Bible Reading Marathon: September 1, 445 B.C.

Bible Reading Marathon and Triathlon

1 September. We're not sure of the date, but propose 445 B.C.

On the first day of Feast Day of Trumpets, Ezra read the Law to the assembled from the cities from morning till mid-day (Neh. 8.1ff.).

Beware of "man babies"
No Bible Marathons for me

A few notable points: (1) the length of the reading and (2) no one was whining or sniffling about long Bible readings. This is stunning, sobering, and bracing.

For any Rectors or Pastors, try offering this recommendation to your parish. Try reading just the Bible for "several hours" to an assemblage of Americans, Canadians, or Brits. Try offering this program, say, once per year on a Saturday. Bible reading from 8 A.M. to mid-day, say, 3 P.M. Attendance would be thin.  Isaiah said, "I dwell amongst a people of unclean lips..."  Or, amongst man-babies.

In this instance of Reformation (post-exilic period), the priests, Levites, gate-keepers, Nethinim and the people gathered for an annual Feast Day. People knew they had a duty and they returned to Jerusalem.

Dt. 31.9-15 prescribed this lectionary feat, this reading Triathlon, this Bible marathon, for every seventh year. Genesis to Deuteronomy. It would not surprise me if the larger view of "the law" is on offer: they read up to and including Joshua, Judges, Samuel and Kings.

The purpose of the reading to “all Israel:” the purpose of the reading was that men, women and children, covenantal children included of course, “may hear and that they may learn to fear the LORD and carefully observe all the words of this law.”

The assembly was in the “open square” in front of Water Gate. These were hardy and sturdy people. They "stood for the reading" out of respect.

The people were “attentive to the Book of the Law.” Ezra offered a prayer. The people answered with an “Amen.”

Also, Ezra had colleagues as readers and teachers: Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamia, Akuk, Shebbethai, Hodijah, Maaseah, Kelitia, Azariah, Jozabad, Nahan, Peliah, and the Levites. Nehemiah insists on naming them, that is, to show that a “presbytery” teaches and reads God’s Word, not just the bishop (Ezra) nor the Governor (Nehemiah). They “distinctly read from the book” (8). They “gave the sense” of the book.

When the people heard the extensive reading from the Bible marathon, they wept.

Apparently, this grief was like Nehemiah’s when he wept (Neh.1.5ff.).

But, it appears that in our time there is a conspiracy by leaders to dilute the essence of the confession of sin: exhibit A is the loss of the “General Confession” at Morning Prayer. Oh wait, no one does Morning Prayer much anymore. Or, the diluted affair in the 1979 BCP. Tepid, timid, and weightless. The 10 commandments have wings and have flown off; I haven't heard the 10 commandments read in divine services in years; yet the 1662 BCP has the 10 commandments; never mind catechesis. Can anyone say Jeremiah 23 or Ezekiel 33-34? Can anyone say amnesia, indifference, or shrugging 0f the shoulders?

The exilic Daniel had his grief and his confession (Dan. 9) which he put in writing for “doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness.”

Upon the reading, Ezra and Nehemiah gave an assurance of forgiveness. “Do not sorrow for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” A written, lengthy, corporate, and liturgical prayer follows in Nehemiah 9.

Wrap-up: Bible marathon, no whining ("That's too long, whaaa!"), repentance, and covenantal assurances.

It happened 1 September. Probably 445 B.C.  Provided for our doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness.