During those days printed copies of the Bible was not available to all. The only chance to hear the Word of God was when it was read in the Temple. It is fascinating to read that a great revival of reading the Law of God happened during the times of Nehemiah. The sequence of events that occurred are as follows.

🏠 The Settled 🏠
When the Israelites had settled in their towns they assembled to read from the Book of the Law (Neh 8:1). When all is well in our life, when we are blessed we need to take extra efforts to read the Word of God.

📜 The Reading 📜
It is interesting to note that all who were able to understand gathered in a particular place. And Ezra stood on a raised platform and read the Word of God loudly from daybreak till noon. And all the people listened attentively (Neh 8:3).

We need to read the Word of God loudly alone and also with our family and friends. We have to listen diligently when God’s Word is being read.

🙇‍♀️ The Attitude 🙇‍♂️
When Ezra opened the Book of the Law to read, the congregation stood. Ezra and the people lifted their hands and praised God. Then they bowed down and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground (Neh 8:5, 6).

There is a way to read the Bible. It cannot be done without respect. The Word of God has to be read prayerfully and with all reverence.

📚 The Explanation 📚
The Levites instructed the people what the Law of God meant. So the people could understand what was being read. We need to understand in the right way what the Word of God is conveying. It is good to refer Bible Commentaries and Bible Dictionaries to understand the Word of God.

🧎🏻‍♀️ The Response 🧎🏼
The people wept as they heard the Word of God (Neh 8:9). God’s Word is powerful and we are moved to tears on understanding His Word.

©️ The Consolation ©️
Nehemiah, Ezra and the Levites calmed, consoled and encouraged the people not to weep. But instead told them to eat, rejoice and celebrate the great sacred day.

🌾 The Outcome 🌾
The Levites found in the Word that they were to live in booths while observing the Feast of Tabernacles. So this Word was proclaimed to all in Jerusalem and they celebrated the feast in accordance to the regulations written in the Book of the Law (Neh 8:14-18).

Dear ones in Christ today we are fortunate to have several versions of the Bible. There are copies of the Bible in our mobile, laptop and IPad. Added to this we also have hard copies of the Bible. But how much time do we devote to read and study the Word of God? Are we doers of the Word or mere hearers and readers?

These are the days when we need to turn Back to the Bible and encourage others also to return to the Word of God.

God bless us to be channels of blessings.

Mrs Sheela Jebakumar ✍️
October 29, 2020