Zechariah 5

In Zechariah 5, the tone of the visions takes a turn, with God sending a clear message that judgment is coming for the iniquities of both the people and the nations. This chapter could be renamed “God is Cleaning House” because it reveals God’s intention to address sin and purify His people.

Haggai 1

Throughout the book of Haggai, I saw a message of priorities and obedience.

Recap: A remnant of Israelites are now back in Jerusalem after being exiled for many years.

The prophet Haggai had some words for the people who were busy rebuilding their lives and not prioritizing God’s demands.

He warns the people “Give careful thoughts to your ways. You have planted much but harvested little.”

Nehemiah 8

The 1st day of the 7th month was the Jewish New Year celebrated as the Feast of Trumpets.  Ezra read the Book of the Law from daybreak til noon as the people listened for about 5-6 hours attentively to it.  Can you imagine listening that long???  I can't, but that was the respect they had for it.  When Ezra opened the book, the people lifted hands saying "Amen" and then bowed down with their faces to the ground worshipping God.  According to my NIV Self-Study Bible notes,"worshipped,” in its original sense in Hebrew is a verb meaning "to prostrate oneself on the ground."