# Day 209

# Ezra Reads the Law

Nehemiah 8:1–15:31

Jerusalem’s wall was built. The people of Israel safely settled into their towns and villages. With Ezra in Jerusalem, everyone gathered at the plaza by the Water Gate. “Bring the book of the law of Moses,” they told Ezra.

When Ezra opened the books, the people stood. He blessed the Lord, and all the people answered, “Amen. Amen.” From early morning until noon Ezra read to them. Listening carefully, the people wept when they heard the words of the law.

“This day is holy to the Lord,” Ezra and the priests told them. “Don’t mourn or weep.” So the people returned to their homes to joyfully feast.

Nehemiah went back to Shushan and Persia’s king. Later, he returned to Jerusalem. There he saw that people were working on the Sabbath. This is against God’s law for the Jews. “What is this evil thing you’re doing?” Nehemiah questioned. “How can you dishonor the Sabbath?”

He ordered that the city gates be closed at sunset before the Sabbath. They weren’t opened until the morning after the Sabbath. Jerusalem began to grow and prosper as Jews returned there from all lands.

Questions: What did Ezra read to the people? What wrong did Nehemiah see the people doing?