All the people assembled as one man in the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel. Nehemiah 8:1 (Nehemiah 7-13)
Following the completion of the wall, Nehemiah sets out to organize national life. Jerusalem covers a large space and is still mostly rubble with not enough housing reconstructed and commerce unstable. The city needs a larger population so funds and direction are given for relocation as hearts turn to spiritual matters. Nehemiah was not content with pious preaching while sin was rampant.
On the first day of the Jewish New Year Ezra began reading from the Law that was given to Moses and carried into the Promised Land. A new awareness of Israel’s colossal failures brought about confession and repentance. The people agreed to sign a renewal of the covenant complete with promised loyalty to the One True God and ratified with a curse on anyone who breaks it. As a final act, Nehemiah lead reforms regarding intermarriage, honoring the sabbath, proper tithes and care for the Temple. Pagan gods bring out the lowest places in human nature, therefore, a Holy, set apart place for God alone must be the corner stone of all aspects of life.
As a memorialization of God’s grace, Israel observed the Feast of Tabernacles and remembered the work and power of God in delivering them out of slavery, into a homeland and eventually the world’s most powerful nation. In this moment, they were of one heart and mind and their singular objective was to obey and honor God. A confession heard and sins forgiven is earth’s highest reason to celebrate.
Love,
Gretchen