Nehemiah - Chapter-8

Chapter Summary

The law read and explained. Feast of tabernacles restored.

Why does verse 2 see it as important not just to hear, but to understand? What does this teach us about how we should respond today?
Most people at this time would have been illiterate, and these yearly meetings would have been the only time they heard scripture. Contrast this with our situation today. How can we be thankful and take advantage of our gifts today?
What are some practices we could have to be attentive today as in verse 3?
What is the people's attitude toward God and Scripture in verse 6? Is this similar or different to our attitude today? What changes could we make based on this verse?
What do verses 7-8 teach us about what teaching is? How can we apply this in our churches and in our families?
Why do you think the people would mourn after hearing from the Law? Why would they be told not to mourn on a holy day?
What does verse 17 show us about the long history of disobedience in Israel? Based on the book of Nehemiah more broadly, is Nehemiah's generation any better? Why or why not?
Do you normally read the Bible out loud or not? What might be the benefit of both and how does this passage relate to the question?
What can this passage teach us about the importance of reading the Bible in community? What are some ways we could implement this?
What does verse 4 teach us about the teamwork necessary in teaching the Bible? Is this similar to or different from how churches operate today? How could this passage shape our practices?

Bible, v. 8.

God, Ezra, Nehemiah.

6, 8.