1 And all the people gathered as one man at the square which was in front of the Water Gate, and they asked Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses which the Lord had given to Israel. 2 Then Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly of men, women and all who could listen with understanding, on the first day of the seventh month. 3 He read from it before the square which was in front of the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of men and women, those who could understand; and all the people were attentive to the book of the law. 4 Ezra the scribe stood at a wooden podium which they had made for the purpose. And beside him stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah on his right hand; and Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah and Meshullam on his left hand. (Nehemiah 8:1-4)
What had been accomplished thus far, the rebuilding of the wall, brought the people to a place where the work and protection of God had been on constant display. The excitement was in a sense over, the goal had been achieved, and as we all have found to be true, all were vulnerable to complacency.
Yet there was still an appetite amongst the people for more of God. These occasions can be used as springboards to a higher level of understanding and growth. To the people’s credit, they asked their favorite preacher (Ezra) for a word and even built him a pulpit. But Ezra did not ascend to this high place alone. He had “helpers” to his left and right, a perfect picture of plurality in leadership. We can also assume from verse 9 that Nehemiah was in the front row.
Experts are unclear on what “the book of the law” meant, but perhaps he read from the Torah, preaching as he went. In our churches, the pastor climbs to some elevation above the people, Bible in hand, and reveals in his introduction the passage the Lord has led him to. Men like Ezra know an opportunity when they see one, and you can’t discount the illumination of God to draw them to just the right text. If you consider the result of Ezra’s message—revival—undoubtedly what was preached was timely, inspiring, and effective.
All who could understand were in the audience. Much of what took place in the religious realm in that culture was restricted to men, so this was a very special occasion. Perhaps the crowd included mature children, those who would allow their parents to relax enough to concentrate on what was said rather than distribute crayons, snacks, and continuously make runs to the restroom.
5 Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. 6 Then Ezra blessed the Lord the great God. And all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands; then they bowed low and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. (Nehemiah 8:5–6)
By their amens, the people affirmed and adopted the attributes of the “Lord the Great God.” Therefore, the saying of “amen” is somewhat of an “oath” on our part to set out to obey. The outward signs of worship are the lifting of hands to the heavens and the bowing of faces to the ground. Perhaps in our modern setting, clapping and the bowing of one’s head in meditation and prayer is indicative of our agreement with God’s word.
7 Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, the Levites, explained the law to the people while the people remained in their place. 8 They read from the book, from the law of God, translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading. (Nehemiah 8:7–8)
If we rely on only one man to deliver the truth, the body will suffer. Here the Levites did the job of explaining the word to the people. Since Ezra mainly read out of the law, it required some “translation.” The word “explained” means to “clear of doubt, ambiguity or obscurity.” The body of Christ should be full of those who can exegete (expound) truths from the truth, the relatable meaning of what is taught. One of a preacher’s tasks is to change hearts and minds. What is said should be a topic of discussion throughout the week. The word of God on its own is provocative. The preacher draws these provocations out of scripture for our contemplation. Teachers (and parents and friends) should reinforce these truths.
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