The eighth chapter of Nehemiah is a wonderful narrative to help establish the importance of knowing and following the will of the Lord.
On this occasion, following the rebuilding and defense of the wall which had been erected to protect Jerusalem, the remnant of Judah (released from captivity), gathered together for a reading of the law. There were a number of times during Israel’s history where a renewal of the covenant between God and His people were made. It happened prior to Moses’ death in Moab (Deuteronomy 29). It happened again as Joshua neared his death (Joshua 24). When the lost law was found again during the reign of Josiah, he made the people commit to the covenant (2 Kings 23).
Here in Nehemiah 8, we are told, “Now all the people gathered together as one man in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate; and they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded Israel” (8:1). Ezra stood on a platform of wood before the people near the Water Gate, and read from the Book of the Law from morning until midday. We are told that the people stood (most probably out of respect) as the book was read. “And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. ‘Then all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground’” (8:6).
Interestingly, the text indicated that not only was there a “distinct” reading of the Law of God, but that men from the tribe of Levi “gave them the sense, and helped them to understand the reading” (8:8). This indicates the importance of “rightly dividing the word of truth” (cf. 2 Timothy 2:15).
This was a time of renewal. The people’s hearts were turned to God. In other words, this was a time when Israel had repented of their ungodliness before God, and had shown themselves worthy of fellowship with Him.
As such, this was not a time for mourning. Nehemiah said to the people, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (8:10).
There is a very specific reason why the people were to rejoice: “…because they understood the words that were declared to them” (8:12).
During a time of rebellion against God, the words that are proclaimed rightly bring sorrow. They convict the ungodly of their sin, and “godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted” (2 Corinthians 7:10).
However, for the penitent, those who have turned to God, the reading of the law is a cause for rejoicing. As the Psalmist wrote, “Blessed are You, O Lord! Teach me Your statutes. With my lips I have declared all the judgments of Your mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches. I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways. I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.” (119:12-16).
God’s will is to be desired, because it teaches us what we must do to please Him. His statutes, His judgments, His testimonies, His precepts, His ways, His word. May we never forget them. May we ever obey them. May we recognize how good, righteous and valuable God’s will is for our lives. May we understand the imperative to obey!
“Deal bountifully with Your servant, that I may live and keep Your word” (119:17).
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