Nehemiah 8 marks a transition from the construction of the wall to the instruction from the Word. It was vital for the walls to be rebuilt for the physical well-being of the people of God, but now the Word need to be received for their spiritual benefit. God’s Word must be heard and heeded. That which is taught must be applied. When there is the application of truth, there are several results.
WE WILL BE UNITED IN THE LOVE OF GOD, (v. 1). They gathered it says, “as one man.” The Hebrew word means “united.” The love of God knits our hearts together.
There was a common fellowship. There were young and old, male and female, strong and weak—but all bound together with a common Father and a common faith. Jesus said, “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me," (John 17:20-21).
There was a common focus. “They told Ezra…to bring the Book.” They desired to meet God in the Word. Each shared that passion. They focused on God’s way.
That brings me to the next point. When truth is applied WE WILL BE INSTRUCTED BY THE WORD OF GOD, (v. 2-8). If you only hear the Word—which we must—and do not apply that Word, we will forget what we have heard, (cf. James 1:22-25).
The truth is comprehensive, (v. 2). Everyone who could understand the truth needed to hear it. It was appropriate for every age and applicable for every need.
The truth is captivating, (v. 3-4). This is a miracle and the people were attentive from dawn to noon. This is the supernatural power of God’s Word.
The truth is celebrated, (v. 5-6). The Word is to be central in our worship. The reverence they showed was to stand for the reading of Scripture. That is what you do to honor someone. It is how we show honor to the Word. There is a special blessing on a church the honors the Word. The rejoicing they shared was in raising their hands and lifting their voices with, “Amen!” Then they bowed to show submission to the truth they had heard.
The truth is communicated, (v. 7-8). The preaching Ezra did was supplemented by the teaching these leaders added.
Then, WE WILL BE CONSECRATED TO THE SERVICE OF GOD, (v. 9-12). When God’s Word is applied we get to work.
There was conviction, (v. 9). The people were convicted of sin when they heard the Word. That is important, but we cannot stop there. There is grace available. We are not to focus on our past failure but on our promised future.
There was compassion, (v. 10-12). They went out to serve the needy. Giving is at the heart of the Gospel, (John 3:16). As we seek to be a blessing, God returns to us His blessing. See their joy!
Finally, WE WILL BE GATHERED FOR THE WORSHIP OF GOD, (v. 13-18).
There was consistency, (v. 13). “The second day,” brings more of the same. This was not a momentary emotion that faded. It was an ongoing expression of faithfulness.
There was commitment, (v. 14-16). They were committed to applying obediently what they heard. What they did was in alignment with Scripture.
There was communion, (v. 17-18). They had communion with God and with one another. It lasted over a week. This was a “camp meeting!” We think we are doing God a favor when we give Him an hour occasionally on Sunday. You need the fellowship of the saints! I pray you will be present on this Lord's Day in the church house!
Yours in Applying God's Word,
Dennis Thurman, AMS
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