Nehemiah
Chapter 8
Chapters 1-6: Rebuilding the City
Chapter 7: Recapping the Construction
Chapters 8-13: Rebuilding the Community
(Prayer & the Preaching of the word)
The Unraveling power of God’s word.
(v. 9) “…all the people were weeping when they heard the words of the law.”
(v. 11) “…the Levites calmed all the people, saying, ‘Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved.’”
2 Corinthians 7:10 (NIV)
“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”
Psalm 51:17 (CSB)
“The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit…”
Hebrews 4:12 (MSG)
“God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon's scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey.”
The Uplifting power of God’s word.
(v. 12) “All the people went away to eat, to drink, to send portions and to celebrate a great festival, because they understood the words which had been made known to them.”
Psalm 119:28 (NASB)
“My soul weeps because of grief; Strengthen me according to Your word.”
(v. 17) “…there was great rejoicing.”
(v. 18) “He read from the book of the law of God daily, from the first day to the last day. And they celebrated the feast seven days…”
Psalm 19:8 (NASB)
“The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart…”
Psalm 119:111 (CSB)
“I have your decrees as a heritage forever; indeed, they are the joy of my heart.”
Psalm 119:162 (CSB)
“I rejoice over your promise like one who finds vast treasure.”
The Unifying power of God’s word.
(v. 1) “And all the people gathered at the square which was in front of the Water Gate, and they asked Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses which the LORD had given to Israel.”
(v. 2) “…Then Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly of men, women and all who could listen with understanding…”
(v. 3) “…in the presence of men and women, those who could understand…”
(v. 3, 5, 5, 6, 9, 9, 11, 12, 13 [9x]) “…all the people…”
(v. 13) “…were gathered to Ezra the scribe that they might gain insight into the words of the law.”
(v .17) “…The entire assembly of those who had returned from the captivity…” (42,000+ from chp. 8)
Acts 2:41-47 (NASB)
“41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. 42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. 44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; 45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. 46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
To experience the power of God’s word…
We must Hunger for the Word. (v. 1)
(v. 1) “…they asked Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses which the LORD had given to Israel.”
Psalm 119:20 (NIV)
“My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times.”
1 Peter 2:2 (NASB)
“…like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation…”
(v. 3) “…from early morning until midday…” They were not just hungry but very hungry.”
We must Honor the Word. (v. 2-5)
(v. 3) “…and all the people were attentive to the book of the law.” (Paying attention, actively listening…)
(v. 5) “Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up.”
(Respect and Reverence for the word)
(v. 3 & 7) “…from early morning until midday…” & “…the Levites, explained the law to the people while the people remained in their place.”
(Commitment and Devotion)
We must Heed the Word. (v. 14, 16-18a)
“14 They found written in the law how the LORD had commanded through Moses that the sons of Israel should live in booths during the feast of the seventh month… 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 The entire assembly of those who had returned from the captivity made booths and lived in them. The sons of Israel had indeed not done so from the days of Joshua the son of Nun to that day. And there was great rejoicing. 18 He read from the book of the law of God daily,from the first day to the last day…”
There is a difference between hearing and heeding.
Jeremiah 13:15 (NASB)
“Listenand give heed, do not be haughty, For the LORD has spoken.”
Proverbs 10:17 (NASB)
“He is on the path of life who heeds instruction, But he who ignores reproof goes astray.”
James 1:22 (NIV)
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
We must Herald the Word. (v. 15)
(v. 15) “So they proclaimed and circulated a proclamation in all their cities and in Jerusalem..”
Psalm 126:6
“He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed, Shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.”
Isaiah 55:10-11
“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth And making it bear and sprout, And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; 11 So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.”
