Gathering together

[1] And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel. [2] And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month. [3] And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law. [4] And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam. [5] And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up: Nehemiah 8:1-5

The breakdown of the book of Nehemiah is:
Chapters 1-7 Reconstruction of the wall
Chapters 8-13 Restoration of people

For the next few weeks we will look at the restoration of the people. In this portion of scripture we see the gathering together of the people “as one man”. In verse 66 of chapter 7 we learned there were 42,360 people “in the whole congregation”. Imagine all those people gathering together as one. The purpose of the gathering was to hear the Word of God.

What a great and beautiful picture of unity. An illustration of how Christians should be with each other, keeping our hearts and minds together and being obedient to the Lord.

They listened intently from morning to midday, about six hours. As soon as the priest opened the Book the people stood, in respect and reverence for this wonderful Book. The people were hungering to hear and learn from God’s Word.

Are we hungering to hear, listen and apply (obey) the Word of God? Have you been drawn away from the Word by what others are writing (in books) or saying about the Word? Go to the Source and see what He has to say.

Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. Psalm 143:8

Have a blessed day,
Donna