Wednesday, April 9 – Nehemiah 7, 8 – Additional Reading: Prophets and Kings, Chapter 56, “Instructed in the Law of God”

1. What instruction did Nehemiah give regarding the gates after completing the wall? Nehemiah 7:3

2. What did the people ask Ezra to do? Nehemiah 8:1-3

3. What feast did they discover while reading the Law? Nehemiah 8:14

Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem about 90 years after Zerubbabel.
Once the wall was completed, he did not become complacent but took security measures. Since there were not enough gatekeepers, he assigned the singers and Levites to guard the gates.

“Contemplating the vast empty spaces within the city walls, Nehemiah considered what he should do to remedy the situation. He was impressed to take a census of the people, which would provide information on the relative populations of city and country. From this it could also be determined which towns and districts could best afford to contribute to the resettlement of Jerusalem. Such a census, according to ordinary Jewish usage, was by families (see Num. 1:17–47; 1 Chron. 21:5, 6).” (Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Nehemiah 7:5)

In the seventh month, the people gathered to celebrate. They requested to hear the Law, the Word of God. Ezra stood on a platform above the crowd and read from the Book of the Law, the Pentateuch. Ezra and the Levites explained its meaning to the people. Some had lost their knowledge of the language while in exile, while others, after so many years away from biblical teachings, had forgotten the Law and its meaning.

The words were new to them. As they listened to Ezra’s reading, the people were deeply moved and began to weep. The weeping became contagious and soon turned into a collective expression of sorrow. This was the work of the Holy Spirit, convicting them of their sins and departure from God’s Law.

Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Levites addressed the people, saying: “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.” For all the people wept when they heard the words of the Law. (Nehemiah 8:9)

Instead, Nehemiah instructed them to rejoice and celebrate. He said: “Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)

What a beautiful declaration! How wonderful it is to rejoice in the Lord, to cultivate the joy of knowing and following Him. That joy will be our strength in facing life’s difficulties.

As they continued reading the Law, they discovered the command to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles, which occurred in the seventh month, precisely at that time. During this feast, Moses instructed the Israelites to dwell in temporary shelters made of branches and leaves as a reminder of their time as pilgrims and how God guided them to the land of their inheritance.

Here, we see the importance of remembering how God has been with us, has provided for us, and has brought us to this moment. That was the purpose of this celebration, which they rediscovered in the Law upon returning from exile. They were to leave their well-built homes and live for seven days in temporary shelters to remember.

What would our Feast of Tabernacles look like? What should we do to recall how and from where the Lord brought us? What must we never forget to remember that we are His people?

This also highlights the importance of celebration. God commanded His people to rejoice, sing, and feast, not on their everyday meals, but on special foods for the occasion. Bring the cake! Share the food! Enjoy a refreshing drink together! Exchange smiles and hugs and sing praises to God! Sorrow is not allowed; if tears flow, let them be tears of joy. These days are set apart for celebration. Rejoicing is part of the feast.

What would our celebration be like? When would we gather to share food and joy? Would it be at a special church lunch? A social event? Camp meeting? Or on a Saturday night gathering?

“The earlier part of the day was devoted to religious exercises, and the people spent the remainder of the time in gratefully recounting the blessings of God and in enjoying the bounties that He had provided. Portions were also sent to the poor, who had nothing to prepare. There was great rejoicing because the words of the law had been read and understood.” (Prophets and Kings, p. 662)

Remember the Lord’s instruction for you today: “Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)

May you have a very blessed day.