Contemplative Bible Reading

Nehemiah 8:8 (New Living Translation)

8 They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage.

Some of God’s people have returned to Jerusalem after a 70-year exile. The Priests are reading the Book of the Law of God. That isn’t a simple book. Reading it brings the question “Why?” to many sections of it.

The Priests explained the meaning; they answered the “why?” questions.

The Law of God was a good set of laws. The people living near the people of God recognized the greatness of God’s Law. Those surrounding people understood how much better life was with God’s Law.

“What does this mean? Why all this little print? Why is it so thick?” These are common questions about the Holy Bible we have today. We all need some explanations from day to day.

Who will explain it? We will. One day I will explain this to you, and the next you will explain that to me. God doesn’t provide gibberish that no one can understand and explain to another.

God, help me to slow down, read, pray, and understand. Give me the words to explain when that is appropriate and give me the wisdom to keep silent when that is appropriate.