The rebuilding was complete. The Israelites gathered together to hear Ezra read the Law of Moses (The first 5 books of the Old Testament). Ezra stood high on a platform. Ezra praised God and the people responded with their arms high in the air while shouting "AMEN". Then they bowed down with their faces to the ground and worshiped. As he read he also took time to explained everything so the Israelites could understand what he was reading. Then they were told:
(9) "This day is sacred 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. (10) Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to the Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." (12) 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 make known to them. For 7 days the Israelites would listen to Ezra read from the Book of the Law of God.
The work was done, the people had been saturated in the word of God, and now it was time for them to confess their sins. The Israelites did not only have to confess their own sins, they also had to confess the sins of their ancestors. They were called to (9:5) "Stand up and praise the Lord your God who is from everlasting to everlasting."
Then a prayer was said/read to the people. The Bible does not say who specifically said or read the prayer. Maybe it was one man or maybe several men took turns....but I wish I could have been there. It's a great piece of work. This prayer is the longest prayer in the whole bible...yet it only takes about 6 min. to read. I think a few preachers could learn from this. A prayer does not have to be long to be powerful!!
This prayer goes from 9:5 until the end of the chapter. Look it up....it's worth the read! -nic
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