MAY 24

        The second half of the Book of Nehemiah begins on the first 
day of the seventh month (chapter 8:2). The emphasis is now on the 
people of the city and their dedication to God. The material 
building was over. It was now time to begin to build the people 
spiritually.

        In today's reading the proclamation of God's Word is given 
to the people. Ezra returned to Jerusalem to assist Nehemiah in the 
dedication of the walls and the sanctifying of the people. It is 
very significant that they gathered at the water gate, since this 
gate symbolizes the Word of God (Ezra 3:26). The people had an 
appetite for the Word, for they asked Ezra to bring the Book and 
preach it. The Word of God was proclaimed throughout the land and, 
as the people obeyed, there was great gladness. The result of this 
meeting at the water gate, which was held daily for a week, was that 
it brought great conviction to the people.

        On the 24th day of the month Ezra and the Levites led the 
people in confession and prayer for three hours. Chapter 10 gives us 
the names of the brave and godly people who entered into the 
covenant with God that day. Little did they realize their names 
would be recorded eternally in God's Word.