Nehemiah and the Israelites have just finished rebuilding the wall. They experienced all kinds of hostility and opposition, but God was with them and helped them complete the wall in only 52 days. After this, the people all gathered together as one to hear Ezra read the Book of the Law. They listened attentively and bowed down, worshiped, and wept as they listened.
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. 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."
The Levites calmed all the people, saying, "Be still, for this is a sacred day. Do not grieve."
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.
These people knew that they had fallen woefully short of what God's law required. They had been in exile a long time and could not worship God as they used to in a foreign land. But God did not want them to weep over the past--God wanted them to be joyous! This was a special day! The law was now understood by them--why not make it a party, said the LORD!
I just thought that was neat. Some people say Christians are always a bored species, wearing stiff collars and never smiling because of the sin in the world. There is a time for mourning, but there is also a time when God calls us to rejoice!
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