Nehemiah Called For a "Bible Conference”

Nehemiah 8:1–12
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Nehemiah called for a “Bible conference” and invited Ezra, to be the teacher. Ezra was a scribe and a priest who had come to Jerusalem 13 years prior to Nehemiah.  If God is to work through His people, they must respond positively to His Word. In this chapter three basic responses are described:

1. Understanding His Word (vv 1-8) - Adults and children who were old enough to understand (vv 2-3) listened attentively from the time of daylight till noon to the reading of “the book of the law.” Ezra stood on a platform above the people with 13 men who were Levites. Out of respect, all the people stood while the Word of God was being read (v. 5) and at certain times they responded by lifting their hands and saying “amen” (v. 6). The ultimate purpose of this reading was that the people would begin to understand the Law of God.
2. Conviction by His Word (vv 9-12) - Apparently, the reading of the Law had a deep and profound effect on the people. As Ezra read and explained the Word, the assembly’s first response was one of conviction and grief (v. 9). Having been faced with the commandments of God the people realized their sin and were in a state of sorrow.

Assisted by the Levites, Nehemiah convinced the people to stop mourning and start celebrating.  It is important to weep for sin, but we also need to celebrate what the Lord has done. They were to celebrate by having a feast of eating, drinking and sending their food and drink to the poor who did not have anything to celebrate with (v. 10).

Application

In order to celebrate the joy of the Lord I must believe what God says in His word and act upon it. Faith that is centered in the Word of God will produce joy that will weather the storms of life.