And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate, and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded to Israel. Nehemiah 8:1
According to Deuteronomy 31:11, the Israelites were to publicly and unitedly read the Book of the Law at least once every seven years, during the Feast of Tabernacles. The Book of the Law was the first five books of our Bible, often referred to as the Pentateuch. Although it probably happened many times during the history of Israel, this public reading of the Book of the Law is recorded only three times in Scripture. The first occasion, and probably the first time it happened, was during the conquest of the promised land (Joshua 8:34). The second occasion was during the reign of Josiah (2 Kings 23:2). The third occasion is described in the chapter which our text today introduces. Note that this reading was in response to a request from all of the people. It is always a good thing when the Lord’s people desire to hear the Word of God.
Most if not all of the so-called Christian denominational churches will include a reading of the Scriptures as part of their regular services. This is entirely appropriate, because nothing that anyone could possibly say in terms of sermons, prayers, announcements, or songs could possibly be any more important than the reading of the Word of God. But sadly, the reading of the Scriptures in such places is often regarded as simply a part of a ritual to be followed, with no other consideration being given to the reading or to its meaning. That is not how the Word of God should be read, either publicly or privately. Instead of being a ritualistic necessity, it should be the central focus, the very heart and substance of everything that is said. Because nothing is more important, nothing should supplant it.
How do we approach the regular reading of the Word of God? Because most of our Assemblies schedule at least one and frequently two Bible readings each week, we are giving the public reading of the Word of God great prominence, as we should. In addition to hearing the Scriptures read aloud and following along in our Bibles, we spend time in discussing its contents. This is exactly what was done in Ezra’s day, as the wise men of the congregation would give the sense of the portion, making sure it was clearly explained to any who were unsure of the meaning and the application. This is the scriptural approach to Scripture study in our public readings of the Word.
There are two different approaches to Bible readings. Topical Bible readings follow a topic in the Scriptures, reading wherever the Word provides content on the topic. Consecutive readings follow through each book verse-by-verse, discussing the content. Each approach is valuable, helping us to learn the Word of God and to understand it.
Never underestimate the value of Assembly Bible readings. They are fundamental to our character as God’s Assemblies, and we abandon them at great peril to our spiritual viability. -Jim MacIntosh