So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.
This gathering belonged to the Feast of Trumpets in Jerusalem after the wall had been rebuilt, though much of the city still lay in ruins. After returning to Jerusalem from captivity, the people themselves requested the reading, and Ezra read publicly from morning until midday, fulfilling the Lord's command that had not been observed during the captivity. Ezra stood on a raised wooden platform in a broad street in Jerusalem and held open the Book of the Law of Moses, containing the Ten Commandments, before a large public assembly. Other men stood behind him on the platform, while before him were men in robes and head coverings, and the crowd listened attentively with raised hands and leaning forward amid partly ruined buildings.
They read in the book in the law of God distinctly and clearly and gave its sense in the people's language so all could understand the reading. Ezra was joined by the priests and Levites in reading and explaining, and this was necessary because intermarriage with other nations had corrupted the Hebrew language. Scripture should therefore be read clearly and intelligibly so its meaning can be understood. Those enlightened by and knowing the truths of God's Word should make every effort to explain it and share it with others in nearby communities, since many are ignorant.
The reading revealed the people's true spiritual condition and the sins condemned by God's requirements. It brought to mind the blessings for obedience and the consequences of disobedience. They recognized they had not kept God's commandments and had turned from God, though they had sinned ignorantly, and saw their national sins as the reason for their exile. Understanding led to conviction, sorrow and confession, deep repentance and a return to the Lord. It also helped them recognize God's mercy and gave them reason to rejoice and praise Him, and this is the example John expected his own message to follow.
This gathering belonged to the Feast of Trumpets in Jerusalem after the wall had been rebuilt, though much of the city still lay in ruins. After returning to Jerusalem from captivity, the people themselves requested the reading, and Ezra read publicly from morning until midday, fulfilling the Lord's command that had not been observed during the captivity. Ezra stood on a raised wooden platform in a broad street in Jerusalem and held open the Book of the Law of Moses, containing the Ten Commandments, before a large public assembly. Other men stood behind him on the platform, while before him were men in robes and head coverings, and the crowd listened attentively with raised hands and leaning forward amid partly ruined buildings.
They read in the book in the law of God distinctly and clearly and gave its sense in the people's language so all could understand the reading. Ezra was joined by the priests and Levites in reading and explaining, and this was necessary because intermarriage with other nations had corrupted the Hebrew language. Scripture should therefore be read clearly and intelligibly so its meaning can be understood. Those enlightened by and knowing the truths of God's Word should make every effort to explain it and share it with others in nearby communities, since many are ignorant.
The reading revealed the people's true spiritual condition and the sins condemned by God's requirements. It brought to mind the blessings for obedience and the consequences of disobedience. They recognized they had not kept God's commandments and had turned from God, though they had sinned ignorantly, and saw their national sins as the reason for their exile. Understanding led to conviction, sorrow and confession, deep repentance and a return to the Lord. It also helped them recognize God's mercy and gave them reason to rejoice and praise Him, and this is the example John expected his own message to follow.