- “ … For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.” Why were the people weeping? What were they weeping about?
I would assume they grieve for the sins of their fathers, for the desolation and destruction that their sin has brought about. But perhaps the tears were also for the fact that once again God is real to them, this generation of Israelites who have not known the land and the Temple.
- Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy 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. People were very emotional but the leaders told them not to mourn or weep. Why? Is it wrong to mourn and weep in God’s presence?
No. I think mourning and weeping were most appropriate. I suspect that rushing to claim joy and celebration dilutes the repentance and regret that needs to dwell solidly in the heart and mind.
- Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Clearly the leaders intended the event to be one of joy and celebration but instead the people mourned and wept. Were the leaders right in their focus on celebration? Is there a place for tears and sorrow in God’s presence? In joy or in sorrow before God, what is the most important aspect that we must be mindful of? What do you understand by “the joy of the Lord is your strength”?
Fair enough; there is a lot that is ahead and they need strength and spirit. It is important to be positive about their situation and circumstances but I think grieving must have its place and time although we need to move on to faith and joy and not be weighed down by the past.
- “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.” It was not a matter of being happy because there’s food but rather “they now understood the words that had been made known to them.” Why is it that there’s joy when we really understand what God is saying in his Word?
Because his Word, although expressing wrathful judgement, concludes in love, in faithfulness, in promise, in restoration and redemption, and in victory.