3 Important Aspects of Preaching God’s Word to His People (Nehemiah 8:1-8)

What this episode covers

In the 16th Century, Elizabethan England had such a reputation for revering the Bible, and the Preaching of God’s Word, that French author Victor Hugo said, “England has two books, the Bible and Shakespeare. England made Shakespeare but the Bible made England.” Regarding the Pilgrims who arrived in North America in 1620, Daniel Webster writes, “The Bible came with them, and it is not to be doubted that to the free and universal reading of the Bible is to be ascribed in that age that men were indebted for right views of civil liberties.” The Loss of Reverence for the Bible Unfortunately, two nations, largely shaped by the principles of Scripture, have dramatically lost their reverence for it. A survey released in May 2021 found that only 11% of Americans read the Bible daily. 29% never read it and another 29% read it less than four times per year. In other words, the majority of Americans spend almost no time in Word of God. The statistics are much worse in England. The people in Israel have been returning from exile in several waves for almost 100 years. They have been in the land—living in their own towns (Neh 7:73)—but they still do not have a clear grasp of God’s law. Wise spiritual guidance was lacking in exile (Ezra 9:1-4), and it is unclear how much was occuring at this time. They do not appear to have reverence for the preaching of God’s Word. Ezra traveled to Jerusalem with the book of the law thirteen years before the event recorded in this passage. We know nothing of his whereabouts since then. Did it take him thirteen years for the opportunity to accomplish his mission? It seems more likely that Ezra had been there, conducting his scribal and priestly work, and even developing a reputation as a teacher of God’s law. Now, after the completion of the wall (Neh 6:15), and the subsequent census (Neh 7:5f), the people have invited Ezra to lead them in a sort of covenant renewal ceremony that sparks a spiritual revival and a moral reformation. Their greatest need was what every generation of believers needs—an understanding of God’s revelation. Read Nehemiah 8:1-8. The Priority of Preaching God’s Word (1-3) 1 Everyone gathered in one place. There was nothing special about the Water Gate, it was likely the best location to fit everyone. The Temple would have been too small for a crowd between 30,000 to 50,000 people (Neh 7:66-67). The location is not the important aspect here. What is important is that they prioritized gathering together. Recall how divided this community had been just a few chapters ago. In our sermon on Nehemia 5: 1-13 we saw that they experienced class division in which the rich exploited the poor to the extent that they were enslaving one another (Neh 5). A proper reconciliation has occurred allowing them to move forward in unity. Everyone gathered to hear Ezra read God’s word. They knew who to call when they wanted to hear the word read and explained. As a scribe, it was Ezra’s duty to study Scripture. He was an expert in the Law of Moses. Apparently, the people know this. Should Children Attend Worship? 2 Everyone with the capacity to understand should be there. That included “little ones” (Deut 31:12-13; Josh 8:35; 2 Chron 20:13). Ezra specifically mentioned “children” (Ezra 10:1). On at least one occasion under Joel, they even expected “nursing infants” to be there (Joel 2:16). Here, it would seem, that nursing infants were about the only ones absent. It’s unfortunate so few churches give young children credit for being able to comprehend at least some portions of a sermon. They assume the only way children can participate on Sundays is by separating them from their parents for “age-appropriate” learning. And then they wonder, as they get older, why they never learned to appreciate the worship service. Much of the evangelical church has transformed into a perpetual youth group, because that is all my generation knows “church” to be. You’ll notice tha

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