Scripture: Nehemiah 8:7-11
Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai,
Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, the Levites,
explained the law to the people while the people remained in their
place. They read from the book, from the law of God, translating to
give the sense so that they understood the reading. Then Nehemiah,
who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites
who taught the people said to all the people, "This day is holy to the
LORD your God; do not mourn or weep." For all the people were weeping when
they heard the words of the law. Then he said to them, "Go, eat
of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing
prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of
the LORD is your strength." So the Levites calmed all the
people, saying, "Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved."
Insights: There
are two more foundational principles we find in today’s verses. First, the Bible was explained to those who
heard it. The word “translated” means in
Hebrew “to make something distinct, to separate it from something else so as to
make it flow together in a meaningful fashion.”
So, why did these Hebrews need their “Bible” translated? It was because they were born as Babylonian
slaves. Hebrew became their second
language. This truth applies to us as
well. We need to have the Bible
explained to us because Greek and Hebrew is not our first language; therefore,
we rely on scholars who have gone before us who have put the Bible into English. Well, it is not enough just to know or even
have the Bible explained to us. We must
go further than that and this reality takes us to our final principle found in
these verses. Second, the Bible was
applied to the people’s lives. They wept
because of their sin, but quickly Nehemiah, Ezra and the Levites apply the
truth of their forgiveness to the people.
They help them understand and apply the truth so that their sorrow can
be turned to joy. Don’t miss that key
line of application which said, “send portions to him who has nothing prepared.” They were not to keep the applicable truth of
their forgiveness to themselves. They
were to go and tell this truth to others who had not heard. Are we not also command to go and tell the
good news that Jesus Christ has saved us of our sins. Beloved, go and share Jesus’ love!
Questions:
- Are you explaining the Bible to those around (family,
friend, coworkers, etc.)?
- Are you actively living out what you have learned from
the Bible in your daily life?
Prayer: Lord, teach me
Your ways and empower me with the strength and conviction to live such truths
out before a watching world. Let Your
name be glorified through my obedience. Amen.
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