Hey Bible readers, I'm Tara Lee Cobble, and I'm your host for the Bible recap.

The exiles have returned, the temple has been rebuilt, and the walls have been restored.

But as we know, God isn't concerned only with the details of where they live in worship,

he's also concerned about their hearts.

Today, Ezra and Nehemiah team up to present the people with God's word.

Specifically, it was probably the five books of Moses, which are known as the Torah or the Pentateuch.

We started out our year with them, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

Today, all the men, women, and children old enough to understand, gathered together to hear the presentation.

From early in the morning until midday, the people stand as Ezra reads the word aloud,

and they pay attention, and when they aren't standing, they're worshipping with their faces to the ground.

These people are receiving what they're hearing.

And anytime there's a confusing spot, the Leviticus help them understand things.

Ezra reads a little bit, and then the Leviticus explains it.

They know it's necessary for people to not just hear the word, but to understand the word,

because we can't and won't respond properly to something we misunderstand or misapply.

At times, what their reading is heavy.

We've been there. We know.

And the people are grieved over it all.

But the priest remind them that this is actually worth rejoicing over.

Today is to be celebrated, because it's a day God set apart to remind them about their relationship with him.

He reminds them that God is after their joy, and that reminder should strengthen them.

So they end the day with a feast.

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