The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah—then instructed the people in the Law while everyone remained in their places. They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage. Nehemiah 8:7-8
Good communicators understand the importance of clarity. They work hard to make sure that their listeners clearly understand their message. Experts in communication have written books, given talks, and gone to great lengths to teach others how to become excellent communicators. As we talk about Scripture, we as a church also believe in the importance of making it easy to understand. After all, Scripture makes it clear that God's message is not meant to be hidden or concealed but shared with everyone.
Nehemiah 8 recounts a time when the people of Israel gathered together to listen to Scripture being read. During this chapter, Ezra read from Scripture to the people of Israel, and the Israelites praised God for the Scripture He had given to them. After this reading from Ezra, a group of Levites, spiritual leaders in Israel, came to read from Scripture as well. Not only did they read, but they also "clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage" (verse 8). The Levites understood how important it was that God's message was clear and understood. They did not rush this process, taking their time teaching "every passage." They wanted listeners to understand.
Just as it was important for the Israelites to learn from and understand Scripture, it is important for us today. Because the Bible was written in different languages than our own, Greek and Hebrew, and during particular moments in history and time, it can be helpful to learn from pastors and church leaders who have taken time to study Scripture in-depth. It can also be helpful to choose a study Bible in a translation that you can understand clearly. Along with a good study Bible, there are also study tools that are available online for anyone who wants to learn more. As we study and learn from Scripture, we have the confidence that the Holy Spirit is guiding us every step of the way, helping us learn from the Bible and understand God's message to us. We have access to God's Word and incredible tools to help us learn from it clearly. Let's be people who are dedicated to studying the Word of God every day.
MOVING TOWARD ACTION
As you think about your own life, what tools help you understand the Bible more clearly? Do you have a translation that is understandable to you? If not, we recommend the New Living Translation. There are also tools that can help us gain a deeper understanding of Scripture, such as Dr. Constable's Bible Study Notes or Blue Letter Bible. Spend some time exploring both of these sites now and the tools and Bible training they offer.
GOING DEEPER
Read Nehemiah 8:7-12(NLT)
The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan and Pelaiah—instructed the people in the Law while the people were standing there. They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear[a] and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read.
Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.
Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
The Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, for this is a holy day. Do not grieve.”
Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.
