Readers' Theatre: Nehemiah 8
Here’s a readers’ theatre setting of the story in Nehemiah 8: 1-10. It is
set for two voices.
Readers’
Theatre:
Nehemiah 8:1-10
One: On the first day of the
seventh month,
after everyone had
settled back in their towns,
the people came together
in Jerusalem.
They met in the square
in front of the water gate.
Two: The community included both
men and women—
anyone who was able to
understand was welcomed.
One: They asked Ezra the scribe
to bring out the book of the law,
the word that God had
given through Moses to Israel.
Two: Ezra the priest did as they
asked.
Standing above the
people
on a wooden platform
made for the occasion,
he opened the book of
the law.
One: Everyone there stood up.
Two: Then Ezra called out and praised
God.
And the people raised
their hands to heavens
and called out in
response:
One: “Amen! So may it be!”
Two: And they bowed down and
worshiped God,
with their faces to the
ground.
One: And Ezra began to read from
the book of the law.
The document was
massive,
and just reading excerpts
of it ook him six or seven hours,
from daybreak until
noon.
Two: As he read, the Levites
explained the meaning of what was read,
helping the people
understand each passage.
And the people began to
weep.
One: But Nehemiah, Ezra, and all
the ministering Levites
said to the people,
Two: Do not weep.
This day is sacred to
the Lord your God.
It is not a day for
mourning and weeping.
Go back to your homes
and prepare a feast.
Bring out the best food
and drink you have
and welcome all to your
table,
especially those who
have nothing.
This day is special.
It is sacred to our
Lord.
Do not grieve over your
past mistakes.
For the joy of Lord is
your strength!
