13 Then on the second day the heads of fathers’ households of all the people, the priests, and the Levites were gathered to Ezra the scribe so that they might gain insight into the words of the Law. 14 And they found written in the Law how the Lord had commanded through Moses that the sons of Israel were to live in booths during the feast of the seventh month. 15 And that they were to proclaim and circulate a proclamation in all their cities and in Jerusalem, saying, “Go out to the hills, and bring olive branches and wild olive branches, myrtle branches, palm branches, and branches of other trees with thick branches, to make booths, as it is written.”
Nehemiah 8:13-15 (NASB)
Leadership training
All the leaders gathered to Ezra for leadership training. The day prior Ezra had read the words of the Law in public. These leaders had been helping translate and expound on what Ezra was reading. Today they come together for training – to sit under the teaching ministry of Ezra, the Bible scholar.
Why did they gather? All the leaders were seeking to “gain insight into the words of the Law” What a scene! Even in the best churches today it’s difficult to get all the leaders together – and with one common desire – to gain insight into the Word. Maybe when these leaders were translating and expounding on the Law yesterday, they realized there was a lot they didn’t understand and felt inadequate to teach others.
Bible Study
What were these guys doing? Bible study, pure and simple. Ezra was working them through the scriptures to gain better understanding and insight. The leaders certainly benefited themselves. At the same time, they were being equipped to teach others (see v 18 tomorrow).
Bible study is a healthy spiritual practice – along with memorizing and meditating on the Word. But if we don’t put it to use, it’s for naught, useless. We’ll see tomorrow that they (the whole community) put into practice what they learned; they listened and obeyed…and right away. They were wise builders. “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts on them, will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24)
Ask yourself
- Are you studying the Word of God daily, for yourself, and regularly with others? See this reminder from a few days ago about Bible study.
- Do you seek to gain insight into the Word, to delight in it?
- Are you doing something with what you learn?
