Strengthened by the Joy of the Lord
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Nehemiah 8:1-12
Imagine being torn from your homeland, watching your city burn, and being forced to live in a foreign land under a pagan king.
This was the reality for the Jewish people when Babylon, under King Nebuchadnezzar, conquered Jerusalem in 586 B.C.
The city was destroyed, the temple was reduced to rubble, and thousands of Jews were taken captive.
For seventy years, they lived in exile, longing for the day they could return home.
Then, by God’s providence, that day came.
Under King Cyrus of Persia, a decree was issued allowing the Jews to return and rebuild (Ezra 1:1-4).
The first wave, led by Zerubbabel, focused on rebuilding the temple.
Years later, Ezra returned to restore the people spiritually.
Finally, Nehemiah, burdened by the ruined walls of Jerusalem, led the effort to rebuild the city’s defenses.
But the journey home was not easy.
Enemies like Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem mocked and opposed their work.
The people faced external threats and internal struggles—poverty, discouragement, and even betrayal.
Yet, through it all, God strengthened them, and they pressed forward.
By Nehemiah 8, the walls were rebuilt, and the city was secure—but there was still a greater work to be done.
The physical restoration was complete, but their hearts needed revival.
So the people gathered in the open street, asking Ezra to bring out the Book of the Law.
As the Word was read, a powerful transformation took place.
They listened, they wept, and they worshiped.
It was in this moment—when they were broken before God—that Nehemiah spoke words that would change their perspective:
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.”
This was not just a call to be happy—it was a call to endurance, renewal, and spiritual revival.
These people had faced exile, opposition, and hardship, yet now they discovered a truth that we also need today:
Joy is found in God’s Word.
Joy is strengthened when we understand it.
Joy moves us beyond conviction to victorious living.
Today, as we walk through Nehemiah 8, we are going to see that the joy of the Lord is our strength—the strength to endure, the strength to obey, and the strength to live for Him.
I. The Assembly for the Word
I. The Assembly for the Word
1 And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded to Israel.
2 And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month.
3 And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.
After years of exile, hardship, and struggle, the people of Israel were finally back in their homeland.
The walls were rebuilt, but now the real work needed to take place—reviving their hearts and returning to God’s ways.
They understood that true restoration comes not just from rebuilding cities but from rebuilding lives upon the foundation of God’s Word.
So, in Nehemiah 8, we find an incredible scene: thousands of men, women, and children gathering together, not for battle, not for celebration, but to hear the Word of God.
A. The People’s Desire – They Craved the Word
A. The People’s Desire – They Craved the Word
1 And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded to Israel.
The people gathered as one man—a united assembly, showing the deep hunger they had for God’s Word.
They didn’t need to be forced or manipulated.
They asked Ezra to bring the Book of the Law!
Their hearts were stirred, recognizing that what they truly needed was not political reform, economic security, or military strength, but a return to the Word of God.
I wonder…do we recognize that?
Do we hunger for the Word of God as they did?
In a world filled with distractions, do we come to church, open our Bibles, and approach preaching with this kind of eagerness?
Jesus said,
6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
A starving man does not need to be convinced to eat.
His body craves nourishment.
Likewise, when we understand our spiritual need, we won’t need to be begged to read our Bibles or come to church—we will long for it because it is our lifeline!
B. The Public Declaration – They Considered the Word
B. The Public Declaration – They Considered the Word
2 And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month.
3 And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.
The Word Was Read Publicly
Ezra did not share his personal opinions.
He did not entertain them.
He read the Word of God—pure and unaltered.
This was an extended reading—from morning until midday—about six hours of listening to Scripture!
But not only was it read publicly, The Word Was Heard Attentively.
“And the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.”
They were not distracted or restless.
They weren’t looking at their watches every few minutes.
They listened intently because they knew this was the very Word of God.
How do we listen when the Word of God is preached?
Are we distracted?
Are we just going through the motions?
19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
True joy comes from giving full attention to God’s Word because it is the voice of God speaking to us.
Imagine receiving a personal letter from the President or an important leader.
Maybe a direct instructions or request from the CEO of the company.
You would read it carefully, analyzing every word.
How much more should we treasure the Word of God, which comes from the King of Kings?
C. The Sacred Duty – They Cherished the Word
C. The Sacred Duty – They Cherished the Word
We learn in the last verse of the previous chapter:
73 So the priests, and the Levites, and the porters, and the singers, and some of the people, and the Nethinims, and all Israel, dwelt in their cities; and when the seventh month came, the children of Israel were in their cities.
The first day of the seventh month was the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah), a holy day set apart by God (Leviticus 23:23-25).
