1. Bible study and praise (8:1-8)

Ezra read the Bible to the assembled people from daybreak to noon. They listened attentively. When Ezra praised the great God, they all shouted, "Amen," and they bowed and worshiped God. We must study the Bible with such an attitude. Real Bible study should lead us to worship the great God. The people didn't really understand Ezra's public reading of the Bible. So the Levites taught the people personally. When they understood, they were moved to tears.

2. The joy of the Lord is your strength (8:9-12)

Nehemiah told them not to weep but to rejoice in God. The people wept realizing their nation's sins and their own. But it was a holy day to celebrate what God has done to restore his people to his holy city as he had promised. They stopped looking at their sins, thanked God with joy, celebrated, and shared good things with those who had none. Repentance brings real joy to us and the nation. It strengthens us to worship God and be his holy people