The Power of the Word
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Recap
Recap
in the beginning of this book Nehemiah gets word of the condition of Jerusalem.
He is grieved and concerned and starts praying not just for the current state but confessing everything that had lead up to that point.
Through God’s sovereignty Nehemiah is brought back to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall
through opposition both from outside the wall and within the wall it is rebuilt and protections are put in place to keep Jerusalem safe.
Nehemia appoints Godly leadership and removes those who do not fit the requirements for leadership within the temple
The strongest walls are worthless if the leadership within them is corrupt in any way
This brings us up to speed to where we are and of the foundation that was laid to get their.
Opening Thoughts
Opening Thoughts
What is your favorite holiday or special occasion to celebrate? Why?
Describe the most recent occasion during which you felt completely overcome by joy. What made you feel such deep gladness?
On a scale of 1–10 (with 1 meaning “I never do that!” and 10 meaning “I do that almost non-stop!”) evaluate your relationship to the written Word of God in the following areas.
______ Hearing the Bible preached or taught
______ Reading the Scripture
______ Studying God’s Word
______ Understanding the Bible
______ Memorizing the Word of God
______ Meditating on Scripture
______ Obeying the Word of God
______ Teaching God’s truth to others
Scripture
Scripture
And all the people gathered as one man into the square before the Water Gate. And they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses that the Lord had commanded Israel. So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could understand what they heard, on the first day of the seventh month. And he read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand. And the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law. And Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform that they had made for the purpose. And beside him stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah on his right hand, and Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam on his left hand. And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the people, and as he opened it all the people stood. And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, the Levites, helped the people to understand the Law, while the people remained in their places. They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.
And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved.” And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.
On the second day the heads of fathers’ houses of all the people, with the priests and the Levites, came together to Ezra the scribe in order to study the words of the Law. And they found it written in the Law that the Lord had commanded by Moses that the people of Israel should dwell in booths during the feast of the seventh month, and that they should proclaim it and publish it in all their towns and in Jerusalem, “Go out to the hills and bring branches of olive, wild olive, myrtle, palm, and other leafy trees to make booths, as it is written.” So the people went out and brought them and made booths for themselves, each on his roof, and in their courts and in the courts of the house of God, and in the square at the Water Gate and in the square at the Gate of Ephraim. And all the assembly of those who had returned from the captivity made booths and lived in the booths, for from the days of Jeshua the son of Nun to that day the people of Israel had not done so. And there was very great rejoicing. And day by day, from the first day to the last day, he read from the Book of the Law of God. They kept the feast seven days, and on the eighth day there was a solemn assembly, according to the rule.
8 And all the people gathered as one man into the square before the Water Gate. And they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses that the LORD had commanded Israel.
2 So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could understand what they heard, on the first day of the seventh month.
3 And he read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand. And the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law.
4 And Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform that they had made for the purpose. And beside him stood Mattithiah (Mat-tit-ya(h)), Shema (se-ma), Anaiah (ana-ya(h)), Uriah (u-riy-ya(h), Hilkiah (hil-qiy-ya(h), and Maaseiah (ma-ase-ya(h) on his right hand, and Pedaiah (p{e}da-ya(h)), Mishael (mi-sa-el), Malchijah (mal-kiy-ya(h)), Hashum (ha-sum), Hashbaddanah (has-bad-da-na(h)), Zechariah(z{e}kar-ya(h)), and Meshullam (m{e}sul-lam) on his left hand.
5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the people, and as he opened it all the people stood.
6 And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.
7 Also Jeshua (ye-su{a}, Bani (ba-ni), Sherebiah (se-re-b{e}ya(h)), Jamin (ya-min), Akkub (aq-qub), Shabbethai (sab-b{e}tay), Hodiah (ho-diy-ya(h)), Maaseiah (ma-ase-ya(h), Kelita (q{e}li-ta), Azariah (azar-ya(h)), Jozabad (y{e}ho-za-bad), Hanan (ha-nan), Pelaiah (p{e}la()-ya(h)), the Levites, helped the people to understand the Law, while the people remained in their places.
