“Bang-up Beginning”

Nehemiah 8: 3:“And Ezra read from the Law before the square which was in front of the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of men and women, those who could understand; and all the people were attentive to the book of the Law.” The people had returned, the temple was rebuilt, and a wall once more protected Jerusalem. Were the people grateful to God? The fact that they stood, lifting their hands to Him, worshipping Him, and listening to His Word for six straight hours would imply in the affirmative. It was a great start to the post-exilic period! But did it last?