Yet, instead of engaging in traditional rituals, the people spent the day hearing the Word.
This moment was not about religion, but about revelation.
Their joy did’n’t come from rituals, but from revival—hearing God’s Word, understanding it, and applying it to their lives.
We live in a time when many people are religious, but few truly cherish the Word of God.
Do we revere the Word, or do we treat it as just another book?
97 O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.
The people desired the Word – They longed for it.
The people considered the Word – They listened intently.
The people cherished the Word – They honored it as sacred.
The revival in Nehemiah 8 began not with a miracle, not with a political movement, but with the public reading of God’s Word.
Do you desire the Word like these people?
Are you attentive to the preaching of Scripture?
Do you cherish God’s Word as the foundation of your life?
This was not just an intellectual exercise—it was a heart transformation.
As we continue, we’ll see that understanding the Word led them to respond in worship and obedience.
II. The Attention to the Word
II. The Attention to the Word
Nehemiah 8:4-8
The people had gathered with eager hearts, longing to hear the Word of God.
But their joy didn’t come simply from listening—it came from giving careful attention to the Word, understanding it, and applying it to their lives.
In these verses, we see a powerful example of how God’s Word was exalted, explained, and embraced, leading to spiritual revival among His people.
A. The Standing of the Men – They Reverenced the Word
A. The Standing of the Men – They Reverenced the Word
4 And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam.
5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:
We see first that The Word Was Elevated
Ezra stood on a raised platform, lifting the Law before the people.
This was not for his own status but to visibly exalt the Word of God, and to be sure every one could hear.
It’s symbolic of how Scripture should hold the highest authority in our lives.
2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, And praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: For thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
The People Stood in Reverence
Many churches stand in reverence for the reading of God’s Word.
I know you used to do that here…of course there is nothing wrong with that!
But I have always seen in past churches people groan to get up, or just very flippant about it.
It becomes more ritualistic than truly honoring.
When Ezra opened the book, the people immediately stood.
This was not commanded—it was a natural response of honor and respect for God’s Word.
Do we treat God’s Word with reverence, or do we take it lightly?
We don’t need to stand physically in order to honor the Word of God when it is read.
We need to sit up and pay attention…it is far more an attention and intention of the heart than physical posturing.
B. The Supplication of the Multitude – They Responded to the Word
B. The Supplication of the Multitude – They Responded to the Word
6 And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground.
1. They Worshiped Through Agreement
1. They Worshiped Through Agreement
“And all the people answered, Amen, Amen.”
“Amen” means so be it or we agree—they affirmed the truth of God’s Word.
True worship is not passive—it is an active response to God’s truth.
2. They Worshiped Through Adoration
2. They Worshiped Through Adoration
“With lifting up their hands.”
Hands lifted signified surrender, dependence, and praise.
Again this can be very ritualistic or even phony if we aren’t careful.
4 Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.
3. They Worshiped Through Humility
3. They Worshiped Through Humility
“And they bowed their heads, and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground.”
Their posture reflected their hearts—a deep reverence before a holy God.
Do we respond to God’s Word with heartfelt worship, or do we merely listen without engaging?
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
A child who truly listens to his parents will obey, not just nod in agreement.
The Israelites did not just listen—they responded in humility and worship.
C. The Sense Given by the Men – They Received the Word
C. The Sense Given by the Men – They Received the Word
7 Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place.
8 So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.
1. The Word Was Declared Clearly
1. The Word Was Declared Clearly
“They read in the book… distinctly.”
They didn’t rush through the reading; they made sure it was clear and comprehensible.
Preaching should not be confusing—it should bring clarity and conviction.
2. The Word Was Delivered Carefully
2. The Word Was Delivered Carefully
“They gave the sense.”
The Levites helped explain the meaning of the Scripture.
The Jews had been in Babylon for 70 years and many now spoke Aramaic, so they needed help understanding the Hebrew Scriptures.
True joy comes from understanding God’s Word, not just hearing it.
130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; It giveth understanding unto the simple.
3. The Word Was Discipled Faithfully
3. The Word Was Discipled Faithfully
“They caused them to understand.”
The goal of Bible teaching is life transformation, not just information.
The Levites didn’t just read the Word—they helped the people apply it.
Joy is not just in hearing a sermon—it is in understanding and applying it.
Are we actively seeking to understand Scripture, or are we just going through the motions?
A person who only listens to the safety briefing on an airplane but doesn’t apply the instructions in an emergency is in danger.
Many people hear the Bible but never apply it!
The Word was Reverenced – The people stood in honor of it.
The Word was Responded to – They worshiped in humility.
The Word was Received with Understanding – It was explained and applied.
Do we honor the Word of God in our attitude and posture?
