... thnt the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast of the seventh month" (ver. 14). They came upon the commandment record~d in Levit. x.xiii., enjoining the observance of the feast of tabernacles or booths. This must have fallen partially, if not wholly, into disuse, though we know from Ezra iii. 4 that this feast was cele- brated as late as the time of Zerubbabel. Now, however, under the impulse of Nehemiah's and Ezra's faithful ministry, and in the glow of a religious revival, they returned to a complete and hearty observance of the ancient festival. The law required that the sacred feasts should be "proclaimed " (Levit. xxiii. 4). Giving a broad sense to the term, they took pains to proclaim it with all particularity. " In all their cities, and in Jerusalem, saying, Go forth unto the mount," &c. (ver. 15). And there was a general and hearty response. "The people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths" (ver. 16); "all the congregation of them that were come again out of the captivity made booths, and eat under them " (ver. 17). Moses commanded that once in seven years the law should be read" before all Israel in their hearing" (Deut. xxxi. 11). Whether this was the seventh year or not, the injunction of Moses was obeyed. They were in the mood to do all-more rather than Iese-that was enjoined, and "day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he (Ezra) read in the book of the law of God" (ver. 18). There had been no such celebration of the feast since the days of Jeehua (ver. 17), "and there was very great gladness." Now we learn from this that-I. It is possible for a nation (or a Church) with the Bible in its keeping to allow plain duties to fall into disregard. 2. That this negligence is due to a blameworthy inattention to the word of God. The Bible 1e too much on the shelf, too little in the hand. 3. That a return to obedience, especially to a hearty and general (unanimous) obedience, is attended with great gladness of heart. (1) Devout study, (2) earnest obedience, (3) reverent joy-these are successive steps in a true revival. II. A COMMEMORATIVE SERVICE. The feast of tabernacles was essentially commemor- ative. "That your generation may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths when I brought them out," &c. (Levit. xxiii 43). It was well indeed that the children of the captivity should have their attention called to past days of exile. It would do them good, as it did their fathers, to look back and think what God had done unto them and/or them. How he had humbled them, and how he had redeemed them. Thus they would think of two things-(1) past sorrows, not to be renewed, from which God had graciously delivered them ; and (2) past sins, never to be repeated, which God had mercifully forgiven them. One thought would lead to thankfulness, and the other to consecration; both to sacred joy. The recalling by our minds of past evils out of which God has led us, and past errors and wrong- doings which he has blotted out, will con.firm our hearts in their gratitude and devotion. Ill. AN OPPORTUNITY OF INSTRUCTION IN SACRED THINGS. Whether the Jews felt bound to observe Deut. xx.xi. 10, or whether the reading of the law from day to day was optional on their part (the latter is the more probable), we have them associating instruction with ceremonial observe.nee. We should turn o.11 occasions into oppor- tunities of "inquiring the way of the Lord more perfectly," of becoming ".fillecl with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding . . . increasing in the knowledge of God" (Col. i. 9, 10).-C.
Vers. 13-18.-Restoration of tlie feast of tabernacles in its plenitude. I. A NOTABLE INSTANCE OF NEGLECT. The commandment wo.s plainly wntten, but "since the days of Jeehuo. the son of Nun the children of Israel had not done so." How much they lost I-gladness, fellowship, help to their rem11mbrance of Divine mercy, food of faith. We should follow the directions of God's book without question. Much yet to break forth from the written pages. II. An illustration of the DEPENDENCE OF Goo's PEOPLE ON ONE ANOTHER. The oouncil of "fathers, priests, Levites, and Ezro. the scribe gathered together to under- stand the words of the law." All cannot pursue the same inquiries. The progress of the Church is greatly advanced by the consecration of some to the study of the Scriptures. All councils and conferences should be held with a practical end in view, ta understand in order to reformation of life and manners. Much of the deliberation THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH. [CR. IX. 1-.'J8.
of learned _men has failed of God's blessing because it has been merely speculative or controversial. We can scarcely doubt that Ezra was the leading spirit. One eminent man of ~od can wonderfully animate and direct his Church in great crises. The true leader ~,II never despise counsel, but be only pri,mus inter pares. I~I. A_ TYPICAL REPRESENTATION OF THE BELIEVING LIFE OF Goo's PEOPLE. The ~sti:al m the &'reen booths fetched ~om the rno~t. 1. Grateful memory and pilgnm expectation. 2. Free fellowship and happy intercourse, with Jerusalem as ~~ centre. Church life ought t? be real roo! of all other life. We go from our own cities to Jerusalem, and return with the sanctity of the feast, to be distributed over all the common ways and facts of an every-day existence. 3. Consecrated seasons festival times, needed in all service of God. For the heart must be lifted up thnt the handij may be_ kept busy. ~mctio!1 of praise in the_ !if~. They of the captivity do well to recognise one another m their freedom. God mvites us to turn nature into joy. Consecrate the v~ry trees to him .. Rejoice_ under the open heaven in his loving- kmdness. Connect his holy mount with the simple tent that covers our head. He waits not for splendid ritual or temple, but delights in the homely prnise of those who spread the beauty of bis name over all the earth.-R.