In the book of Nehemiah, Nehemiah said of the people of Israel, “all the congregation of them that were come again out of the captivity made booths, and sat under the booths: for since the days of Jeshua the son of Nun unto that day had not the children of Israel done so. And there was very great gladness”, and in chapter eight and verse eighteen of Nehemiah, Nehemiah said, “day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of God” where we read,
Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of God. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day was a solemn assembly, according unto the manner.
The verse reads, “Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of God.” Nehemiah began with the words, “also day by day” which means “even so and indeed from sunrise to sunset to sunrise to sunset”, “from the first day” or “beginning at the primary sunrise to sunset” “unto the last day” which means “to the final sunrise to sunset”, “he read in the book of the law of God” or “he, Ezra, read within the inscribed missive and document pertaining to the precepts, statutes, directions, instructions and codes of conduct belonging to the Supreme Deity”. Nehemiah shared how Ezra read from “God's law” from the beginning day to the final day of the feast of tabernacles or Sukkot.
The verse continues, “And they kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day was a solemn assembly, according unto the manner.” Nehemiah added the words, “and they kept the feast” or “and they, the people of Israel, observed and followed the festival-gathering or pilgrim feast” “seven days” which means “for seven sunrises to sunsets”; “and on the eighth day” or “and upon the eighth sunrise to sunset” “was a solemn assembly” which means “existed a sacred or festive meeting, assemblage or group”, “according unto the manner” or “in keeping to the process, procedure and execution of the feast”. Nehemiah shared how the people of Israel observed the festival-gathering for “seven days”, and upon the “eighth day”, they gathered together for a sacred meeting in keeping with the procedure within the law. (See Leviticus 23:33-43)
When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Nehemiah not only that the people of Israel observed the “feast of tabernacles” or “Sukkot” for “seven days” as written in the law, but they also assembled for a sacred gathering on the “eighth” day afterward. The “law of God” was read every day of the feast, and no doubt the people of Israel were being reminded of the great provision and protection that was given to them by Jehovah God as their ancestors wandered in the wilderness. God wants us to read, follow and obey His word, the Bible, as well. He knew we would violate His law and ways, which is sin, and that sin results in death. (See Romans 3:10,23; 6:23) For this reason He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and when we yield to Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us an opportunity to remember, observe and offer Him thanks in this life and in Heaven for all eternity.
Next time we begin a new chapter and see Nehemiah say, “the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, and with sack-clothes, and earth upon them”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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