Do we actively engage in worship when we hear the truth?
Are we committed to not just hearing but truly understanding and applying the Word of God?
Understanding the Word led to conviction, but conviction is not the end.
God’s desire is not to leave us in sorrow, but to move us forward in joy.
Let’s look at how their repentance led to rejoicing.
III. The Application of the Word
III. The Application of the Word
Nehemiah 8:9-12
The people had gathered to hear God’s Word, and as it was read and explained, something powerful happened—they were convicted.
They realized how far they had drifted from God’s commands, and they wept over their sin.
But Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Levites gave them an important message: Conviction is not the destination—it is the beginning.
The goal of repentance is not sorrow but restoration, renewal, and joy.
In this passage, we see that true joy comes when we move from mere conviction to living in obedience and faith.
A. The Conviction of the People – They Were Broken by the Word
A. The Conviction of the People – They Were Broken by the Word
9 And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the Lord your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.
They Were Confronted by Their Sin
“All the people wept when they heard the words of the law.”
As they listened to God’s commands, they realized how far they had fallen.
The weight of conviction led them to sorrow, but God never convicts to crush us—He convicts to change us.
10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
Secondly we see They Were Comforted by Their Leaders
“Mourn not, nor weep.”
Nehemiah and Ezra reminded them that this was a holy day—a time to celebrate God’s goodness, not just mourn over sin.
Conviction is meant to lead to repentance, but repentance leads to restoration.
Many Christians live in perpetual guilt, always feeling defeated, but Christ came to set us free from sin—not to keep us in sorrow, but to bring us to joy.
A surgeon does not cut someone open just to leave them bleeding—he does so to bring healing.
In the same way, God convicts us not to leave us in despair, but to restore us to joyful obedience.
B. The Comfort from the Leaders – They Were Bolstered by the Word
B. The Comfort from the Leaders – They Were Bolstered by the Word
10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
First of all we see, once again…
1. Joy Is a Command, Not an Option
1. Joy Is a Command, Not an Option
“Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet.”
Nehemiah told them to rejoice—to feast and celebrate, because God had restored them.
God wants us to live in joyful obedience, not in constant guilt.
Secondly we see that…
2. Joy Strengthens Us
2. Joy Strengthens Us
“For the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Their strength did not come from their sorrow, but from their joy in the Lord.
When we delight in God, our faith is strengthened, our endurance grows, and our spirit is renewed.
31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings as eagles; They shall run, and not be weary; And they shall walk, and not faint.
C. The Celebration of the People – They Were Blessed by the Word
C. The Celebration of the People – They Were Blessed by the Word
11 So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved.
12 And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.
They Rejoiced Because They Understood
“Because they had understood the words.”
True joy comes from understanding and applying God’s Word.
They didn’t just hear it—they acted on it!
Many people listen to sermons, feel convicted, but never change.
Understanding leads to action, and action leads to joy.
But they didn’t just keep the joy to themselves…
They Shared Their Joy with Others – “And to send portions.”
Their joy overflowed to acts of generosity and kindness.
True joy is never selfish—it leads to serving others.
38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
A full cup overflows.
A Christian full of joy in the Lord will naturally share that joy with others.
Conviction leads to repentance – They wept over their sin.
Conviction leads to renewal – They moved from sorrow to joy.
Conviction leads to action – They celebrated and shared with others.
Are you stuck in sorrow, or are you living in joyful obedience?
Have you allowed understanding to lead to application?
Is your joy in the Lord giving you strength for today’s trials?
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.”
That truth is just as real today as it was in Nehemiah’s time.
If you’ve been weighed down by guilt, discouragement, or sin, it’s time to receive the Word, rejoice in the Lord, and live in joyful obedience!
Conclusion
Conclusion
The story of Nehemiah 8 reminds us that revival does not come from miracles, signs, or wonders—it comes when God’s people gather around His Word, understand it, apply it, and rejoice in it.
Joy comes from reading God’s Word.
Joy comes from hearing it preached.
Joy comes from understanding it.
Joy comes from moving beyond conviction to obedience.
11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: In thy presence is fulness of joy; At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
If you have been distant from God’s Word, renew your commitment today.
If you have been convicted by sin, move from sorrow to obedience.
If you are struggling, remember that joy is not found in circumstances—it is found in the Lord.
A missionary in Africa once shared about a village that had never seen a Bible in their own language.
When the first translation arrived, the people wept for joy—not just because they could read it, but because they could now understand it.
How spoiled we are!
And how sad it is that we forget the treasure we have.
May we never take for granted the privilege of God’s Word.
Let us read it, hear it, understand it, apply it, and find strength in the joy of the Lord!
