Bible Chapter Summary
Nehemiah 8 Summary
Ezra Reads the Law and Feast
The people gather at the Water Gate and ask Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law. He reads it from morning until midday, and the Levites explain it so the people understand. When the people hear the law, they weep, but Nehemiah and Ezra tell them to rejoice instead, for it is a holy day. The people then keep the Feast of Booths as commanded in the law, with great gladness.
Key themes
Key verses
Nehemiah 8:1
“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.”
Nehemiah 8:8
“So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.”
Nehemiah 8:10
“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.”
Nehemiah 8:17
“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.”
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