Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6

(Ezra) read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law.” vs. 3

When the Jews returned from Babylon to Jerusalem, they didn’t come as one body, but filtered back as they were able. Nehemiah had been appointed governor of Judea by the Persians and after a time, though facing serious opposition from the Jews who had not been deported, managed to restore the damaged walls of the city. Ezra had come from Babylon in one of the later groups and had evidently brought with him the book of the law. To celebrate the completion of the wall Ezra arranged to have that scroll read in a central plaza before those who could understand. We who have a hard time listening to a twenty minute sermon might wonder at those who could spend a half-day being attentive. But these people knew that there was more to freedom than the restoration of walls. They needed a spiritual foundation as well, and for them that meant following the rituals and ceremonies of their people, which were found in the book of law. Many believers today have been told that the bible has that same importance for the followers of Jesus, but because it’s difficult to understand they find it hard to pay attention. Even at worship its words regularly go in one ear and out the other.

Thought for the Day: Where do I learn what’s in the bible?