Nehemiah 8:1-18
Q.1. What was the timing of Ezra’s ministry? What did he do? Who supported the ministry? How was the message applied? – (Neh.8:1-8)
The walls of Jerusalem were completed, and the Israelites were safe in their cities (Neh.7:73). There was relief, and a heart’s desire to reconnect with God – … they asked Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses which the Lord had given to Israel (Neh.8:1). All who could understand gathered, as – Ezra the scribe stood at a wooden podium which they had made for the purpose. And beside him stood … a group of thirteen Levites (Neh.8:4). While the people stood in reverence, worshipping the Lord, these Levites – read from the book, from the law of God, translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading (Neh.8:8). Ezra read the Scriptures, and then the Levites explained and helped the people to apply the words of the Book.
Q.2. Why did the people respond as they did? What were they counselled to do? Why was their response a cause for celebrating together? – (Neh.8:8-12)
The impact of the united stance by Ezra, the scribe, and Nehemiah, the governor, supported by the Levites, brought weeping as the people realized how they had transgressed the Law (Neh.8:9). This was an appropriate response, but also a heartening response, as the people understood the message. The leaders encouraged them – … “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep … (Neh.8:9). They discerned that this unilateral response was to be celebrated and shared – … for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength (Neh.8:10).
Q.3. Why did the people celebrate the Feast of Booths? Where did they celebrate? What made it such a festive occasion for the families? – (Neh.8:13-18)
The reading began at the beginning of the seventh month. This month included celebration of the Feast of Booths (Neh.8:2, 14 c.f. Lev.23:4 & 33-43; Dt.16:16). Imagine the excitement for families, including their children, as they – … 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 (Neh.8:16). The Israelites gathered as they had not done since the time of Joshua (Neh.8:17). Each day they continued to come together to hear the Word of God expounded (Neh.8:18). It brought great rejoicing to the nation.