Inspiration and action

Nehemiah 10:1-39

Those who sealed it were: 
Nehemiah the governor, the son of Hacaliah. Zedekiah, 2 Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah, 3 Pashhur, Amariah, Malkijah, 4 Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluch, 5 Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah, 6 Daniel, Ginnethon, Baruch,7 Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin,8 Maaziah, Bilgai and Shemaiah. These were the priests. 9 The Levites: Jeshua son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons of Henadad, Kadmiel,10 and their associates: Shebaniah, Hodiah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan, 11 Mica, Rehob, Hashabiah, 12 Zaccur, Sherebiah, Shebaniah, 13 Hodiah, Bani and Beninu.14 The leaders of the people: Parosh, Pahath-Moab, Elam, Zattu, Bani,15 Bunni, Azgad, Bebai,16 Adonijah, Bigvai, Adin,17 Ater, Hezekiah, Azzur,18 Hodiah, Hashum, Bezai,19 Hariph, Anathoth, Nebai, 20 Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir, 21 Meshezabel, Zadok, Jaddua, 22 Pelatiah, Hanan, Anaiah, 23 Hoshea, Hananiah, Hasshub, 24 Hallohesh, Pilha, Shobek, 25 Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah, 26 Ahiah, Hanan, Anan, 27 Malluch, Harim and Baanah. 28 "The rest of the people—priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, temple servants and all who separated themselves from the neighboring peoples for the sake of the Law of God, together with their wives and all their sons and daughters who are able to understand- 29 all these now join their brothers the nobles, and bind themselves with a curse and an oath to follow the Law of God given through Moses the servant of God and to obey carefully all the commands, regulations and decrees of the LORD our Lord. 30 "We promise not to give our daughters in marriage to the peoples around us or take their daughters for our sons. 31 "When the neighboring peoples bring merchandise or grain to sell on the Sabbath, we will not buy from them on the Sabbath or on any holy day. Every seventh year we will forgo working the land and will cancel all debts. 32 "We assume the responsibility for carrying out the commands to give a third of a shekel each year for the service of the house of our God: 33 for the bread set out on the table; for the regular grain offerings and burnt offerings; for the offerings on the Sabbaths, New Moon festivals and appointed feasts; for the holy offerings; for sin offerings to make atonement for Israel; and for all the duties of the house of our God. 34 "We---the priests, the Levites and the people--- have cast lots to determine when each of our families is to bring to the house of our God at set times each year a contribution of wood to burn on the altar of the LORD our God, as it is written in the Law. 35 "We also assume responsibility for bringing to the house of the LORD each year the firstfruits of our crops and of every fruit tree. 36 "As it is also written in the Law, we will bring the firstborn of our sons and of our cattle, of our herds and of our flocks to the house of our God, to the priests ministering there. 37 "Moreover, we will bring to the storerooms of the house of our God, to the priests, the first of our ground meal, of our grain offerings, of the fruit of all our trees and of our new wine and oil. And we will bring a tithe of our crops to the Levites, for it is the Levites who collect the tithes in all the towns where we work. 38 A priest descended from Aaron is to accompany the Levites when they receive the tithes, and the Levites are to bring a tenth of the tithes up to the house of our God, to the storerooms of the treasury. 39 The people of Israel, including the Levites, are to bring their contributions of grain, new wine and oil to the storerooms where the articles for the sanctuary are kept and where the ministering priests, the gatekeepers and the singers stay. "We will not neglect the house of our God."

I. Message

Content

1. The list of those who made the covenant with God. (v1-27)
2. Renewed once again their determination to follow God’s law. (v28-29)
3. A firm covenant with God. (v30-39)

Theme

1. Inspiration and action.
2. Adjustment of relationship.

II. Who is God? Who is Jesus? Who is the Holy Spirit?

1. God who decrees the law (v28, 29)
2. God who is worthy of worship and offering (v36)

III. What is God teaching me (command, promise, model, rebuke, warning)?

1. Names on the sealed document of the written covenant

The scripture says at the end of chapter 9, “In view of all this, we (the people) make a firm covenant in writing; on the sealed document are the names of our princes, our Levites, and our priests. (9:38) Chapter 10 opens with “Those who sealed it were: Nehemiah the governor, the son of Hacaliah. Zedekiah.” (v.1)

The people were enthusiastic to renew the covenant with God. They participated in great numbers in sealing the documents with their names. Especially the governor, Nehemiah, he led by signing his own name first, thus setting a good example. Consequently, the people all signed their names.

In verse 1 to 27, among the list of names, we find 21 priests (v.2-8), 17 Levites (v.9-13), and 44 lay leaders (v.14-27). They all showed their willingness to abide once again by the law decreed by God through Moses. Obviously, making a firm covenant incite great enthusiasm among the people .

Reflection: If you are called to renew the covenant with the Lord. Would you be willing and enthusiastic in signing up?

