Responding to God’s Word (Nehemiah)

Nehemiah Chapter 8 gives us a commendable example of how a congregation ought to respond to the Word of God. Underlying any true “revival,” whether individual or more widespread, is the preaching and study of the Scriptures.

1) They showed an eager desire to hear the Word of God (vs. 1).

2) They realized it was for all–men, women and children, any who could profit from the hearing (vs. 2; cf. 10:28).

3) They demonstrated discipline and strong commitment (the meeting went on for hours, vs. 3).

4) They had prepared the environment for the best possible hearing of the Word (vs. 4).

5) They showed respect for God’s Word and for God’s servant (vs. 5).

6) They had a worshipful and submissive attitude before God (vs. 6).

7) They had the Word carefully interpreted for them and applied to their needs (vs. 7), and the meaning of words explained (vs. 8).

8) The Spirit of God brought conviction when the Word was proclaimed (vs. 9; cf. 9:1-3).

Note: Nehemiah and the others were not forbidding the people to mourn for their sins (vs. 9- 10). They simply asked them to keep in mind the purpose of the day. From the date given (vs. 2) it was a celebration of the Feast of Trumpets, typifying the regathering of Israel from among the Gentile nations (cf. Lev. 23:24-25). This was an occasion for joy.

9) They came back for more, and in order to dig deeper (vs. 13, 18).

10) They applied the Word and took appropriate action (vs. 14-17; cf. 10:28-29).