God's word Revealed

     Read Nehemiah 8:1-12.This beautiful story depicts the people of Israel coming together for the first time since returning from captivity. Notice their humble nature. The word of God was read to them by a priest and they stood in reverence to the holy word.  

     On the first day of the seventh month, all the people gatherd in the street by the water gate. (The water gate symbolizing the water of the Word of God.) This day was known as the feast of trumpets. (Lev. 23:24) Ezra the priest, stood on a platform before the people. He had the book of the Law of Moses in his hand. When he opened the book, all the people stood up: Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. All the people answered Amen, Amen, they lifted their hands: and bowed their heads; and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.

     Ezra, Nehemiah, and the Levites took turns reading the law from early morning until midday. All the people understood what was being said, and they wept. The people were told, this day is holy unto the Lord your God; Do not mourn or weep. Go your way eat and drink and send portions unto them 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.

     The people went their way to eat and drink. They sent portions and rejoiced greatly because they understood the words that were declared unto them.