Day 263. 20th September Bible Commentary With Dr. Toyin Ojo Taken From The Book Of Nehemiah Chapter 8-10.
TENTS.
CHAPTER 813-18
LEADERS RETREAT
Heads of families, priests and Levites congregated to be lectured by Ezra on the Laws Of The LORD given through Moses often referred to as the LAWS OF MOSES. They found laws they have neglected;
· TEMPORARY SHELTERS: They found the laws commanding them to stay in tents while celebrating the Festival Of The Seventh Month (v.14). (see February 23 for details of the appointed Festivals).
Therefore, they took action, sought olive branches and built temporary tents. This commandment was last honoured during the time of Joshua who led the people after the taking to glory of Moses.
They celebrated, and during each of the 7 days of the festival EZRA taught the whole assembly from the book of the law of God.
“ …… and on the eighth day, in accordance with the regulation, there was an assembly.” v.18.
CHAPTER 91-38
REMORSE, REPENTANCE AND CONSECRATION
In sackcloth, fasting with dust on their heads the people repented confessing their sins. Separating themselves as a people. Their schedule was a fourth of the day - Reading from the book of God. And another fourth confessing and in worship. v.3.
On their feet the Levites led them in praise worship.
“‘Stand up and praise the LORD your God, who is from everlasting to everlasting.’ “ Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.” (extracts from v.5-6).
As they progressed they recounted the faithfulness of God since the time of Abram, to the defeat of the oppressor Pharaoh in Egypt. The signs and wonders — the crossing of the Red Sea on dry ground, the pillar of cloud and fire (v.12). To God showing up at Mount Sinai, the manna provided, the water from the rock and his sworn oath to give the Promised Land fulfilled.
Yet, together with their ancestors they have been stiffed-necked.
Forgetting rather than remembering the miracles and God’s presence —
“…. But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Even when they cast for themselves an image of a calf and said this is your god, …, or when they committed awful blasphemies.” (v.17-18).
v.22-38 — Here they continue to recount God’s faithfulness and steadfast love, how they subdued their enemies through the hand of God; their disobedience (v.26-27) which you forgave as they cried, time and time again—
“But in your great mercy you did not put an end to them or abandon them, for you are a gracious and merciful God.” v.31.
In prayer they made a petition and an oath justifying God they said our leaders had safety, wealth, and affluence in their land which you gave them, yet they rebelled—dishonouring your commands. Now we are slaves in our own land!.
And they set to make binding agreement to obey divine commands in presence of their leaders, Levites and Priests.
NEHEMIAH 101-39
And the leaders present include Nehemiah, the governor, priests and the Levites (see their full list by name and how they organised themselves from v.1-29).
And the agreement was made.
Find details of the vows made in v.30-39; extracts;
· Not to intermarry with unbelievers
· Not to trade on Sabbath days (v.31a-d). To cancel debts in the 7th year as stipulated in the law of God (v.31e-f).
· Give for the upkeep of the Church (v.32-33).
· The Priests made their vows too. v.34.
· v.35-39 — Vows to give to the House Of The LORD for upkeep — the first fruits, first borns, tithes, and contributions. ( Note that all ministers are well provided for in the oath - that is the essence of the giving - not for the ‘set man’ ).
NIGHT
Do you go for retreats❓ And what about the tradition of staying in tents❓ Nehemiah 8:16.ß
©️ 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Dr. Toyin Ojo
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