| Who took the lead in listening to Ezra's reading of God's Word? It was the fathers (v.13). Too often this is left to the mothers, but here the fathers took their place. They found out for themselves what God had to say to them and their families. They were to build bough shelters and live in them for a few days. This was a reminder of several things. First, it brought back to them the fact that their people had lived in tents for forty years in the wilderness. Second, it reminded them that while they might be living in houses in Jerusalem, it was still only temporary. Their permanent home is in the same place as ours-in heaven itself. The important thing to notice, however, was their obedience to God's Word. This brought about real happiness-see the last part of verse 17. There is always happiness and joy when we are doing what God wants us to do. Ezra read the Book of the Law to them every day during this special festival which later became known as the Feast of Tabernacles. This feast is also mentioned in the gospels (John 7:2). If you are reading the Bible every day, you will be greatly blessed and helped. You may not always understand what you read, but if you obey that which you do understand, it can only bring joy and blessing into your life. When these people found out what was written and required, they did not wait. They did at once what God had said. What an example they have left for us. Happy are God's people when they are walking with him in obedience. What could be happier than a group of people walking with God? A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
True happiness and true holiness always go together. | 
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