THE ISRAELITES REPENT OF THEIR SINS

Nehemiah 8:13-9:5 / Keywords 9:3

THE ISRAELITES REPENT OF THEIR SINS

 

1. The people celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles (8:13-18)

During the time of exile, many traditions ceased, including the major religious

festivals. When the people studied the Bible diligently, they learned that God

commanded them to hold a Feast of Tabernacles to commemorate how he had

cared for them in the wilderness. With great joy, they built temporary quarters and

for seven days they celebrated with much prayer and Bible study, reviewing God’s

grace to them since the patriarchs. The Feast had not been celebrated with such

joy and meaning since Joshua. For they felt the joy of being back in the promised

land after the exile, as the Israelites rejoiced in coming to the promised land after

being in the wilderness for 40 years.

 

2. Bible study and obedience (1-5a)

Real Bible study only happens when people decide to obey the word of God.

When God’s people stood with repentant hearts and listened to the word of God

attentively for hours, they could confess their sins, repent, and worship God. Then,

they praised the Everlasting, Creator God.

 

Prayer Lord, teach me to worship, repent, and rejoice in you each time I study the

Bible.

One Word Worship, repent, and rejoice in the Lord!