Rule of Life

Book of Law

The book of the law, or the Pentateuch, was read here not just to the religious people but to laypeople as well. This was most likely why it was read at the water-gate. This location was a non-sacrificial location where people other than priests could attend. Ezra was reading the law to the people, all the people. The desire of the people called was so that they might keep the (New Moon). The significance of this (New Moon) was that the Israelites followed a lunar calendar rather than a solar calendar. It had been commanded to them to bring a burnt offering at the first of every month and people watched the sky to see the first signs of the (New Moon) which would tell them of the first of the month.

sacrificial location

I want you to consider the fact that not many could read at this time, nor would any of them had access to this writing. Have we gotten to a time in our lives where having access steals our desire? These people desired to hear this law read-it was what encouraged them to follow it. We have access to these writings today and yet we rarely read them.

Now remember how many today want to limit the time that we get a sermon. In this passage Ezra stood on a platform made of wood which was a raised platform so that they all stood above the people, and he preached for 6 hours. (NRSV)

6 Then Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. Then they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. This is an image that we just don’t see well in the United Methodist Church and we have had discussions during church night events about our lack of participation during the service. Look raised hands and amen, amen.

(NRSV)

8 So they read from the book, from the law of God, with interpretation. They gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading. I have had times when people tell me, you taught that in such a way that I understood. This was the intent during these teachings. Ezra read from the scripture but then they taught so that the people could understand. Ezra told the people not to weep because this day was holy. What was happening was that the people were so blessed by the teachings that they wept in the presence.

At the end of the day the people were excused to leave, to eat, and to share with those who had nothing prepared. Ezra told them not to grieve because their strength is the joy of the Lord.

Ask yourself, what made them weep? I think it was realizing that they were not the people that God had commanded them to be. We tend to get caught up in our lives and our desires. We get lost in the world but the reading of the law, which they desired, reminded them of the truth.