Nehemiah Chapter 8

Context

• Shift from physical rebuilding (walls) to spiritual restoration
• Focus moves from Nehemiah to Ezra the scribe
• Takes place during Feast of Trumpets (7th month, 1st day)

Reading God's Word (v.1-8)

• People gathered at Water Gate, requested to hear the Law
• Ezra read for 6 hours from elevated wooden pulpit
• 13 Levites helped translate/explain (Hebrew to Aramaic)
• People's response:
  • Stood in reverence
  • Said "Amen, Amen" with lifted hands
  • Remained attentive throughout

Two Responses (v.9-12)

1. Weeping - Conviction of sin
2. Joy - Leaders reminded them to celebrat ...