2. Content of the covenant

1. Not to inter-marry: We promise not to give our daughters in marriage to the peoples around us or take their daughters for our sons. (v.30)
2. To observe the Sabbath Day: When the neighboring peoples bring merchandise or grain to sell on the Sabbath, we will not buy from them on the Sabbath or on any holy day. (v.31a)
3. To observe the Sabbath Year: Every seventh year we will forgo working the land and will cancel all debts. (v.31b)
4. To support the house of God: We assume the responsibility for carrying out the commands to give a third of a shekel each year for the service of the house of our God: 33 for the bread set out on the table; for the regular grain offerings and burnt offerings; for the offerings on the Sabbaths, New Moon festivals and appointed feasts; for the holy offerings; for sin offerings to make atonement for Israel; and for all the duties of the house of our God. (v.32-33)
5. To give burn offering: We—the priests, the Levites and the people—have cast lots to determine when each of our families is to bring to the house of our God at set times each year a contribution of wood to burn on the altar of the LORD our God, as it is written in the Law. (v.34)
6. To offer firstfruits: We also assume responsibility for bringing to the house of the LORD each year the firstfruits of our crops and of every fruit tree. As it is also written in the Law, we will bring the firstborn of our sons and of our cattle, of our herds and of our flocks to the house of our God, to the priests ministering there. Moreover, we will bring to the storerooms of the house of our God, to the priests, the first of our ground meal, of our grain offerings, of the fruit of all our trees and of our new wine and oil.
7. To tithe: And we will bring a tithe of our crops to the Levites, for it is the Levites who collect the tithes in all the towns where we work. (v.37b)
8. To not neglect the house of God: A priest descended from Aaron is to accompany the Levites when they receive the tithes, and the Levites are to bring a tenth of the tithes up to the house of our God, to the storerooms of the treasury. 39 The people of Israel, including the Levites, are to bring their contributions of grain, new wine and oil to the storerooms where the articles for the sanctuary are kept and where the ministering priests, the gatekeepers and the singers stay. "We will not neglect the house of our God." (v.38-39)

Reflection: Using the content of ‘the covenants that Israelites made with God’, assess your own relationship with God. Are you satisfied and content, or do you think there this relationship could be strengthened?

3. A completely new relationship

Based on the content of the written covenant, we discover the renewal of two relationships: A) the relationship between people: the relationship between people are renewed, because debts are cancelled, the distinction between debtors and slaves is abolished. Debts are replaced by love and forgiveness in the new relationship. B) The relationship between people and God: not only was the relationship between people changed, the relationship with God is also renewed. For example, observing the Sabbath, contributing to the maintenance of the temple, caring for the duties at the house of the Lord, offering of the firstfruits, tithing, etc.

Reflection: In my faith journey, am I improving in both my relationship with God and with people?

Being thankful and repent for our guilt

Nehemiah 9:23-28 (New International Version)

²³ You made their sons as numerous as the stars in the sky, and you brought them into the land that you told their fathers to enter and possess. ²⁴ Their sons went in and took possession of the land. You subdued before them the Canaanites, who lived in the land; you handed the Canaanites over to them, along with their kings and the peoples of the land, to deal with them as they pleased. ²⁵ They captured fortified cities and fertile land; they took possession of houses filled with all kinds of good things, wells already dug, vineyards, olive groves and fruit trees in abundance. They ate to the full and were well-nourished; they reveled in your great goodness.

²⁶ "But they were disobedient and rebelled against you; they put your law behind their backs. They killed your prophets, who had admonished them in order to turn them back to you; they committed awful blasphemies. ²⁷ So you handed them over to their enemies, who oppressed them. But when they were oppressed they cried out to you. From heaven you heard them, and in your great compassion you gave them deliverers, who rescued them from the hand of their enemies.

²⁸ "But as soon as they were at rest, they again did what was evil in your sight. Then you abandoned them to the hand of their enemies so that they ruled over them. And when they cried out to you again, you heard from heaven, and in your compassion you delivered them time after time.

²⁹ "You warned them to return to your law, but they became arrogant and disobeyed your commands. They sinned against your ordinances, by which a man will live if he obeys them. Stubbornly they turned their backs on you, became stiff-necked and refused to listen. ³⁰ For many years you were patient with them. By your Spirit you admonished them through your prophets. Yet they paid no attention, so you handed them over to the neighboring peoples. ³¹ But in your great mercy you did not put an end to them or abandon them, for you are a gracious and merciful God.

³² "Now therefore, O our God, the great, mighty and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love, do not let all this hardship seem trifling in your eyes—the hardship that has come upon us, upon our kings and leaders, upon our priests and prophets, upon our fathers and all your people, from the days of the kings of Assyria until today. ³³ In all that has happened to us, you have been just; you have acted faithfully, while we did wrong. ³⁴ Our kings, our leaders, our priests and our fathers did not follow your law; they did not pay attention to your commands or the warnings you gave them. ³⁵ Even while they were in their kingdom, enjoying your great goodness to them in the spacious and fertile land you gave them, they did not serve you or turn from their evil ways.

