In Nehemiah, chapter eight, verse seven, Ezra and the Levites demonstrate what should happen whenever God’s Word is known to His people. Many returned exiles no longer understood Hebrew, for their language, which was now Aramaic, obtained during their exile in Babylon. Therefore, while reading the Hebrew scriptures, a group of dedicated men translated it into Aramaic and explained its meaning so that the people could understand and apply it to their lives. As a result, the people rejoiced “because they had understood the words declared unto them,” as in verse twelve. Revelation, repentance, revival, and rejoicing are all potentially present and waiting to be released by the Holy Spirit through anointed messengers who proclaim God’s Word with clarity, power, and conviction.
Those who hear the word should understand it. Else, it is an empty sound of words to them. Teachers should explain the word and give a sense of it. Reading and preaching are good, but expounding makes reading better understood and preaching more convincing. It has pleased God in almost every age of the church to raise those who have preached the gospel and those who have given their views of Divine truth in writing. Although many who have attempted to explain Scripture have darkened counsel by words without knowledge. Yet the labors of others are of excellent use. All that we hear must be to the test of Scripture. They heard readily and minded every word. The word of God demands attention. If, through carelessness, we let much slip in hearing, there is a danger that through forgetfulness, we shall let all slip after hearing.
The ministers, when they go to the pulpit, should take their Bibles with them, Ezra, did so. They must fetch their knowledge according to that rule, they must speak and must show that they do so. Reading the Scriptures in religious assemblies is an ordinance of God, whereby he is honored, and his church edified.