Definition: And he read therein before the street that [was] before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people [were attentive] unto the book of the law.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Nehemiah 8:3. It’s a really important verse about how God wants us to really listen to His word! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says: God is calling us to actively read and understand the Bible. He’s setting up a time for everyone to hear and learn from it. Let’s break that down further: “And he read therein…” – This means God was reading aloud from the Book of Law (which is the Old Testament). “…before the street that [was] before the water gate…” - Think of a street, but it's before a gate. The "water gate" symbolizes a place where people would gather to hear the message. It’s a strategic location. “From the morning until midday…” – This is a long time! God wanted us to spend a significant amount of time with this reading. It wasn't just a quick glance. “…before the men and the women, and those that could understand…” - It wasn’t just for scholars or religious leaders. Everyone – men, women, everyone , was invited to listen! “And the ears of all the people [were attentive] unto the book of the law.” – This is the key part! God wants us to listen closely . "Ears attentive" means we should be really paying attention and trying to understand what's being said. So, the whole verse is saying: God wants us to make a serious effort to read and learn from His word, and to truly listen to it so that we can understand His message for our lives. It’s about engagement with Scripture. Why is this important? This passage highlights that the Bible isn't just something we read in a quiet room. It’s meant to be shared, discussed, and understood by everyone . It encourages us to be active listeners and participants in God’s plan for our lives. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Connect this passage to a specific biblical story or theme?