Neh 8:11 | KingComments | STEP | The Levites help Nehemiah to calm the people. If the spoken Word is to have its effect, its effect must also be guided. We see the same with the disciplinary measure applied in 1 Corinthians 5 ( ). In 2 Corinthians 2, the man who was removed from among the believers as a wicked person is overwhelmed with sadness. The Corinthians are then encouraged by Paul to forgive and comfort him so that he is not “overwhelmed by excessive sorrow” ( ). Those who are impressed by the Word must also learn to subject their feelings to it in the right way. The danger of going in a wrong direction is always present. The Levites calm the people by pointing out that it is a holy day, that is, a day dedicated to the LORD. Dedication to God cannot go hand in hand with sorrow. They may be silent and need not be sad any more. They may rest at the thought that the LORD is at work. When He is at work, man may rest therein and rejoice.

‏ Nehemiah 8:11

A Holy Day

The Levites help Nehemiah to calm the people. If the spoken Word is to have its effect, its effect must also be guided. We see the same with the disciplinary measure applied in 1 Corinthians 5 (1Cor 5:13b). In 2 Corinthians 2, the man who was removed from among the believers as a wicked person is overwhelmed with sadness. The Corinthians are then encouraged by Paul to forgive and comfort him so that he is not “overwhelmed by excessive sorrow” (2Cor 2:7b). Those who are impressed by the Word must also learn to subject their feelings to it in the right way. The danger of going in a wrong direction is always present.

The Levites calm the people by pointing out that it is a holy day, that is, a day dedicated to the LORD. Dedication to God cannot go hand in hand with sorrow. They may be silent and need not be sad any more. They may rest at the thought that the LORD is at work. When He is at work, man may rest therein and rejoice.