1 And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that [was] before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel.
2 And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month.
3 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.
4 And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, [and] Meshullam.
5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:
6 And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with [their] faces to the ground.
7 Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people [stood] in their place.
8 So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused [them] to understand the reading.
9 And Nehemiah, which [is] the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day [is] holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.
10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for [this] day [is] holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
11 So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day [is] holy; neither be ye grieved.
12 And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.
13 And on the second day were gathered together the chief of the fathers of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, unto Ezra the scribe, even to understand the words of the law.
14 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:
15 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.
16 So the people went forth, and brought [them], and made themselves booths, every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the street of the water gate, and in the street of the gate of Ephraim.
17 And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the captivity made booths, and sat under the booths: for since the days of Jeshua the son of Nun unto that day had not the children of Israel done so. And there was very great gladness.
18 Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of God. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day [was] a solemn assembly, according unto the manner.
Overview of Nehemiah Chapter 8
Nehemiah Chapter 8 marks a significant moment in the history of the Jewish people as they return to Jerusalem after their exile. This chapter emphasizes the importance of the Law, communal worship, and the restoration of identity among the people of Israel.
The Gathering of the People
The chapter opens with the people of Israel gathering as one man in the square before the Water Gate. This gathering signifies unity and a collective desire to reconnect with their heritage.
- The assembly is composed of men, women, and all who can understand, indicating inclusivity.
- The specific location, near the Water Gate, may symbolize purification and the refreshing nature of the Word of God.
Reading of the Law
Ezra the scribe plays a central role in this chapter as he reads the Book of the Law to the assembled crowd.
- Ezra stands on a wooden platform to ensure he can be seen and heard by all.
- He reads from dawn until noon, demonstrating the significance of the Law and the people’s hunger for God’s Word.
- The people respond with reverence, lifting their hands and saying “Amen, Amen,” indicating their agreement and acceptance of the teachings.
Understanding the Law
The reading is accompanied by Levites who assist the people in understanding the text.
- This highlights the importance of interpretation and teaching in the life of the community.
- The people’s reaction shows a deep emotional response, as they weep upon hearing the words of the Law.
Nehemiah’s Encouragement
Nehemiah, along with Ezra and the Levites, addresses the people, urging them not to mourn or weep.
- He emphasizes that the day is holy to the Lord and should be a time of joy rather than sorrow.
- The phrase “the joy of the Lord is your strength” encapsulates the theme of finding strength in divine joy.
Celebration and Feast
Nehemiah instructs the people to go and enjoy rich food and sweet drinks, sharing with those who have nothing prepared.
- This call to celebrate underscores the communal aspect of faith and the importance of generosity.
- The chapter concludes with the people going away to celebrate the Feast of Booths, a significant festival that commemorates God’s provision during their wilderness journey.
Conclusion
Nehemiah Chapter 8 is a pivotal moment that illustrates the revival of the Jewish community through the reading of the Law, communal worship, and the celebration of their identity. It emphasizes the importance of understanding God’s Word, the joy found in His presence, and the call to share that joy with others.
