Nehemiah 8
Share
This resource is exclusive for PLUS Members
Upgrade now and receive:
- Ad-Free Experience: Enjoy uninterrupted access.
- Exclusive Commentaries: Dive deeper with in-depth insights.
- Advanced Study Tools: Powerful search and comparison features.
- Premium Guides & Articles: Unlock for a more comprehensive study.
Nehemiah 8:9-15 . THE PEOPLE COMFORTED.
9, 10. This day is holy unto the Lord . . . mourn not, nor weep--A deep sense of their national sins, impressively brought to their remembrance by the reading of the law and its denunciations, affected the hearts of the people with penitential sorrow. But notwithstanding the painful remembrances of their national sins which the reading of the law awakened, the people were exhorted to cherish the feelings of joy and thankfulness associated with a sacred festival By sending portions of it to their poorer brethren ( Deuteronomy 16:11 Deuteronomy 16:14 , Esther 9:19 ), they would also enable them to participate in the public rejoicings.
Nehemiah 8:16-18 . THEY KEEP THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES.
16. the people went forth, and brought . . . and made themselves
17. since the days of Jeshua . . . had not the children of Israel done so--This national feast had not been neglected for so protracted a period. Besides that it is impossible that such a flagrant disregard of the law could have been tolerated by Samuel, David, and other pious rulers, its observance is sufficiently indicated ( 1 Kings 8:2 1 Kings 8:65 , 2 Chronicles 7:9 ) and expressly recorded ( Ezra 3:4 ). But the meaning is, that the popular feelings had never been raised to such a height of enthusiastic joy since the time of their entrance into Canaan, as now on their return after a long and painful captivity.
18. Also day by day . . . he read in the book of the law of God--This was more than was enjoined ( Deuteronomy 31:10-12 ), and arose from the exuberant zeal of the time.
on the eighth day was a solemn assembly--This was the last and great day of the feast In later times, other ceremonies which increased the rejoicing were added ( John 7:37 ).