Introduction
Nehemiah 9:1–5: The people gather to fast to show sorrow for their sins. The Law is read to them, and the people confess their sins and worship the LORD.
Today’s Key Verse: Nehemiah 9:5b GNT
[The Levites said:] “Stand up and praise the LORD your God; praise him forever and ever!”
Read
9 1-2 On the twenty-fourth day of the same month the people of Israel gathered to fast in order to show sorrow for their sins. They had already separated themselves from all foreigners. They wore sackcloth and put dust on their heads as signs of grief. Then they stood and began to confess the sins that they and their ancestors had committed. 3 For about three hours the Law of the Lord their God was read to them, and for the next three hours they confessed their sins and worshiped the Lord their God.
4 There was a platform for the Levites, and on it stood Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani. They prayed aloud to the Lord their God.
5 The following Levites gave a call to worship: Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah. They said:
“Stand up and praise the Lord your God;
praise him forever and ever!
Let everyone praise his glorious name,
although no human praise is great enough.”
Reflect
How do the people demonstrate their sorrow (verses 1–2)? How many hours do they spend hearing the Law read to them and then confessing their sins (verse 3)? How might this shape your own spiritual practices?
Pray
Merciful God, I confess my sins to you with a humble and repentant heart. Teach me to obey your laws and direct my life according to your will. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Nehemiah 9:6–14: The people offer their prayer of confession.
