Nehemiah 9:1 –
On October 31 the people assembled again, and this time they fasted and dressed in burlap and sprinkled dust on their heads.
First thing I find interesting is the date, was this Jewish celebration one of the reasons for Halloween to be chosen for that day? Not going to explore that because in the big picture it’s inconsequential. This chapter has great value in explaining the history of Israel in a nutshell before about 450BC. You can see God’s grace and mercy throughout in how he deals with a rebellious people.
I often wonder where Israel would be today if they had fallen in behind God and not strayed. Would they be a mighty force in the Middle East? Would they have conquered more lands? Would Jesus have come or been necessary? Or was this all part of God’s plan? He knew people would eventually follow their earthly desires and not Gods setting the stage for Jesus saving everyone.
The other thing you need to notice in this verse is how they set up for another reading of the Book of the Law and prepare for confession. Notice they fast and humble themselves by dressing down and dirtying themselves? This is something that we tend to miss today, where church almost becomes more of a fashion show and less a worship experience. I think we spend too much time worrying about what others will think. How many miss God’s Word because they are uncomfortable going into what is perceived as a “pony show”? We have to honor God and respect Him, but that the same time make the environment comfortable for all.
Now the other thing that I noticed is the hours they spend standing, 3 hours for hearing the word and 3 for confessing. That’s 6 hours on their feet! Granted they worked more manual jobs and were in better condition for that length on time standing. I know personally my back would be “jacked” and I would need to take a bunch of time off my feet. Could we as a society do this today? If we couldn’t get in in a byte sized blog, would it hold our attention? Also, it amazes me they could read it in three hours, I don’t read that fast and wonder how I would absorb it that quickly … or maybe that’s why they did it in short succession? Anyway, I am amazed at people’s desire to follow God and learn His way!!