The Pulpit Commentary — Nehemiah — Section 79

Levites who assisted him (ver. 7). Ezra probably read the Hebrew text, and tl ,e Le,·1tes trnnslated where necessary, and expounded, each perhaps to a different woup. These exercises were-I. Commenced with worship (ver. 6). 2. Conducted With great care. From an elevated platform (ver. 4). The reading distinct, the exposition intelligible and painstaking (ver. 8). 3. Long-continued (ver. 3). V. The BEHAVIOUR OF THE rEoPLE. 1. Reverent (vers. 5, 6). "All the peoplo stood up . . . bowed their heads," &c. 2. Attentive (ver. 3). 3. Persistent. For Bome six liours they all kept their places (ver. 7). VI. The EFFECTS produced upon them. 1. Sorrow (ver. 9). So Josiah rent hie clothes when the law was read to him (2 Kings xxii. 11). The precepts of the law so greatly in c_ontrast ·with th~ conduc_t of_ the nation_; its promises, of blessing~ once largely enJoyed, but forfeited by sm ; its threatenmgs, the fulfilment of which the hearers ~o painfully experienced, would all tend to produce grief. "All the people wept," and the proper character of the festival seemed likely to be marred. But the instructions and exhortations of Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Levites prevailed to assuage their sorrow, and induce them to celebrate the festival in accordance with its design. Thus the sorrow was turned into-2. Joy (ver. 12). Which they indulged not simply because of the exhortations to joy addressed to them, but "because they had understood the words that were declared unto them," i. e. the words of the law. For such a statement would hardly be made of the addresses referred to in vers. 9-11, since there was no difficulty in understandwg these. The fact that such teaching of the law was once more enjoyed by them filled their hearts with thankfulness; and although much which they had heard excited their sorrow, there was much also to awaken gladness. The law itself, and the whole history of their fathers, showed that their God was gracious and forgiving; and the promises interspersed among the precepts and threaten.ings (such, for instance, as those referred to in eh. i. 8, 9) would encourage their hopes. Lessons :-1. The worth and power of the word of God, as the ever-enduring spring of new religiollS life. All true and solid reformation and revival arise from the earnest republication of its truths. 2. The necessity and value of enlightened and zealous teacher.!! of the word. Such as aim to give the people a right understanding of it, and thus to quicken them to godliness and holiness. Without good teachers, the book, even when possessed, remains comparatively a dead letter. 3. The obliga- tion and importance of public assemblies for instruction and worship. All ought to attend them, and bring such of their child1en as can "hear with understanding," in however small a measure. 4. The conditions of obtaining benefit a.t such meetings. Desire to learn, reverence, attention, surrender of the heart to the power of the truth. 5. The mingled and conflicting emotions awakened by Divine truth. Sorrow and joy. Place of each in the Christian life. Special suitableness and worth of religious joy. "The joy of the Lord is your strength." Ver. 3.-.Attentive hearers. "The ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law." Literally, and more expressive, "were unto the book of the law," as if their ears had been directed towards the book. A state of things very different from that which prevails in many congregations, especially during the reading of the Scriptures. It is worth considering how devout attention may be secured. Doubtless much depends on the reader or preacher. It is impossible to attend to some men. Those who officiated on the occasion referred to in the text are good models, as to the distinctness of their utterance and the pains they took to give the sense, &c. As to the hearers, they will acquire the habit of fixed and sustained attention by care in reference to the following particulars : - I. PREVIOUS PREPARATION. Not waiting until within the walls of the sanctuary before seeking to be fitted for the service, but by definitely laying aside the world's business on Saturday night, and by religious exercises at home, and devout thought and feeling on the way to church, cultivating a state of mind and hea.rt suitable for public worship. Yea, the whole life will be a preparation if spent earnestly in God's 11ervice. II. SERIOUS INTENTION. The earnest desire and puri:>n- tr, ohtain epirituo.l goQd at foe service. OH, VJII, 1-12.] THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH. 83