³⁶ "But see, we are slaves today, slaves in the land you gave our forefathers so they could eat its fruit and the other good things it produces. ³⁷ Because of our sins, its abundant harvest goes to the kings you have placed over us. They rule over our bodies and our cattle as they please. We are in great distress.

The Agreement of the People

³⁸ "In view of all this, we are making a binding agreement, putting it in writing, and our leaders, our Levites and our priests are affixing their seals to it."

I. Core Message

Content:

1. Prayer with a grateful heart (v23-25)
2. Repent in front of God for our forgetfulness, betrayal, and ignorance (v26-31)
3. Tell God about our circumstances- we are the slaves in our given land (v23-37)
4. Israel people again make an agreement with God. Their leaders, their Levites, and their priests are affixing their seals to it (v38)

Theme:

1. Being thankful and repent for our guilt
2. Again, make a binding agreement with God

II. Who are God, Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit?

1. God who gives people their sons (v23)
2. God who gives people their lands (v23, v35, v36)
3. God who gives people their abilities (v24)
4. God who is betrayed by his people (v26)
5. God who sends the prophets (v26)
6. God who gives ordinances (v26, v29, v34)
7. God who has ability over all (v27)
8. God who listen to prayers (v27, v28)
9. God who is merciful (v27, v28, v31)
10. God who saves his people (v27, v28)
11. God who talks with the prophets through the Spirit (v30)
12. God with blessings (v31)
13. God who is great, powerful, and worthy for our respects (v32)
14. God who keeps his promise (v32, v33)
15. God who remembers his people (v32)
16. God who punishes the sinners (v32)
17. God who make agreement with his people (v38)

III. What does the passage teach us (about commands, promises, examples, exhortations, and warnings?)

1. Prayer with A Grateful Heart

In the prayer, they remembered how great God had treated them: he gave them sons as numerous as the stars in the sky, and helped them entered and posses the land. The land was what God had promised to give their fathers. They took possession of the Canaan and subdued the Canaanites. God give power to his people so they can deal with the Canaanites as they please.

God’s people also captured fortified cities and fertile land; they took possession of houses filled with all kinds of good things, wells already dug, vineyards, olive groves and fruit tress in abundance. They ate to the full and were well-nourished; they revealed in your great goodness. (v23-25) For the above goodness, they offered their thanks.

Reflection: Do I often remember about the past which was greatly blessed by God, and offer my thanks?

2. Prayer with A Repentant Heart

In their prayer, they admitted their guilt- they forgot about God’s love and blessings. They betrayed God while they are living on the land given by God. God sent prophets to admonish them. However, they did not listen to them; instead, they killed God’s prophets. Therefore, God turned over them to their enemies. However, God rescued them whenever they repent because he is a gracious and merciful God.

They prayed like this: “But they were disobedient and rebelled against you; they put your law behind their backs. They killed your prophets, who had admonished them in order to turn them back to you; they committed aweful blasphemies. So you handed them over to their enemies, who oppressed them. But when they were oppressed they cried out to you. From heaven you heard them, and in your great compassion you gave them deliverers, who rescued them from the hand of their enemies. But as soon as they were at rest, they again did what was evil in your sight. Then you abandoned them to the hand of their enemies so that they ruled over them. And when they cried out to you again, you heard from heaven, and in your compassion you delivered them time after time. You warned them to return to your law, but they became arrogant and disobeyed your commands. They sinned against your ordinances, by which a man will live if he obeys them. Stubbornly they turned their backs on you, became stiff-necked and refused to listen. For many years you were patient with them. By your Spirit you admonished them through your prophets. Yet they paid no attention, so you handed them over to the neighboring peoples. But in your great mercy you did not put an end on them or abandon them, for you are a gracious and merciful God. ” (v26-31)

Reflection: Do I often look back, and see how I had sinned against the God, and learned from it?

3. Pray with A Repentant Heart II (telling God about the current circumstances)

This was the last part of the prayer. It talked about the current circumstances- returning home after the fall of the nation. The land was still the same; however, now the Israel people are slaves. They have to serve the king who role over them now. This is because they sinned against God. And they also admit that they deserved this harsh punishment. They prayed, "Now therefore, O our God, the great, mighty and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love, do not let all this hardship seem trifling in your eyes—the hardship that has come upon us, upon our kings and leaders, upon our priests and prophets, upon our fathers and all your people, from the days of the kings of Assyria until today. ³³ In all that has happened to us, you have been just; you have acted faithfully, while we did wrong. ³⁴ Our kings, our leaders, our priests and our fathers did not follow your law; they did not pay attention to your commands or the warnings you gave them. ³⁵ Even while they were in their kingdom, enjoying your great goodness to them in the spacious and fertile land you gave them, they did not serve you or turn from their evil ways. ³⁶ "But see, we are slaves today, slaves in the land you gave our forefathers so they could eat its fruit and the other good things it produces. ³⁷ Because of our sins, its abundant harvest goes to the kings you have placed over us. They rule over our bodies and our cattle as they please. We are in great distress.” (v32-37)

Israel people tell about their sins, the reason why they are suffering through the prayer.