8 They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.
9 And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law.
10 Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
11 So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved.”
12 And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.
13 On the second day the heads of fathers’ houses of all the people, with the priests and the Levites, came together to Ezra the scribe in order to study the words of the Law.
13 On the second day the heads of fathers’ houses of all the people, with the priests and the Levites, came together to Ezra the scribe in order to study the words of the Law.
14 And they found it written in the Law that the LORD had commanded by Moses that the people of Israel should dwell in booths during the feast of the seventh month,
15 and that they should proclaim it and publish it in all their towns and in Jerusalem, “Go out to the hills and bring branches of olive, wild olive, myrtle, palm, and other leafy trees to make booths, as it is written.”
16 So the people went out and brought them and made booths for themselves, each on his roof, and in their courts and in the courts of the house of God, and in the square at the Water Gate and in the square at the Gate of Ephraim.
17 And all the assembly of those who had returned from the captivity made booths and lived in the booths, for from the days of Jeshua the son of Nun to that day the people of Israel had not done so. And there was very great rejoicing.
18 And day by day, from the first day to the last day, he read from the Book of the Law of God. They kept the feast seven days, and on the eighth day there was a solemn assembly, according to the rule.
Background of the Passage
Background of the Passage
Europe is legendary for its beautiful cathedrals. The problem with many of these magnificent structures is that, while they possess physical grandeur, they are not inhabited by congregations that are spiritually vibrant. In reality, most of these edifices are nothing more than museums visited by gawking tourists. This phenomenon should remind us that the spiritual life is about internals, not externals.
The Old Testament Book of Nehemiah details the extraordinary accomplishment of the Jewish people, under the capable leadership of Governor Nehemiah, of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem in only 52 days (chapters 1–6). But the remainder of the book (chapters 7–13) tells of an even more significant process—the spiritual renovation of the people who lived behind the walls.
Following the completion of the walls in the face of great opposition (chapters 3–6) and the genealogical “census” of the inhabitants of Jerusalem (chapter 7), a great gathering was held. In effect, Nehemiah called for a “Bible conference,” with Ezra the scribe as the special speaker.
At the rebuilt Water Gate, God’s law (probably the Book of Deuteronomy) was read and explained to a great assembly. The initial effect was that the people were convicted and grief-stricken regarding their failure to keep God’s law. But with the help of the Levites, Nehemiah convinced the people of God’s mercy and forgiveness. Consequently a profound sense of joy permeated the people of God. With great gladness, they celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles.
The result? Jerusalem was not only a city with an impressive new wall; it was a city populated by people with a new spirit and a new resolve to live in light of God’s Word!
This is the first mention of Ezra in the Book of Nehemiah, though he had been ministering in Jerusalem since 458
B.C.The platform was big enough to hold fourteen people for the long hours of reading and explaining (v. 8). The men, probably priests, stood with Nehemiah to show agreement.
In respect at the reading of God’s Word, as though they were in the presence of God Himself, the people stood for all the hours of the exposition.
When they heard and understood God’s law, they understood their violations of it. Not tears of joy, but penitent sorrow (8:10) came forth as they were grieved by conviction (8:11) over the distressing manifestations of sin in transgressing the Lord’s commands and the consequent punishments they had suffered in their captivity
Understanding the Text
Understanding the Text
Why is it significant that the people congregated at the Water Gate?
This was the water for the city would come into
the account in of Jesus and the Samaritan woman
Who were all the men on the platform with Ezra and what was their job description? Why is this important?
What attitude did the people of Israel have toward the Scripture? (8:3, 6, 9, 17)
And he read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand. And the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law.
neh.8-3
And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.
And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law.
Neh.
neh.8.9
And all the assembly of those who had returned from the captivity made booths and lived in the booths, for from the days of Jeshua the son of Nun to that day the people of Israel had not done so. And there was very great rejoicing.
neh.
