HEARING THE WORD OF GOD DOES NOT MEAN UNDERSTANDING

PROCLAMATION

“They read from The Book of The Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read.”  Nehemiah 8:8 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

In chapter five of The Bible Book of Nehemiah there is a report of an outcry from the people that they were suffering because of the famine and the taxes which they had to pay. (Nehemiah 5:1-5)  Then it detailed the actions that Nehemiah took to solve the problem. (Nehemiah 5:6-13)  After this, King Artaxerxes appointed Nehemiah to be the governor over the land of Judah. (Nehemiah 5:14)  Chapter six presents the continuing opposition from their enemies over the rebuilding of the wall. (Nehemiah 6:1-13)  In spite of this, the wall was completed in fifty-two days. (Nehemiah 6:15)  Chapter seven of The Bible Book of Nehemiah included the names of the men of Israel who had returned from exile, as it is reported in chapter two of The Bible Book of Ezra.  Afterwards, Ezra the priest read to the people from The Book of The Law of Moses and the people were instructed in The Law. (Nehemiah 8:1-9)  The people were taught the meaning of The Law so that they understood it. (Nehemiah 8:7-9)

APPLICATION
The Holy Word of God does not make sense to non-believers. (Matthew 13:13)  Parts of The Bible can even be confusing to believers. (Matthew 13:36)  That is why we are told to study The Word of God in order to be able to correctly understand it. (2 Timothy 2:15)  Preaching is more than just reading God’s Holy Word to the people, it also includes some explaining and teaching.  However, for a more in depth understanding of God’s Holy Word, one needs to attend Bible study sessions.  It is not enough for us to hear The Word of God; we need to also be doers of The Word (James 1:22) and we cannot do that if we do not understand it.