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Sunday School Lesson Nehemiah 8 After the completion of the wall around the city of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 6:15, 16), other problems remained for Nehemiah, the king's cupbearer, now made governor. Nehemiah 1:11d; 5:14. One of the concerns of Nehemiah was the lack of people in the city. We are told that "the city was large and great: but the people were few therein, and the houses were not built." Nehemiah 7:4. In order to address this problem, the governor realized his need for divine help. "And my God put into mine heart to gather together the nobles, and the rulers of the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy." Nehemiah 7:5a. The proper records were found. Nehemiah 7:5b. These records listed the "children of the province, that went up out of the captivity, of those that had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away, and came again unto Jerusalem and to Judah, every one unto his city…" Nehemiah 8:6. The Jewish nation was - and is - the chosen nation. Deuteronomy 7:6. Thus, there was - and is - to be a purity of blood-line. It was important for Nehemiah to be assured that the inhabitants of Jerusalem had the proper pedigree, if they were to be part of the inhabitants of Jerusalem. This fact was absolutely necessary for those who were part of the priesthood.We are told that some of the priests "sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but it was not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood." Nehemiah 7:64. This fact was not seen as harsh treatment, but as, simply, complying with the divine standard. These people were familiar with the law, as given at Mount Sinai. These laws became the civil, as well as, the religious law for this nation. The religious orders, and the governor, were given the provision that was needed for their daily living. Nehemiah 7:70-73. The setting up of the government was the main reason for the return of these exiles. Worship was woven into the fabric of the daily lives of this nation. The temple had been built, but the focus had been allowed to drift from the divine intention. The governor and Ezra, the priest and scribe (Nehemiah 8:1, 2, 9) were able to bring the word of God back to its revered position. We are not given the details of this national call to worship. However, the record is clear. "And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate…" Nehemiah 8:1a. There was a general request that was made - "and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded to Israel." Nehemiah 8:1b. This godly man quickly complied with this request. "And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month." Nehemiah 8:2. It is important for us to understand that the women had not been an intricate part of the worship in the tabernacle, nor in the temple that had been built by Solomon. The group - "all that could hear with understanding" - included the teenagers, as well as any household servants that had a desire to hear this word. This meeting was not for some kind of casual reading. "And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law." Nehemiah 8:3. In contrast, how many people in our day would listen to someone reading for this extended period? In order for the hearers to be able to see the reader, and to hear the words more clearly, "Ezra the scribe stood on a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose…" Nehemiah 8:4a. However, Ezra was not alone. Nehemiah 8:4b. We are told that "Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, and when he opened it, all then people stood up…" Nehemiah 8:5. Thus, we see that the hearers had a reverence for the revealed word of God. In our day - and in our society - the word of God has not been given this kind of reverence. It is easy for any individual to find a copy of scriptures, and treat the words as, simply, ink on a page. As those who have accepted Jesus Christ of Nazareth as one's personal lord and savior, we need to develop a personal hunger for the word of God in our daily lives. The principle of the past has not been amended nor deleted. Psalm 119:11, 105. When Ezra had opened the book, he, then, "blessed the Lord, the great God." Nehemiah 8:6a. The congregation gave an immediate response - "And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up of their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground." Nehemiah 8:6b, c. It is important for us to remember that this group of people had not been able to hear the word of God read to them for over 70 years. The younger of these hearers had never heard these words from God. A group of individuals were with Ezra (Nehemiah 8:7a) "caused the people to understand the law…(Nehemiah 8:7b). We are told that the people stood in their place. Nehemiah 8:7c. In a combined effort, we are told that "they read in the book of the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading." Nehemiah 8:8. This act was not the first in the history of this nation. In the law, Moses instructed the fathers to be the teachers of their children. Deuteronomy 6:4-15. No less is expected in our day. Ephesians 6:4. The words that were read by Ezra included curses for this chosen nation, if they turned from God. Upon hearing these words, the response of the people became personal. Nehemiah told the people, "…mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law." Nehemiah 8:9c. He encouraged them to "Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10. The Levites - members of the priesthood - became leaders, and "stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy, neither be ye grieved." Nehemiah 8:11.
It was - and is - important for all believers to "get things in the right order." Jesus gave instruction. Matthew 6:33. He also showed his disciples - and us - the order that is needed - as he answered a question. Matthew 22:37- 40. As the nation of old, have you renewed your covenant with God? Have you been faithful in all that you have promised God? If not, please renew you relationship with him today. Why not allow Jesus to renew your inner peace at this very moment? John 14:27. Yes, your relationship can be renewed.
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