There is a Time
Nehemiah 8:7-12

Lesson 24

background notes

doctrinal / teaching point

1. There is a time for weeping and a time for rejoicing.
2. The joy of the Lord is your strength.
3. The Word is effective because it is understood.

practical application

1. For the Bible to become more effective in your life, you must do more than read it – you must understand it.

questions

1. What does Nehemiah 8 teach us?
2. In which language was the Old Testament written?
3. What was the common language of the exiles?
4. The Levites instructed the people in the Law of God. What 3 elements for effective teaching of God’s Word are given in verse 8?
5. Why were the people weeping?
6. How and why did the people turn their weeping to celebration?

answers

1. To center on the word of God. It was read, taught and understood.
2. Hebrew
3. Aramaic
4. Reading the text; making it clear; making sure everyone understands the meaning.
5. They were convicted of their sins when the Word of God was read.
6. When Nehemiah explained that they should be rejoicing in the Lord and in His strength, the people celebrated the Feast with great joy, eating, drinking and sharing with one another. They were joyful because they had heard and understood the Word of God, and it had made a positive impact on their hearts, their minds, and their lives.

discuss/consider

1. Have you ever wept when you read or heard the Word of God? Do you sometimes read the Bible just to “get your reading done”? How effective is it under those circumstances?
2. What is the source of your strength? Is it Nehemiah 8:10? What happens when you try to do things in your own strength? Read 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Ephesians 3:20-21; Habakkuk 3:19.

challenge

There is a time for weeping and a time for rejoicing. Ponder this.

memorize

• “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10