Covenant Renewal

The second half of the book of Nehemiah starting in chapter 7, on first reading doesn't seem as interesting or exciting as the first 6 chapters of Nehemiah. And I think that for all of us, we were much more familiar with the story of Nehemiah rebuilding the walls and much less familiar with the second half of the story in Nehemiah. As important as it was that the walls were rebuilt, all of that work would have been for nothing if there were also not a rebuilding of God's people and a renewal of their covenant with God.
This story of covenant renewal is presented in three scenes starting with the end of chapter 7 through the end of chapter 10. And in each of the scenes or stories, there are the same parts. First there is a time reference. Second, there is the description of the assembly. Third, there is the reading and study of God's Law. Fourth, there is the application of what had just been studied. And finally, there is the response of the people.

COVENANT RENEWAL

1. The Sealing of the Covenant, v. 9:38; 1-27
2. The Curse and Oath of the Covenant, v. 28-29
3. The Promises of the Covenant, v. 30-39