God’s word has a power all of its own. The bible is full of references to its own efficacy: think of Isaiah 55:11 – ‘my word does not return to me empty’ – or Hebrews 4:12 – ‘the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword… it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.’
No surprise, then, that a whole morning of listening to scripture produced a profound effect on the large crowd gathered by the Water Gate (and let’s note in passing that they were not meeting in the temple area, just in a large square by the city limits – a reminder that God’s people can gather anywhere to meet with the Lord, and God’s word can have its effect anywhere, too.) This profound effect is a work of God’s Spirit and is what Jesus later called ‘conviction’ (John 16:8).
Conviction is more than just understanding; it is revelation which fundamentally touches our hearts and changes our mind, compelling us to change. What others experience as ‘just words’ seem to be given specifically and directly to us, to transform our lives immediately. For the people gathered listening to Ezra, this was experienced both as sadness and joy: the deep realisation of just how far they had fallen short of God’s plan for their lives led them to weep (v9); the encouragement that the Lord in his mercy and grace had given them a fresh start, and renewed their lives and their community, led into joy and celebration (v12).
Indeed, in v10 of this passage, we get the famous phrase – which nobody ever remembers is in Nehemiah, of all places! – ‘the joy of the Lord is your strength.’ There’s a phrase to fill our hearts today.
Conviction, though, also requires more than just our emotions and resolutions; it requires action. It is one thing to know we need to change; it is another to actually try and do it. In this case, the people realised that a major festival required by the Law was not being celebrated (v17) – and they were in the exact season in which they should be celebrating it (v14). So, they acted: they made shelters, and, for the first time in generations, celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles. By the way, this is now known as Sukkot and is still practised annually today – in 2026 it will be commemorated from 25th September until 2nd October.
We’ve come a long way from repairing a wall, haven’t we? This chapter conveys some of the energy, the passion, which was stirring God’s people, as they rediscovered who they were. We, too, need regularly to ‘rediscover’ who we are in Christ; to be gripped again by the power of God’s word, and the conviction of His Spirit. Maybe that’s a word for you today; or maybe it’s to reflect: where is God’s word particularly speaking to you at the moment? Either way, pray for grace to act on your convictions; and may the joy of the Lord always be your strength, this day and every day. Amen.