Reflection: Do I often repent? Do I understand why I am suffering?

4. Pray with A Repent Heart (Ask for God’s mercy)

Israel people see the truth and repent because God’s ordinances shine upon their heart. Therefore, they prayed, “In all that has happened to us, you have been just; you have acted faithfully, while we did wrong. ³⁴ Our kings, our leaders, our priests and our fathers did not follow your law; they did not pay attention to your commands or the warnings you gave them.” (v32-34) This repent is hard, especially that they agree that they deserved this kind of hardship. They begged for God’s mercy with a sincere heart, and asked God for the blessings.

Reflection: Do I repent with a sincere and humble heart when I sinned, and ask for God’s mercy?

5. Pray with A Repent Heart

When Israel people saw their sins when the God’s law shined upon them, they also experience God’s teaching. Therefore, they made up their mind. They decide not they will never disobey God. They also knew that building temple and cities are not enough. They had to build them with their lives. Thus, they made an agreement with God to restrict themselves never being away from God. At the end, the bible records, “In view of all this, we are making a binding agreement, putting it in writing, and our leaders, our Levites and our priests are affixing their seals to it.” (v38)

Reflection: Do I often make agreement with God to restrain myself be in God’s way?

The Joy of Understanding the Law

Nehemiah 8:9-18

8:9 民眾聽 到法律規定的事以後，都感動得哭了起來。於是省長尼希米、祭司和經學專家以斯拉，和解釋法律的利未人告訴民眾：「今天是上主─你們上帝的神聖日子，你們不要悲 傷哭泣。8:10 現在大家回家預備筵席吧！把你們的食物和酒分給不夠的人。今天是我們的主的聖日；你們不要難過，因為上主賜給你們 的快樂就是你們的力量。」8:11 利未人安撫民眾，叫他們安靜，不要悲傷，因為這一天是神聖的。8:12 民眾就回家 去，快樂地吃喝，並且跟別人分享自己所有的，因為他們聽懂了讀給他們聽的法律。 8:13 第二天，各宗族的族長跟祭司和利未人聚 集到以斯拉那裏去研究法律的教訓。8:14 他們發現，上主藉摩西賜下的法律曾命令以色列人在住棚節時住在臨時搭的棚子裏。8:15 因此，他們向全耶路撒 冷和其他城鎮發出以下的通知：「你們要出去，到山上砍橄欖樹、松樹、番石榴樹、棕樹，和其他樹木，根據法律的指示用樹枝搭棚子住。」8:16 於是民眾砍來許多樹 枝，搭棚子在他們屋頂的平臺上，在他們的院子裏，在聖殿的院子裏，以及水門和以法蓮門的廣場上。8:17 所有從流亡歸 來的人都搭了棚子，住在裏面。自從嫩的兒子約書亞的時代以來，這是以色列人第一次這樣做。每個人都非常快樂。8:18 從節期的第一天到最後 一天，以斯拉天天宣讀一段上帝的法律書。他們守節七天，到第八天，按照法律的指示舉行閉會典禮。

⁹ Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, "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 our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

¹¹ The Levites calmed all the people, saying, "Be still, for this is a sacred day. Do not grieve."

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 made known to them.

¹³ On the second day of the month, the heads of all the families, along with the priests and the Levites, gathered around Ezra the scribe to give attention to the words of the Law. ¹⁴ They found written in the Law, which the LORD had commanded through Moses, that the Israelites were to live in booths during the feast of the seventh month ¹⁵ and that they should proclaim this word and spread it throughout their towns and in Jerusalem: "Go out into the hill country and bring back branches from olive and wild olive trees, and from myrtles, palms and shade trees, to make booths"-as it is written.

¹⁶ So the people went out and brought back branches and built themselves booths on their own roofs, in their courtyards, in the courts of the house of God and in the square by the Water Gate and the one by the Gate of Ephraim. ¹⁷ The whole company that had returned from exile built booths and lived in them. From the days of Joshua son of Nun until that day, the Israelites had not celebrated it like this. And their joy was very great.

¹⁸ Day after day, from the first day to the last, Ezra read from the Book of the Law of God. They celebrated the feast for seven days, and on the eighth day, in accordance with the regulation, there was an assembly.

