is no time to mumble when reading the eternal Word. Second, they “ gave the sense” . Some words doubtless needed to be explained, since in Palestine the Aramaic language was used and some of the Hebrew words would not be clear in their meaning. And, third, they “ caused them to understand” . They sought to interpret in a practical way the meaning of that which had been read. Fruitage of God’s Word Neh. 8:10,18 A true reception o f God’s Word re sults in joy (v. 10). There is mourning also for failure in the past to heed the Word, but when this is confessed mourn ing gives place to rejoicing over the benefits of God’s mercy. Then, too, God’s Word entering into the heart re sults in obedience (v. 18). There is the desire of the believer to keep the instructions he finds written in God’s Book. God’s people had been in captivity in a strange country. Nehemiah had been given permission to return to the land and lead the people in rebuilding the walls of their beloved city, Jerusalem. After the wall was completed, all of the people gathered in the street before one of the city gates and asked Ezra, the scribe, to bring the book of the law of Moses and read it to them. From morn ing until midday Ezra read to them. Ezra stood upon a pulpit of wood; be side him on either hand were thirteen of the leaders of the people. When Ezra opened the sacred book, all of the people stood up. Ezra blessed God and all of the people said, “ Amen” and lifted up their hands and bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces toward the ground. Some of the relig ious leaders helped the people to under- Helps for the Children Ezra Explains the Scriptures Nehemiah 8 Memory Verse: “ I will delight myself in thy statutes; I will not forget thy words” (Psalm 119:16).
bondage. Every part of it is instructive and points the way to true revival. Undivided Interest in God’s Word Neh. 8:l-4a These verses present a wonderful pic ture. The people were “ as one man” (v. 1) in their interest in the things of God’s Word. Only one book had any attraction for them at this time. Such was their interest in the Word that they listened to Ezra’s reading of it “ from the morning until midday” (v. 3 ). Alas, sometimes we can scarcely concentrate on the reading of ten verses! Moreover “ the ears of all the people were atten tive unto the book of the law” (v. 3). This means that they were so interested that they leaned forward so as not to miss a single word. Let us pray for such an interest in our day. A revival will surely follow. Reverence for God’s Word Neh. 8:5, 6 Evidently an elevated platform was prepared for Ezra so that the Word of God could readily be seen and heard by every one present. The Word was made conspicuous upon this occasion. It is always good to see God’s Word con spicuous in the church, in the home, in the school, in the private life. Conspicu ous lives will be developed for God. It is to be noted that on this occasion when the Word of God was opened “ all the people stood up” (v. 5 ). Moreover, in the presence of God’s Word the people “ worshipped the Lord” (v. 6 ). This is what the Bible will always do for people who rightly hear it. The verses before us teach against carelessness in han dling, hearing or responding to the Word of God. Proper Handling of God’s Word Neh. 8:8 Ezra and his helpers have supplied a splendid example for teachers and preachers of God’s Word in their minis try of it. First, they read the Word “ distinctly” . They read clearly with proper enunciation, expression, and vol ume so that every one could hear. It
the vineyard from his ancestors, he re fused to part with it. The childish king went to bed, turned his face to the wall, and refused to eat. Jezebel, Ahab’s wicked wife quickly had Naboth killed when she saw how displeased her hus band was. Immediately Ahab took pos session of Naboth’s vineyard. The Word of the Lord came to the great prophet, Elijah, telling him to meet Ahab in the vineyard which he had wrongfully ac quired and say to him: “ In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine.” Elijah obeyed God’s command and told him also that God would bring evil upon him and completely cut off his family from the face of the earth. Elijah also prophesied that the dogs would eat Jeze bel for her wickedness. Ahab excelled in wickedness and wholly followed the idols of the heathen about him. When the wicked king heard Elijah’s words, he tore his clothing, put sackcloth upon his flesh, refused to eat, and became humble before the Lord. When God saw his humility, He said, “ Because he hum- bleth himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his days: but in his son’s days will I bring the evil upon his house.” Not many men would dare to rebuke a king for his sin. Elijah was so completely God’s mouthpiece that he spoke God’s message to whomever he was sent. God’s Word says: “ Thou shalt not covet [long for or crave] . . . any thing that is thy neighbour’s” (Ex. 20:17). When your friends receive a new toy, new clothing, or move to a new home, are you truly happy with them, or do you hate them for it and say unkind things about their new possessions? God says: “ Rejoice with them that do re joice.” Can you sincerely do this, or is there always jealousy and envy in your heart at the good fortune o f your friends? Pray that the Holy Spirit will give you a heart that will truly please your Lord in all things. August 13, 1950 EZRA, INTERPRETER OF GOD'S WORD It was a time of revival in Jerusalem. Not only had there been a revival in material things under Ezra and Nehe- miah, there had also been a spiritual revival. And whenever there is a true spiritual revival one may be sure that the Word of God is at the center of it. Real revival is built upon God’s Word. It was the recovery of the pure Word o f God that brought about the reforma tion of the 16th century. The same can be said of the spiritual movement in Great Britain and Ireland in the first half of the 19th century. Even during the dark days of the Middle Ages; there were groups of believers who kept the torch o f truth burning because they clung close to the Word of God. This week’s lesson takes into consid eration the great Bible reading experi ence wf Israel after their return from J U I Y , 1 9 5 0 Neh. 8:l-4a, 5, 6, 8, 10, 18 Pointers on the Lesson
ItJfappened on— J o l y 4 , 1 8 8 4
65 years ago, the Statue of Liberty, originally erected in France, was presented to the American Minister in Paris. The following year, this gift from the people of France was erected in New York Harbor, its torch of liberty an inspiration for all freedom loving people.
IN 1884 THE NEW YORK BIBLE SOCIETY had been engaged in Bible work for 75 years. And today, hospitals, prisons, homes for the poor and other institu tions in New York City are visited regularly by Bible Society workers as they distribute the Word of God. During the 140 years of its existence the Society has distributed over 30,000,000 Scriptures to those in need. A NEW YORK BIBLE SOCIETY ANNUITY AGREEMENT is a positive Christian investment. An Annuity assures you of a regular income for life and the satis faction of knowing your funds are working for God. Hundreds of Christian men and women are enjoying lifelong security because of the New York Bible Society Annuity Plan. Write for full details today. R ev . D. J. F ant , General Secretary NEW YORK BIBLE SOCIETY
Page Twenty-one
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker