Give Joy!

Bible Study

Nehemiah 8:9-10 ESV

We remember in 586 B.C. Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon destroyed the Temple and broke down the city wall in Jerusalem. The brightest and best of Israel were taken into captivity.

As today’s story opens the year is 539 B.C.E. and Cyrus the Great now conquered Babylon. The Hebrew men who had been taken captive were now free to return home. It was 5th Century B.C.

Back home in Israel Ezra and Nehemiah had been given the charge to rebuild Israel’s infrastructure and religious life. Ezra was a priest in charge of religious and legal restoration. Nehemiah was in charge of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.

Both were given essential tasks if Jerusalem and Israel were to succeed rebuilding their lives.

We are told in Nehemiah 8:9-10, “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. 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.”