Neh 8:8-9 | KingComments | STEP | When it is read aloud, it must be done clearly. This is all the more necessary in Ezra’s time, because no one has a copy of what is being read and therefore cannot be read along with it. Reading aloud has always been important ( ). That’s where it starts. When reading from God’s Word, the listener is placed in the direct presence of God. Then what has been read aloud must be explained and applied to heart and conscience ( ; ; ). The Levites ensure that all understand what has been read (cf. ). It is the teacher’s task, as the gift of the Lord Jesus to His church ( ), to explain the Word of God. He will do this in a way that the hearers understand. He will also have the desire that the Word does its work in the hearts and consciences of the hearers. The spoken and explained Word is an active force, it is dynamic and works in those who accept it in faith ( ). Explaining it cannot be done by someone who has just come to faith. He himself must first be taught. Otherwise a blind person would be leading a blind person, with the result that both perish ( ).

‏ Nehemiah 8:8-9

Reading and Explaining

When it is read aloud, it must be done clearly. This is all the more necessary in Ezra’s time, because no one has a copy of what is being read and therefore cannot be read along with it. Reading aloud has always been important (1Tim 4:13a). That’s where it starts. When reading from God’s Word, the listener is placed in the direct presence of God.

Then what has been read aloud must be explained and applied to heart and conscience (1Tim 4:13; Lk 4:16-21; Acts 13:14-16). The Levites ensure that all understand what has been read (cf. 1Cor 14:9-20). It is the teacher’s task, as the gift of the Lord Jesus to His church (Eph 4:11), to explain the Word of God. He will do this in a way that the hearers understand. He will also have the desire that the Word does its work in the hearts and consciences of the hearers. The spoken and explained Word is an active force, it is dynamic and works in those who accept it in faith (1Thes 2:13).

Explaining it cannot be done by someone who has just come to faith. He himself must first be taught. Otherwise a blind person would be leading a blind person, with the result that both perish (Mt 15:14).

The Effect of the Word

The result of reading and explaining the Scriptures is that the people become aware of their failure and sin. They are not only hearers, but also doers. They have seen themselves in the mirror of the Word and have not forgotten what they look like after reading it (Jam 1:23-25). The Word works in their conscience and they weep. The day of great victory becomes at the same time a day of deep awareness of sin. In the light of God’s Word, they discover how serious their failure is.

While reading and explaining God’s Word, Nehemiah is in the background. He acknowledges Ezra’s rightful, God given place. This is an example of good cooperation and appreciation of the gift that the LORD has given to another member of His people. When the Word has its effect, Nehemiah comes forward again. There must be government again, there must be an indication of what the people must do. Nehemiah takes the initiative for this – at least, it seems, because he is mentioned first – and Ezra and the Levites join him.

These men declare that the tears can be dried. Mourning and weeping are good, but not on this day. For on this day it is not the people that are the center, but the LORD their God. It is a day especially dedicated to Him. By reading His Word He has laid hold on this day. When the Word is read and has its effect, all honor goes to Him. In this case being busy with one’s own failure shifts the attention too much from the greatness and goodness of the LORD to the misery of man.