They read from the book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read. Nehemiah 8:8.
Nehemiah was sent by God to accomplish certain things. One was to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. Another was to rebuild the faith and obedience of the Israelite people whose forefathers had become arrogant and stiff necked and did not obey [God's] commands. Nehemiah 9:16.
And Ezra the priest read to the people from an elevated platform the Book of the Law of God. He read it aloud from daybreak till noon in the presence of men, women and others who could understand. Nehemiah 8:3.
And after hearing the words and understanding them all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy. Nehemiah 8:12.
What can we learn today from this? I think we can learn that celebration and joy can always be a result of our reading, hearing, and understanding God's Word. His Word is indeed good news that leads to celebration for all who trust in it and obey it!
