written by Tom Tippett
The writing of Ezra and Nehemiah brings us to the close of the Old Testament canon and the
history of Israel until the coming of Messiah Jesus of Nazareth. These men serve the LORD as
leaders to reestablish Israel in the land originally given to their forefathers through a covenant
made between YHWH and Abraham (Genesis 12). Israel lost possession of the promise due to
idolatry and accompanying transgression. Ezra serves as the guide to God’s word, while
Nehemiah serves as the governor to organize the people to restore the city of Jerusalem and
the temple. This chapter tells us how critical the “book of the law of Moses” was to bringing unity
among the people of the LORD. There is a very important dynamic the church needs to
understand: unity comes from persecution and application of truth from God’s word. Israel was
divided due to disobedience. The persecution from outside evil brought them together after the
70-year captivity in Babylon. However, that was not sufficient for the unity that our God creates.
It says that Ezra the scribe “brought the law before the assembly . . . and read it before the
square from early morning until midday” (2, 3). There is one essential ingredient that
accompanies God’s word – understanding (2, 3, 8, 12). We would do well as the saints of the
Highest God to examine our lives with Him as the church in view of Nehemiah 8.
We see that unity is necessary for a community and church to work well and for the glory of the
kingdom.
So lets all pray over March 3rd as a time of unity and coming together to serve others,
as well as encouragement to the church.
