Nehemiah 8-10
And all the people gathered as one man into the square before the Water Gate. And they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses that the LORD had commanded Israel. So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could understand what they heard, on the first day of the seventh month. And he 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. … They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.
Nehemiah 8:1-3,8
With Jerusalem’s wall now rebuilt, the whole nation gathers together in the city to hear Ezra, the scholarly priest, read from the Book of the Law of Moses, that is, the Torah or the Pentateuch. For centuries the Word of God has been largely neglected and even forgotten. (Remember when they found the Book of the Law while repairing the Temple during the reign of Josiah in II Kings 22:8-13?) Now with Ezra’s scholarship and Nehemiah’s leadership, the people are thirsty for the Word of God, and as they hear the Word they enter into worship. (Neh. 8:6) They also respond with weeping:
And 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 as they heard the words of the Law. Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:9-10
Nehemiah and Ezra tell the people not to mourn or weep but rather to rejoice with feasting and celebration, giving us that most famous line in Nehemiah: The joy of the LORD is your strength.
Weeping and mourning is, of course, a good and proper response when the Word of God convicts us of sin. (Recall Nehemiah’s own actions in Nehemiah 1.) But we should never stay focused solely on our sin, wallowing around in remorse. Instead, we must turn our eyes toward the LORD, Who, with our repentance, offers mercy, grace, and forgiveness — and that is cause for celebration! That is Good News! So rejoice!
The joy of the LORD is your strength!
One more thing…
For those who might have missed the beginning of the year and joined us more recently, Nehemiah 9:6-37 provides a quick way to “catch up” by giving us a concise overview of Israel’s history, with the overriding theme that despite Israel’s failures, God demonstrates His faithfulness, steadfast love, and mercy.
And another thing…
Take another look at that first quote above — Neh. 8:1-3,8. It’s the original RTB! 🙂