Standing at one end of the place that was before the Water Gate, he read out of the book from daybreak till midday, in the presence of the men, the women, and the child old enough to understand and all the people listened attentively to the book of the law. 

Nehemiah 8:3

Ezra reads aloud and explains passages of Scripture for the people over the span of a few hours. He reads at a place called the Water Gate. He might have chosen this place for practical, logistical reasons — but when details like that are mentioned in Scripture, they typically point us toward a deeper spiritual meaning. There is a symbolism to Ezra speaking at the exact place that was crucial for providing water for the city. 

Just as we need water to drink to survive and to refresh our bodies, we need God’s word to refresh and renew our souls. If you don’t drink water, your body will suffer. Likewise, if you don’t drink in the Word of God by understanding and reflecting upon it, your soul will suffer.

Take a moment to think about how a drink of water feels on a hot day. Thank God that his Word is meant to refresh you in the same way.