NEHEMIAH 8

GOD’S LAW IS READ + THE ISRAELITES CELEBRATE THE FESTIVAL OF BOOTHS

The Israelites gather as one to hear the Old Testament Law (Genesis-Deuteronomy) also known as the Law of Moses or Pentateuch.

Ezra reads God’s Law before all of the people of Israel and the Levites help explain to those who do not understand. The priests highlight the importance of not only hearing God’s word, but comprehending God’s word.

Upon hearing the Law, the people mourn and weep, possibly because they realize how far they had deviated from God’s commands. Nehemiah, Ezra, and the priests comfort the people and encourage them to use the joy of the Lord as their strength. Reading God’s Word is a source of hope and renewal, not shame and sorrow.

The Israelites realize that they had neglected one of the annual feasts, so they begin celebrating the Festival of Booths. During this week-long celebration, the Israelites live in shelters, remembering the ways God provided for them in the wilderness.