RESPONSE OF THE PEOPLE - The twofold "Amen" of the people in v. 6 expresses agreement with the blessing of the Lord and acceptance of the law (a double "Amen" is frequent as an introduction to speeches by Jesus in the NT-truly, truly I say to you); the people’s raised hands connote expectation and dependency (cf. Ezra 9:5; Ps 28:2). Obedience and submission are articulated by their bowed heads and by their prostration on the ground. Thirteen Levites carried on their usual teaching functions (v. 7; cf. Deut 33:10; 2 Chr. 17:7-9; 35:3).

THE LAW BRINGS JOY - Note the theme of joy in this chapter; we often connect law to legalism or to accusations against us. Reading and teaching the law led to understanding (8:8), but also to great joy (8:12). The first reaction to hearing the law was mourning and weeping, and from one point of view, that was a good and correct understanding, given the gap between Torah and the people’s lives. But Ezra and the Levites stressed that this day was not a day of punishment, the fearsome day of the Lord. Rather, it was a day that was considered holy, or set apart, by God. It is, therefore, a time for celebrating and banqueting and thinking generously even of those who were not in attendance on this great day.

JOHN CASSIAN [365-435] - If you want true knowledge of the scriptures, try to secure steadfast humility of heart, to carry you by the perfection of love not to knowledge that puffs up, but that enlightens.

Can you imagine standing for 5 or 6 hours while scripture is read? Notice the reactions: they weep, bow down, worship. Read verse 12 again. What is your response to this story? How can you relate to the emotions of the people?

What does this story say about how God relates to us?

How does the experience of listening to God’s Word being read differ from the experience of reading it yourself?

Please refer to the DPS archive for a homily on this text.