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May 19, 2010 Nehemiah 8:9-11:21

Nehemiah, Ezra and the Levites who were instructing the people told them not to be sad, because the day was sacred to the Lord. They encouraged them to enjoy the foods and drinks, and to share them with others. The people left and rejoiced because they understood what they had been taught. On the next day, when the heads of all the families, priests and Levites gathered they learned about the Feast of the Tabernacles Moses had described in Leviticus 23:37-40. So the people found the branches to build the booths to stay in for 7 days as Moses had taught. During the feast, they read from the Book of the Law of God and rejoiced. They gathered for the assembly wearing sackcloth and the Israelites confessed their sins. Ezra said a prayer aloud in which he reviewed all the things God had done for them, even though they had not honored and obeyed Him. They renewed their covenant with God.

The men who sealed the covenant were listed. They promised to follow the commandments they had been given in order to keep the promised land. They accepted responsibility for the work of the Lord as he had given through Moses.

Chapter 11 lists the names of those who were descended from Judah, Benjamin, the priests, the Levites, and the gatekeepers.

Tomorrow read Nehemiah 11:22-13:22

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