Words Matter

1/27/2018  – Words Matter

Rev. Dennis Goff


 

Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10

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1 And all the people gathered as one man into the square before the
Water Gate. And they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law
of Moses that the LORD had commanded Israel. 2 So Ezra the priest
brought the Law before the assembly, both men and women and all who
could understand what they heard, on the first day of the seventh month.
3 And he read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early
morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those
who could understand. And the ears of all the people were attentive to the
Book of the Law.

5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above
all the people, and as he opened it all the people stood. 6 And Ezra blessed
the LORD, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting
up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with
their faces to the ground.

8 They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the
sense, so that the people understood the reading. 9 And Nehemiah, who was
the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the
people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not
mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law.
10 Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and
send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord.
And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”