The Feast of Tabernacles

Nehemiah 8:13–18
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• 3. Obedience to His Word (vv 13-18) - After Ezra read God’s laws to the people they continued to study them as they desired a deeper and more intimate understanding of what God desired (v. 13). A careful reading of scripture always calls for a response such as: what should I do with this knowledge? or how should my life change?

During the seven days of the feast, the Jews lived in booths made of branches (v. 14). This was a time of looking back and remembering the nation’s forty years of wandering in the wilderness when they lived in temporary shelters (v. 14). They were to think about God’s protection and guidance during their years of wandering and the fact that God would still protect them and guide them if they obeyed His Word. It was a time to remember where they came from, where they were that day, and what they would do in the future.

An example of biblical preaching can be found in Nehemiah 8, where Ezra not only read the law but also explained it. Ezra continued the Bible conference during the entire week of the feast as he read and explained the Word of God day by day (v. 18). The combination of joyful fellowship, feasting, and hearing the Word must have strengthened the people greatly. We might ask, “Did the celebration last?” The answer is, yes, for a time, but the people eventually became careless again and the leaders had to bring them back to the Word of God. It is reported that someone asked Billy Sunday if revivals lasted, and he replied, “No, and neither does a bath; but it is good to have one occasionally!”

Application

It is helpful to remember where I came from in order to appreciate where I am today. As I think back to where God has led me I thank Him for His continuing work in my life.