Neh. 8 the name has a sense of God being a comforter.

1) Rebuilding as a theme-we come to the conclusion of the great rebuilding project, at least a major section. Projects can come to a conclusion,and we can celebrate them.

2) Fighting through obstacles is part of life. As a colonial administrator Nehemiah has gone through so many difficulties to get to this point, but get there he and the people, do. One could also speak of the traits of Nehemiah as leader. Here is is able to share the stage and share credit with those who helped with the great wall project.

3) Here we have a great ritual celebration. We live in a ritually empty, even bereft time. the Boomer desire for authenticity and the natural and casual have cut off ritual at its knees. In a way, I picture the upcoming State of the Union message, where then the pundits hold sway.

4) I am drawn to the interpretation piece-Some think it means translation, but to get at the sense of it seems to be the work of the interpreters. Recall that interpreter is an early figure in Pilgrim's Progress. They are putting the language in to common understanding or maybe putting it in this new context. this is a great example of Scripture as living and not static.

5) v. 10 is a fitting link with the wedding readings from last week.

 

Ps. 19 Limburg Ps, WBC) calls this a tale of 2 books, of it being about creation, redemption and sanctification. the first section speaks of nature's silent voice, or witness to God, maybe a "choral antiphony" (Mays, Ps. Interpr. series). The sun sounds like the bridegroom of last week. This seems similar to Calvin's notion that nature indeed is a partial revelation for all. The second section moves to torah, law, instruction. In my view, fear here is usually better read as awe, reverence, or respect. In a sense this is a wisdom psalm as it links creation and torah together. The orderly God provides order in the living of life. the psalmist is well aware of human nature as well, especially our tendency to self=deception. At the end, this prayer is an offering. May our sermons and bible studies be such also.