一、中心內容：

內容：Content
1>百姓因為明白律法，都感動到都哭了起來。（v9）The people weep as they listen to the words of the Law
2>經過領袖的勸勉之後，大家才化悲傷為喜樂，並學習彼此分享。（v10-12） Through the words of the governor were people be able to stop grieving and celebrate with joy.
3>各宗族的族長，和祭司、利未人，聚集到以斯拉那裏去研究律法 的教訓。（v13）The heads of all the families, along with the priests and the Levites, gathered around Ezra to give attention to the words of the Law.
4>因著律法的教訓，百姓恢復過住棚節。（v14-18）Through the teachings of the Law, people lived in booths during the feast of the seventh month.

主題：明白律法的喜樂。 Theme: The Joy of Understanding the Law

二、上帝、耶穌基督、聖靈是誰？

1>頒佈律法的上帝。（v9、v18）God instructed the Law
2>稱為「聖」的上帝。（v10）God considered “holy”
3>賜給人快樂的上帝。（v10）God gave joy to people

三、給我的教訓（命令、應允、榜樣、責備、警告）是什麼？

1>因明白律法而感動 God touches our hearts as we understand the Law
民眾聽到法律規定的事以後，都感動得哭了起來。（v9a）
當以色列百姓聽到以斯拉所宣講上帝的律法之後，由於得知自己背叛上帝，沒有遵行上帝的律例、典章，所以內心深深受到感動（刺痛），不 禁悲從中來，並且都哭了起來。顯示：上帝的話語，上帝的律例、典章，會感動（刺痛）人的心。
反省：當我研讀聖經或聆聽講道的時候，是否曾經受到感動？甚至因為感動而流下眼淚？

For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law (v9).

As soon as the Israelites heard Ezra instructing God’s Law, bearing in mind that they had disobeyed God, did not follow accordingly to the Law and all other instructions; they eventually felt extremely painful, not only did they mourn, they weep endlessly. Clearly, God’s words, God’s Law, and all His instructions can touch our hearts.

Reflection: When I read the Bible or listen to sermons, do they touch my heart? Did I ever mourn and weep through them?

2>因明白律法而快樂 The joy of understanding the Law
於是省長尼希米、祭司和經學專家以斯拉，和解釋法律的利未人告訴民眾： 「今天是上主你們上帝的神聖日子，你們不要悲傷哭泣。現在大家回家預備筵席吧！把你們的食物和酒分給不夠的人。今天是我們的主的聖 日；你們不要難過，因為上主賜給你們的快樂就是你們的力量。」
利未人安撫民眾，叫他們安靜，不要悲傷，因為這一天是神聖的。民眾就回家去，快樂地吃喝，
並且跟別人分享自己所有的，因為他們聽懂了讀給他們聽的法律。（v9b-12）
原本因為明白律法而感動，甚至為此而哭泣。但是，根據聖經的描述，省長尼希米、祭司 和經學專家以斯拉，以及解釋律法的利未人，極力對群眾勸說： 「今天是上主---你們上帝的神聖日子，你們不要悲傷哭泣。現在大家都回家預備筵席吧！把你們的食物和酒分給不夠的 人。
又說：今天是我們的主的聖日；你們不要難過，因為上主賜給你們的快樂就是你們的力量。」
利未人安撫民眾，叫他們安靜，不要悲傷，因為這一天是神聖的。民眾就回家去，快樂地吃喝，並且跟別人分享自己所擁有的，因為他們聽懂 了讀給他們聽的法律。

顯然，經過屬靈長輩的勸說之後，他們不僅化悲憤為力量，而且從感動到行動，就是 在吃喝當中，實踐彼此分享的精神。
反省：我是否擁有「明白上帝的律法，領受上帝的救恩，與他人彼此分享，快快樂樂的吃喝」這種靈裏歡欣、快樂的經驗？

⁹ Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, "This day is sacred to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep." 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 our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." ¹¹ The Levites calmed all the people, saying, "Be still, for this is a sacred day. Do not grieve." 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 made known to them (v9-12).

These people weep because as they listen and understand the Law and was touched deeply. However, according to the Bible, Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, "This day is sacred to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep! Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared.” Later he said, “This day is sacred 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 sacred day. Do not grieve." 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 made known to them. Clearly, through the comfort of experience elders, for they not only transform grieve to strength, from being touched in their hearts to outwardly actions; this is really to share with one another in spirit and in truth.

Reflection: Did I ever really understand God’s Law and accept his salvation, to share with others and eat and drink, to celebrate with great joy?

