Nehemiah 8:1-7

1 And the seventh month arrived, and the children of Israel in their cities; and all the people were gathered as one man to the broad place before the water-gate, and they told Esdras the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord commanded Israel.

2 So Esdras the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and every one who had understanding to hearken, on the first day of the seventh month.

3 And he read in it from the time of sun-rise to the middle of the day, before the men and the women; and they understood , and the ears of all the people to the book of the law.

4 And Esdras the scribe stood on a wooden stage, and there stood next to him Mattathias, and Samaeas, and Ananias, and Urias, and Chelcia, and Massia, on his right hand; and on his left Phadaeas, and Misael, and Melchias, and Asom, and Asabadma, and Zacharias, and Mesollam.

5 And Esdras opened the book before all the people, for he was above the people; and it came to pass when he had opened it, all the people stood.

6 And Esdras blessed the Lord, the great God: and all the people answered, and said, Amen, lifting up their hands: and they bowed down and worshipped the Lord with their face to the ground.

7 And Jesus and Banaias and Sarabias instructed the people in the law, and the people in their place.

Nehemiah 8:1-7 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO NEHEMIAH 8

Ezra being desired to bring forth the book of the law, read it to the people and others, expounded it to them, Ne 8:1-8 and Nehemiah exhorted the people to express joy and gladness on this occasion, which they did, Ne 8:9-12 and observing the feast of tabernacles was in the law commanded to be observed, they kept it very strictly and joyfully, Ne 8:13-18.