the scribe. The Book of Law commanded through Moses stated that the Israelites were to live in booth during the feast of the 7th month and proclaimed His word and spread it through their towns in Jerusalem. They were to go out into the hill country and bring back the branches from olive and wild olive trees, and from myrtles, psalms and shade tress, to make booths” (v. 15). So the people went out to make booths on their own roofs, in their courtyards, in the courts of the house of God and in the square the the Water Gate and Gate of Ephraim. Day by day from the first day to the 7th day, Ezra read from the Book of the Law of God. They celebrated the feast for 7 days and on the 8th day, there was an assembly.
THOUGHTS:
After the work of rebuilding was completed, Ezra held a great bible conference during the Feast of Tabernacle. They honored God’s Word by standing and listening to understand and obey the Word. Ezra led the people in confession and prayer. We should likewise read our Bible everyday and learn from His Word and put it into daily practice.
The practice of living in booth was a reminder of their rescue from Egypt and the time spent in the shelters in wilderness. They were to remember about God’s protection and guidance during their years of wandering. We should also think back our beginnings in order to appreciate how God has led us until the present. Remember to thank God for His continued protection and providence.