Hey Bible readers, I'm Tara Lee 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 Pentatuke. We started out our year with them.

Genesis, Exidas, 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 worshiping with their faces to the ground. These people are

receiving what they're hearing. And anytime there's a confusing spot the

Levites help them understand things. Ezra reads a little bit and then the

Levites explain 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 priests 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

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