Daily Digest: Capstone Capsule

“And the ears of all the people were ATTENTIVE to the BOOK of the Law” – Nehemiah 8:3b

The Old Testament attests to the prime role of READING in making IMPACT by the BOOK: “Now all the people gathered together as one man in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate; and they told Ezra the scribe to bring the BOOK of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded Israel. So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could hear with understanding on the first day of the seventh month. Then he READ from it in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate from morning until midday, before the men and women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were ATTENTIVE to the BOOK of the Law.” (Neh.8: 1-3).

This passage of scripture illustrates the enraptured attention given to the lengthy reading of Scripture. The people were ardent: “And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up” (v.5). This Reading of the Word released Worship: “Then all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground” (v6b).

This was not a routine reading but one that produced understanding: “So they READ distinctly from the BOOK, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading” (v.8). Beyond unplugging wells of Worship, this public reading of the Book released the Joy and Strength of True repentance: “For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law. Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (vv.9b-10).

Previously, during the reign of King Josiah in Judah, the Law of God was found after having been neglected for nearly sixty years – years of immense immorality, idolatry, and tragedy: “Go, inquire of the Lord for me, and for those who are left in Israel and Judah, concerning the words of the book that is found; for great is the wrath of the Lord that is poured out on us, because our fathers have not kept the word of the Lord, to do according to all that is written in this book.” (2Chr.34:21). The fortunes of God’s people turned for better or worse on whether or not they were attentive to God’s Word. They made Impact by the Book!