How many generations have passed since the exile, since the Children of Israel were ripped from the promised land because they had forgotten their God and his commandments? After 70 years, or about three generations, some of them were allowed to return to build the temple. Nehemiah's return was another 70-80 years later. Three more generations have passed and now it was time for the people to be told once more of the covenant God had made with their ancestors.
Nehemiah, the governor, and Ezra, the scribe, go before the people. Ezra stood on a high wooden platform facing the square from the Water Gate, where all could see him. He opened the book of the law and all of the people stood up. He read it aloud from daybreak until noon. Ezra praised the Lord, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, "Amen! Amen!" Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. - Nem. 8:6 NIV
The more they discovered about the law, the more they committed themselves to their God. They celebrated the feasts of booths with great joy for seven days. Then some of the Levites stood on the stairs and with loud voices called to the Lord God while others told the people to "Stand up and praise the LORD your God, who is from everlasting to everlasting. "
"Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. You alone are the LORD. - Nem. 9:5 NIV
The song echos down through the ages, sung by those with contrite hearts.
Blessed be Your glorious name
Blessed be Your glorious name
Which is exalted above all blessing and praise
For You alone are the Lord
Stand up! and bless the Lord
Forever and ever
Stand up! and bless your God
He alone is the Lord
Stand up! and bless the Lord
Forever and ever
Stand up! and bless your God
He alone is the Lord of all!
© 1986 ZionSong Music
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