Nehemiah 8:14-15 "And they found written in the law which the LORD had commanded by Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast of the seventh month: And that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in Jerusalem, saying, Go forth unto the mount, and fetch olive branches, and pine branches, and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick trees, to make booths, as it is written."
Something very important is happening in Jerusalem after Nehemiah has led
the people to rebuild the wall. They understood their need for the Lord
while doing the work, and now, they are acknowledging their need for God after
it has finished. They are committing themselves into the hand of God.
They had gone through a time of being in captivity. They are being renewed
by the Word of God and are taking it seriously. They were reminded of how God
had brought their forefathers out of the captivity of Egypt. The basis
for release was the "blood of the lamb". They had gone forty years
without a permanent home before God brought them into the promised land. They
had forgotten, but now they are being reminded.
God's mercy had once again released them. Now they are submitting themselves
once again by building "booths" in which they would remain for seven
days while reflecting upon the goodness of God. Those booths were to be made of
Olive branches which represents oil for healing. Pine branches which are
evergreen and represent eternal life by God's grace.
Myrtle branches represent the manifold blessings of God. And then Palm
branches which represent victory. All of these branches were held
together by "branches of thick trees" which represent strength and
power.
We are going through this world as "pilgrims and strangers".
Our wonderful Lord is watching over us with eternal life, healing, many
blessings of God each day, and ultimate and absolute victory through Jesus
Christ. All of this is secured by the strength and power of our precious
Lord. Let us reflect daily on His goodness.