3>因明白律法而追求 Pursue because of understanding the Law
第二天，各宗族的族長跟祭司和利未人聚集到以斯拉那裏去研究法律的教 訓。（v13）
當聽完以斯拉所宣講上帝的律法之後，眾人除了深受感動、痛哭流涕，並且經過省長尼希米、祭司、經學專家以斯拉，和解釋法律的利未人的 勸勉之後，便破啼為笑，而且快樂的吃喝，並且實踐彼此分享的精神，也就是與不夠的人分享之外。
隔天，各宗族的族長跟祭司和利未人，都聚集到以斯拉那裏去研究律法的教訓。
顯然，上帝的律例、典章，他們不僅聆聽、不僅領受，甚至更進一步潛心研究、認真追求。這種渴慕追求的精神，值得我們學習！
反省：針對上帝的話語，我的態度如何？是否潛心研究、認真追求？

¹³ On the second day of the month, the heads of all the families, along with the priests and the Levites, gathered around Ezra the scribe to give attention to the words of the Law (v13).

After listening to Ezra instructing God’s Law, the people not only were touched, they weep. And through Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the Law, it eventually became a time of laughter where people drink and eat, to share with one another in spirit and in truth, and to celebrate with great joy.

The next day, the heads of all the families, along with the priests and the Levites, gathered around Ezra the scribe to give attention to the words of the Law; this passion to pursue is something that we ought to learn!

Reflection: According to God, how are my behaviors? Do I pursue with a serious mindset?

4>因明白律法而遵行 Act According after understanding the Law
他們發現，上主藉摩西賜下的法律曾命令以色列人在住棚節時住在臨時搭的 棚子裏。因此，他們向全耶路撒冷和其他城鎮發出以下的通知：「你們要出去，到山上砍橄欖樹、松樹、番石榴樹、棕樹，和其他 樹木，根據法律的指示用樹枝搭棚子住。」於是民眾砍來許多樹枝，搭棚子在他們屋頂的平臺上，在他們的院子裏，在聖殿的院子裏，以及水 門和以法蓮門的廣場上。所有從流亡歸來的人都搭了棚子，住在裏面。（v14-17a）
有關「守住棚節」一事，還沒有領受律法之前，依然不明白。但是當領受律法之後，他們終於明白了。因為摩西的律法書上，有這樣的吩咐。 因此，他們便向全耶路撒冷和其他城鎮發出以下的通知說：「你們要出去，到山上砍橄欖樹、松樹、番石榴樹、棕樹，和其他樹木，根 據法律的指示用樹枝搭棚子住。」
於是民眾砍來許多樹枝，搭棚子在他們屋頂的平臺上，在他們的院子裏，在聖殿的院子裏，以及水門和以法蓮門的廣場上。所有從流亡之地歸 來的人，都搭了棚子，並且住在裏面。
反省：當我領受上帝話語，同時明白上帝話語之後，是否立即化為行動？

¹⁴ They found written in the Law, which the LORD had commanded through Moses, that the Israelites were to live in booths during the feast of the seventh month ¹⁵ and that they should proclaim this word and spread it throughout their towns and in Jerusalem: "Go out into the hill country and bring back branches from olive and wild olive trees, and from myrtles, palms and shade trees, to make booths"-as it is written. ¹⁶ So the people went out and brought back branches and built themselves booths on their own roofs, in their courtyards, in the courts of the house of God and in the square by the Water Gate and the one by the Gate of Ephraim. ¹⁷ The whole company that had returned from exile built booths and lived in them (v14-17).

It is impossible to understand about living in booths during the feast of the seventh month before anyone accept and understand the Law. However, after they accepted the Law, the finally understood because God had commanded Moses to wrote it so in the Law. As a result, they should proclaim this word and spread it throughout their towns and in Jerusalem: "Go out into the hill country and bring back branches from olive and wild olive trees and from myrtles, palms and shade trees, to make booths.” So the people went out and brought back branches and built themselves booths on their own roofs, in their courtyards, in the courts of the house of God and in the square by the Water Gate and the one by the Gate of Ephraim.

Reflection: After I understand and accept God’s words, do I immediately take them into action?

5>因重溫節慶而喜樂 The joy that comes from celebration
自從嫩的兒子約書亞的時代以來，這是以色列人第一次這樣做。每個人都非 常快樂。（v14-17）
當他們再一次守住棚節時，心中充滿無限的感動與歡欣。因此，經文這樣描述說：自從嫩的兒子約書亞的時代以來，這是以色列人第一次這樣 做，所以每個人都非常快樂。
這段經文比較正確的說法，應該是說：他們已經很久沒有這樣真心、這樣熱情的守住棚節，因此，心中的感受特別深刻，甚至有著深深的感 動，久久不能自已。
反省：當我參加各樣聚會的時候，是否早已沒有感覺、失去熱情、行禮如儀、沒有感動？還是每一次都有不同的感動，甚至久久不能自已？

From the days of Joshua son of Nun until that day, the Israelites had not celebrated it like this. And their joy was very great (v14-17).

When they once again celebrate the feast of the seventh month, their joy was very great. Even the Bible recorded, “From the days of Joshua son of Nun until that day, the Israelites had not celebrated it like this. And their joy was very great.” A more optimistic way of saying is, “They have not celebrated with sincere hearts and passion for so long, so that this time, their hearts are deeply touched and eventually experienced the joy.”