On the second day of the convocation, how did the people react to the rediscovered instructions regarding the Feast of Tabernacles (neh.8:16-18)
Cross Reference
Cross Reference
1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the Lord!
2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
who seek him with their whole heart,
3 who also do no wrong,
but walk in his ways!
4 You have commanded your precepts
to be kept diligently.
5 Oh that my ways may be steadfast
in keeping your statutes!
6 Then I shall not be put to shame,
having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
7 I will praise you with an upright heart,
when I learn your righteous rules.
8 I will keep your statutes;
do not utterly forsake me!
9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to your word.
10 With my whole heart I seek you;
let me not wander from your commandments!
11 I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
12 Blessed are you, O Lord;
teach me your statutes!
13 With my lips I declare
all the rules of your mouth.
14 In the way of your testimonies I delight
as much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on your precepts
and fix my eyes on your ways.
16 I will delight in your statutes;
I will not forget your word.
17 Deal bountifully with your servant,
that I may live and keep your word.
18 Open my eyes, that I may behold
wondrous things out of your law.
19 I am a sojourner on the earth;
hide not your commandments from me!
20 My soul is consumed with longing
for your rules at all times.
21 You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones,
who wander from your commandments.
22 Take away from me scorn and contempt,
for I have kept your testimonies.
23 Even though princes sit plotting against me,
your servant will meditate on your statutes.
24 Your testimonies are my delight;
they are my counselors.
25 My soul clings to the dust;
give me life according to your word!
26 When I told of my ways, you answered me;
teach me your statutes!
27 Make me understand the way of your precepts,
and I will meditate on your wondrous works.
28 My soul melts away for sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word!
29 Put false ways far from me
and graciously teach me your law!
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I set your rules before me.
31 I cling to your testimonies, O Lord;
let me not be put to shame!
32 I will run in the way of your commandments
when you enlarge my heart!
33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes;
and I will keep it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
and observe it with my whole heart.
35 Lead me in the path of your commandments,
for I delight in it.
36 Incline my heart to your testimonies,
and not to selfish gain!
37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
and give me life in your ways.
38 Confirm to your servant your promise,
that you may be feared.
39 Turn away the reproach that I dread,
for your rules are good.
40 Behold, I long for your precepts;
in your righteousness give me life!
41 Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord,
your salvation according to your promise;
42 then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.
43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
for my hope is in your rules.
44 I will keep your law continually,
forever and ever,
45 and I shall walk in a wide place,
for I have sought your precepts.
46 I will also speak of your testimonies before kings
and shall not be put to shame,
47 for I find my delight in your commandments,
which I love.
48 I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,
and I will meditate on your statutes.
ps.119.1-48
How does the psalmist’s response to God’s Word compare with the response of the people to God’s Word in .
10 For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.
How was Ezra uniquely qualified to expound God’s Word to God’s people?
16 Your words were found, and I ate them,
and your words became to me a joy
and the delight of my heart,
for I am called by your name,
O Lord, God of hosts.
jer
What is the connection between God’s Word and joy?
summing up
summing up
“The Bible is … a source of happiness. Speaking of God’s wisdom, the writer of Proverbs said, ’Blessed [or happy] is the man who listens to me’ (). Jesus said, ’Blessed are those who hear the word of God, and observe it’ (). No person can be happier than when he discovers, accepts, and obeys God’s Word.”—John MacArthur
Reflecting on the Text
Reflecting on the Text
If you were not a Christian and you continually met believers who had never read the entire Bible and were largely ignorant of its content, what would you think of them? What would you think of Christianity in general?
Is your heart and soul glad as you gather with other believers to hear God’s Word preached or taught? If not, why? What safeguards can you put in place to guard against apathy toward God’s Word? What can you personally do to experience a greater joy in hearing and doing what the Scriptures say?
How can you emulate the response of the Israelites (in ) in your own life? Put another way, what specific changes in your relationship to the Word of God do you feel the need to change this week? How will you implement those changes?
Based on this passage, what would you say to the Christian who claimed, “I don’t need to gather with other believers; I can worship God and read His Word on my own”?