Bring The Book
Introduction
Nehemiah 8:1-18
Daniel Webster stressed the importance of a proper foundation on which to establish a new society. Having observed the trend of history, he pointed out "there is no solid basis for civilization but in the Word of God. If we abide by the principles taught in the Bible, our country will go on prospering. The Bible is a book which teaches man his own individual responsibility, his own dignity, and his equality with his fellowman."
There is an interesting parallel to these events of Nehemiah's in the early history of the United States. The importance of the Word of God in the lives of the people was boldly affirmed by Thomas Jefferson. He said, "The Bible is the cornerstone of liberty." Andrew Jackson claimed, "The Bible is the rock on which our Republic rests."
In Nehemiah Chapter 6, the wall was completed. In Chapter 7, the genealogy of the city dwellers were examined and provisions made for the security of the city. Now in Chapter 8, we are ready for the establishment of the authority of the Word of God. While the wall may have been built, and the Israelites duly gathered and organized, only the Word of God and obedience to it could keep the people in their new experience.
The Bible is the total source of all that we are to preach and teach. We do not create the message, we only communicate it, and in doing so we prepare the hearts of the people of God for the Spirit's work and blessing. Please note, "If Satan cannot take the Word of God from you, he will attempt to take us from the Word."
I. The Word v. l-4
A. Reconciliation la
"as one man" - there was unity in the family of God. Earlier, some were at outs with each other. There was dissension in the camp. The spirit of revival around the Bible brought a new love for each other.
B. Request l b
"they spoke unto Ezra, the scribe, to bring the book" "Water Gate" - we have already observed that this gate speaks of cleansing, refreshing, reviving power of the word of God. Amos 8:ll-l2, "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord. And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east; they shall run to and fro, to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it."
C. Respect 2-4a
l. Their Attendance 2
2. Their Attention 3
no note passing, talking, leaving
II. The Worship v.5-6
A. Reverence For The Scriptures 5
B. Reverence For The Savior 6
l. Adoration 6a
"blessed the Lord, the great God"
Psalm l03:l-4, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, Who forgiveth all thine iniquities, who healeth all thy diseases, Who redeemeth thy life from destruction, who crowneth thee with loving-kindness and tender mercies."
2. Affirmation 6b "Amen"
3. Recognition 6c
"Lifting up their hands" - "bowed their heads" Petition
Their arms lifted above their heads and their palm turned heavenward was the Jewish way of saying, "Lord, I am empty-handed. I have nothing. Everything that I need comes from you."
Submission
They bowed their heads in submission to His authority.
4. Estimation 6d
"worshiped the Lord" - worth-ship; worthy
5. Humiliation 6e
II. The Weeping v. 8-9
A. The Reading Of The Word 8
1. Clarification 8a "distinctly" - to separate
2. Interpretation 8b
"gave the sense" - understanding; the mind must be enlightened before the will can respond. The text was Hebrew, while the people spoke Aramaic.
3. Application 8c
"caused them to understand" - insight as to how it applies to your life.
B. The Response To The Word 9
1. Conviction 9a
The response was that the people were made conscious of their own failure and sin, and they wept. They recognized their miserable imperfections in the light of that Law. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, the Bible is like a fire, a banner, a sword, or a mirror.
2. Contrition 9b
In 2 Corinthians 7:l0 we read, "For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of; but the sorrow of the world worketh death."
III. The Work v. l0-l8
A. The Opportunity For Service l0-l2
Refreshed and edified themselves, they became channels of blessing to others, sharing gladly with those, "for whom nothing is prepared." 2 Kings 7:9 reads, "Then they said one to another, We do not well. This day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace. If we tarry till the morning light, some mischief will come upon us; now, therefore, come, that we may go and tell the king's household."
vs.l0 "the joy of the Lord is your strength" vs.l7 "there was very great gladness"
Holiness and Happiness are inseparable. The Word of God did an Inward and Outward work.
B. Their Obedience To The Savior l3-l8
The Feast of the Tabernacle looked back to the time of the Exodus and reminded the Jews of the wandering of their fathers in the desert, Disobedience. It also looked forward to their settlement in the land under the promised Messiah; Deliverance. It had been l,000 years since observed.
There must be a revival of the Bible. "Bring the Book."