Reflection: When I attend different gatherings, do I still have a fire of passion burning? Or have I already lost interest? Or am I touched differently each time?

四、我的禱告 / 實際應用

Life construction is important

Nehemiah 8 (New International Version)

¹ all the people assembled as one man in the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel.

² So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. ³ He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.

⁴ Ezra the scribe stood on a high wooden platform built for the occasion. Beside him on his right stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah and Maaseiah; and on his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah and Meshullam.

⁵ Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up. ⁶ Ezra praised the LORD, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, "Amen! Amen!" Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.

⁷ 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. ⁸ They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear ^[a] and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read.

一、中心內容：Message

內容：Content
1>尼希米請文士以斯拉，前來教導百姓認識上帝藉著摩西 所頒佈的律法。Ezra the scribe brought out the Book of the Law of Moses and all the people were taught through the Book of Law（v1-4）
2>當百姓聽完上帝藉著摩西所頒佈的律法之後，眾人起立齊聲以「阿 門」來回應，並且立即俯伏敬拜上帝。After hearing the Book of the Law of Moses, the crowd rose and responded “Amen” in unison, they bowed down and worshiped the Lord（v5-8）

主題：生命建造工程。Theme

二、上帝、耶穌基督、聖靈是誰？Who is God? Who is Jesus? Who is the Holy Spirit?

1>頒佈律法的上帝。（v1）God who commands the Book of the Law
2>配得頌讚的上帝。（v6）God who is worthy of praise
3>配得敬拜的上帝。（v7）God who is worthy of worship

三、給我的教訓（命令、應允、榜樣、責備、警告）是什麼？What is God teaching me (command, promise, model, rebuke, warning)?


1>從事生命的建造
到了第七月，以色列人在各人的城鎮都安頓好了。那月的第一日，他 們聚集在耶路撒冷，在水門前的廣場上。他們請經學專家以斯拉祭司把法律書帶來；這法律就是上主藉摩西頒給以色列人的。all the people assembled as one man in the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel.（v1）
硬體（城牆）建造固然重要，軟體（生命）建造更為重要。Hardware (wall) construction is important, but the software (life) is more important to the construction. 尼希米真不愧是一位有眼光、有智慧的屬靈領袖。Nehemiah was someone who had visions and was a wise spiritual leader. 因為當他完成城牆重建工程之後，緊接著著手進行生命建造工程。After he was done with the wall construction, he proceeded to the reconstruction of life. 城牆建造工程，需要預備各樣的材料，但是生命建造工程，靠的就是上帝的律法。The wall construction needed all sorts of material objects, but the construction of life relies on God’s Law.
因此，根據經文所描述，到了第七月，以色列人在各人的城鎮都安 頓好了。那月的第一日，他們聚集在耶路撒冷，在水門前的廣場上。Thus, according to the scriptures’ description, the Israelites settle in July and on the first day of the month, they gather in Jerusalem in the square before the Water Gate. 他們請經學專家以斯拉祭司把法律書帶來；這律法就是上帝藉著摩西頒給以色列人的。They asked Ezra the priest to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded for Israel.
反省：我對生命的建造有多少認識？我是否相信上帝的話語，會改 變一個人的生命？我是否天天渴慕領受上帝的話語？，是否確實遵行？Reflection: What do I know about building a life that s pleasing to God? Do I believe that the Word of God could change a person’s life? Do I long for the Word of God? Do I really obey His Word?

2>乾渴已久的心靈
於是以斯拉把它帶到群眾聚集的地方；那裏有男有女，還有年紀較 大、能明白事理的兒童。
以斯拉在水門前的廣場上向他們宣讀法律，從黎明一直讀到中午；他 們都很注意聽。So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. ³ He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.（v2-3）
根據經文的描述，當祭司以斯拉宣讀上帝的律法時，百姓都是站著 聆聽，而且是從黎明站到中午，尤其在這段期間之內，一直都非常的專注。According to the passages, when the priest Ezra read the Book of the Law, the people stood up and listened attentively from daybreak till noon.
他們站立的時間，經估算大約有六個小時之久。六個小時，一直站 立，而且專心聆聽，實在不是一件容易的事。顯然，他們的心靈乾渴已久，因此，對上帝的律法，才如此的渴慕。They stood for 6 hours. Being attentive and standing up for 6 hours is not an easy task. The hearts of the people had a thirst for God’s Law and were longing for the Word of God.
反省：我對上帝的話語有何反應？渴慕嗎？還是視如催眠藥？聖經 一番開就想打瞌睡？Reflection: How do I react to the Word of God? Do I long for it? What is my attitude while studying the Bible?

