January 27, 2013 – 3 Epiphany
Nehemiah 8:1-12
Ezra Summons the People to Obey the Law
Background: The book of Nehemiah is closely tied to
the book of Ezra and it is believed the books share many elements and often contrast
the lives of Ezra and Nehemiah. Nehemiah was most likely composed following his
return to Israel in 445 BCE. The book of Nehemiah can be viewed in three
sections; chapters 1-7 describe Nehemiah’s return to Israel and rebuilding the
walls of Jerusalem; in chapters 8-10 Ezra reads the law and responses to the
law; and chapters 11-13 continue Nehemiah’s story.
Theme: Ezra reads “the torah of Moses” to the exiles
who had returned from Babylon. This passage describes the first reading of the
books of Moses, the education of the people, and the responses of Israel to
their renewal through the law.
Questions to Ponder
* Please read Nehemiah 8:1-12. Read Ezra 8 to get a sense of
the chronological setting for this passage.
* Briefly describe the setting of this passage and book; the
social, political, and religious context for the Israelites. Briefly describe
the relationship between Ezra and Nehemiah focusing on role each has in
society.
* What might the significance be of assembling the people in
the square before the Water Gate? What benefit might come from having the
entire population together?
* What, if anything, is ironic about the people to whom Ezra
spoke, “both men and women and all who could hear with understanding”?
* What might the historic significance be of the date of the
pronouncement of the law to the Israelites (the 7th month)? Does
this date coincide with some other festival in Jewish tradition?
* Why might Ezra have stood on a platform “made for the
purpose” when reading the law to the Israelites?
* How might the posture of worship described in verses 5 and
6 impact the people and their worship? Do you think these proscriptions have an
impact on Jewish (and later Christian) worship? Why or why not? Why might the
Israelites have “lifted up their hands” when Ezra blessed God and they
responded Amen?
* What function might the people identified in verses 4 and 7
serve? How might they be helpful in interpreting the law (as mentioned in verse
8)? For what purpose would an interpretation be needed during the reading of
the law?
* What implications might we draw from the explicit “requirement”
to provide interpretation of the law to the assembled people of Israel?
* Why might the people weep and mourn when the Law of Moses
was read to them?
* For what reason might Ezra remind them to not mourn, even
given their desire to mourn once they heard the law?
* How might the law provide a message of hope to the
Israelites? How might the interpretation impact the message of hope?
* How does the message of hope in the Law give Christians
hope for a future?
* What are the implications and challenges for us today presented in
this passage?
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