Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 (NRSV)
Read Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 8all the people gathered together into the square before the Water Gate. They told the scribe Ezra to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had given to Israel. Verse 2Accordingly, the priest Ezra brought the law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could hear with understanding. This was on the first day of the seventh month. Verse 3He 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. Verse 5And 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. Verse 6Then Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, "Amen, Amen," lifting up their hands. Then they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. Verse 8So they read from the book, from the law of God, with interpretation. They gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.
Verse 9And 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 when they heard the words of the law. Verse 10Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our Lord; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
Devotion
The exiles have returned and rebuilt Jerusalem’s walls – a great accomplishment. But it’s not enough. The people of Israel want – even need – to hear God’s Word. So they ask the priest, Ezra, to read what was probably a nearly complete copy of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible). It is likely the first public recognition of the Pentateuch’s authority. The Pentateuch includes the story of Israel and God’s laws – laws that are meant to shape Israel into a wholesome and joy-filled community.
Ezra read for six hours. As the people stood and listened they grieved their failure to keep God’s law. But they were told, “Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Joy in the Lord is the best antidote for grieving our sin. Reading God’s Word – and hearing of God’s continuing love and care – was a time for celebration, feasting and generosity.
Prayer
Lord God, we grieve our sin and our failure to fully live into the community you intended for us, yet we find grace and joy in your Word. May that joy strengthen us as we live into being the community of faith you intended us to be. Amen.