3>包括兒童也聆聽
於是以斯拉把它帶到群眾聚集的地方；那裏有男有女，還有年紀較 大、能明白事理的兒童。So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. （v2）
當時聆聽上帝的律法，不只有大人而已，連兒童也一起聆聽。就今 日來說，領受上帝的話語，並非成人的專利，兒童也需要上帝的話語。兒童甚至更容易領受、遵行上帝的話語。Not only adults, but children were also listening to God’s Word. Nowadays, it is the same case. All adults and children need the Word of God. Yet the children are most likely to accept the Word of God.
反省：我如何讓家中的小孩，也能領受並且明白上帝的話語？Reflection: What should I do to guide my children to understand and accept the Word of God?

4>心敬畏態度虔誠
以斯拉站在高臺上，他們都注目看他。他一打開書，大家都站起來。以 斯拉說：「頌鑽上主─偉大的上帝！」所有民眾都舉起手，應聲說：「阿們！阿們！」然後跪下，臉伏在地上敬拜上 主。Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up. ⁶ Ezra praised the LORD, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, "Amen! Amen!" Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.（v5-6）
經文當中，非常詳細的描述，當以斯拉宣讀律法時，會眾的反應與 肢體動作。也就是當以斯拉站在高臺上時，群眾都注目看他。當律法書一打開，眾人就都站了起來。The scriptures describe in detail the reaction of the crowd when Ezra read the Book of the Law out loud. When Ezra was standing above the people, they had all attention on him and as Ezra opened the book, all the people stood up. 接著，以斯拉宣 佈：願頌鑽上主----偉大的上帝！所有民眾都舉起手，應聲說：「阿們！阿們！」然後跪下來，臉伏在地 上敬拜上帝。Then Ezra praised the Lord, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, "Amen! Amen!" Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.
這樣的態度，真令人感動。顯示他們的內心，對上帝是何等的敬畏，態 度是何等的虔誠！By this impressive attitude, we can see how they were sincere.
反省：看完當時百姓聆聽律法的態度，請回想一下：今天自己讀聖 經的態度又是如何？參加禮拜聆聽講道時的態度又如何？Reflection: After reading about how the people were sincere, let us think about ourselves. What is my attitude today and what about in the future times?

5>同心事奉神話語
以斯拉站在一個特別為這事而造的木臺上。他右邊站著瑪他提雅、示 瑪、亞奈雅、烏利亞、希勒家，和瑪西雅，左邊站著比大雅、米沙利、瑪基雅、哈順、哈拔大拿、撒迦利亞，和米書蘭。Ezra the scribe stood on a high wooden platform built for the occasion. Beside him on his right stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah and Maaseiah; and on his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah and Meshullam.（v4）後來，民眾起 來，站在他們原來的位置；有些利未人就向他們解釋法律。這些人是耶書亞、巴尼、示利比、雅憫、亞谷、沙比太、荷第雅、瑪西 雅、基利他、亞撒利亞、約撒拔、哈難，和比萊雅。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.（v7）
在這段經文當中，先後兩次出現團隊事奉的例子。In this passage, the example of serving as a group appeared twice.
第一次：看到在以斯拉的兩旁，右邊站著瑪他提雅、示瑪、亞奈雅、烏 利亞、希勒家，和瑪西雅，左邊站著比大雅、米沙利、瑪基雅、哈順、哈拔大拿、撒迦利亞，和米書蘭。The first time: Beside him on his right stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah and Maaseiah; and on his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah and Meshullam.
第二次：又看到有些利未人向他們解釋法律。這些利未人是耶書亞、巴 尼、示利比、雅憫、
亞谷、沙比太、荷第雅、瑪西雅、基利他、亞撒利亞、約撒拔、哈 難，和比萊雅等人。The second time: the Levites - Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan and Pelaiah
顯然，他們是以團隊的方式，一同事奉上帝的話語，讓領受的人得 益處。 They served the God together in unity and allow the people to receive the Word of God.
反省：我是否願意與人配搭團隊事奉？是否曾經以上帝的話語來事 奉他人？Reflection: Am I willing to serve God as a group with other people? Do I use God’s Word to serve?

6>今日講道的意義
他們向民眾口頭翻譯上帝的法律書，並加以解釋，使民眾能明白。They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear ^[a] and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read.（v8）
今天眾教會禮拜中，都有講道的事奉。講道不是講故事，也不是講 一套人所思想出來的理論，而是傳講上帝的道，講解上帝的話語，讓上帝的百姓明瞭，以便生活上有所遵循。Worships in the churches today include preaching. The church preaches and explains the Word of God for people to understand the Word of God and to follow it in everyday lives.
反省：我是否看重禮拜中的講道，我是否以一顆謙卑的心來領受？Reflection: How important is the preaching for me? Do I have a humble heart while receiving the Word of God?

四、我的禱告 / 實際應用Prayer / Life application