This summer, we are reading the book of Nehemiah to listen again to the story of the return of the exiles and the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls. So far, Nehemiah has secured permission to return to his ancestral homeland to lead the rebuild. Not everyone is pleased by this new activity. Rival rulers — Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem in particular — do not like the idea at all. They attempt to subvert the work. Nehemiah must help the community navigate these external threats as well as internal, systemic ones.
With so much on the line, I can only imagine how much anxiety and fear this time created for the residents and the builders. Across July, we’ll read not only of the threats, but of the transformation of the city as the walls and gates are completed. Completed! Mission accomplished! Well, not quite. While many would be satisfied that the restoration was done and the party could begin, the real restoration was just getting started. In Chapter 8, Nehemiah tells us that the people of Jerusalem decide to ask Ezra to get up and read the Book of the Law of Moses.
It was the beginning of the civil New Year — traditionally a time for fresh starts — and a good moment to take stock of past, present, and future all at once. They dignify the occasion with special preparations, build a platform, and assemble the dignitaries at the Water Gate. Ezra stands, opens the text, and begins to read — for the next six hours!
It’s worth remembering that the reading of the Law had traditionally been practiced in Temple worship and was reserved for the men of the community. Here in the public square, everyone — men, women, and children — shares the opportunity to hear the Word. Nehemiah celebrates how all who could understand came to hear. Imagine: the Word available to all who wanted it! Old and young, rich and poor, all had access to come and share in the celebration of God’s presence in the Word.
While Ezra reads, some Levites circulate through the crowd to make sure everyone understands what is being read. This collection of priests, more accustomed to rituals and robes, are now moving from person to person to answer all the questions that come up. As the physical walls go up, the walls of age, gender, education, and class all come down. Ezra unrolls what must have been a very large scroll and the people stand out of respect. Six hours later, they are still standing and listening attentively. As a parent who knows how children and adults alike squirm in worship after twenty minutes, I wonder how this could be. That hunger — that desire to listen for God’s voice — must have been profound.
Nehemiah tells us that the people begin to cry. Historians and commentators don’t really know why, but it’s not hard to imagine all the ways the Word was speaking into their lives. In response, Ezra and Nehemiah get up and say, “People, stop weeping! Let’s have a party!” Nehemiah tells them to enjoy their food and drink — and, not wanting to forget those who could not come, tells them to send some to those who have nothing prepared. His pastoral response to their pain is to celebrate, and he reminds each one present of a powerful assurance: “Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Neh. 8:10)
I see this story pointing us to the quality of time we can share together as the church. Read on and you’ll see the celebrations in worship, on the grounds, in small groups, and as a gathered congregation. As we continue taking steps toward one another, celebrate the enduring Word that binds us together — and never, ever forget those who haven’t yet had the chance to come to the party.
Grace and Peace,