Page 76 - Principles of Leadership - Nehemiah

best methodologies for Christian education. Some believe in age-graded education and teach that this is the
most effective way to teach God’s word. Others believe that it is best to worship as a family, as we see in this
passage. Others believe that modern technologies should be used as much as possible to enhance and expand
our church education programs. It is beyond the scope of this book to explore all of the various teaching
methodologies and to discover best practices. At the time, Ezra was using all the tools that were available to
him. I think it is wise in our modern cultures to look at the various available tools and use them whenever
opportunities arise. For example, I use Talking Bibles for oral learners in Mozambique and rural areas of Africa. I
find that Jesus' video backpacks are being used effectively. I use talking animals to help teach words to children
who have been abused. But as you teach, the best methodology you have is a deep dependence upon God to
open the eyes of our understanding so that we may behold wondrous truths out of His law. (Psalm 119:18)

Notice the words again, all the people listened attentively to the book of the law. The people had experienced
the hand of judgment on their lives for years, and therefore, they were desperate to listen to the word of God.
This revival is a revival of repentance that comes from a revival of concern for obedience to God’s word. Let me
ask this question at this time. Is there desperation in our lives today to listen to the word of God explained as
we see in this passage, followed by a fervent desire to obey? Is there desperation in our lives today that we
could cry out like Job did when he said this in Job 23:12 I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my
daily bread? As we ponder these words, they so describe the attitudes of the Israelites. They cried out, bring
the book of the Law of Moses that the LORD had given Israel; read it and explain it to us. Or are we living in a
time of lament like the times the prophets of old cried out, my people perish for lack of knowledge? (see Hosea
4:6, Isaiah 1:2)

4 Ezra, the scribe, stood on a high wooden platform made for this purpose. Exactly when this platform was
built, we are not told. It could be that Ezra had built this platform before Nehemiah had arrived and had been
instructing the people. (see Ezra 7:10) We are witnessing the fruit of many years of teaching God’s word by
Ezra, and no doubt the following Levites. Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah stood
beside him on his right; to his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hash-baddanah, Zechariah,
and Meshullam. These people stood on Ezra’s left and right to give credibility to what Ezra was saying, and they
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probably helped out with the explanation, also. Ezra opened the book in full view of all the people since he
was elevated above everyone. As he opened it, all the people stood up. This was done out of respect for God’s
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word. Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and with their hands uplifted, all the people said, “Amen,
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Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. Jeshua, Bani,
Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah, who
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were Levites, explained the law to the people as they stood in their places. They read the book of the law of
God, translating and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was read. Notice in verse
eight, it says, They read the book of the law of God, translating and giving the meaning. All of these Levites
did the teaching. Consequently, from reading and explaining the word of God to the people, there was a deep
conviction that took place. We can see this from the next passage of the scriptures.

I found it alarming in the commentary, Christ-Centered Exposition, when this author asked if the scriptures
were read aloud in the worship services at your church. I just assumed that this was a practice in all churches.
But then, as we look at I Timothy 4:13, Paul tells Timothy to be devoted to the public reading of the scriptures.
But not only are we to read the scriptures, but it is our job to explain the law to the people. This explanation of
the law provokes weeping, which is the right response, suggesting repentance. Paradoxically, the right response
of weeping opened the way to freedom to rejoice.

2. God’s Word applied (8:9-12)

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