Day 233: Nehemiah 8-10

After the Jews had settled in Judah Ezra called everyone together for a reading of the law...

So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law. (8:2-3)

He read aloud from daybreak till noon! And from what I can tell from the rest of these chapters it wasn't a one day event (8:18).

Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up. Ezra praised the LORD, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, “Amen! Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. (8:5-6)

And they weren't simply reading it...there was explanation and teaching as well...

The Levites...instructed the people in the Law while the people were standing there. They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read. (8:7-8)

I'm really struck by the reaction of the people. It seems they hung on every word! It stirred their hearts to worship. Today, it seems the Bible is everywhere. I don't think I've had more than a few times in my life when I couldn't get my hands on one within a few seconds. Today I'm reading it on my computer where it's available in 44 languages, with a variety of versions in several - there's 2 versions in Bulgarian...not to mention the 29 English versions - to anyone around the world with an internet connection. Right now I'm sitting in a comfortable chair and reading the Bible...a communication from the One True God of the Universe...while I sip my morning coffee. I should have more respect for what I'm reading.

But Nehemiah says we should celebrate...

Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.
Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
The Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, for this is a holy day. Do not grieve.”
Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them. (8:9-12)