Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Nehemiah 8:11
(11) So the Levites.—As before, what Ezra said was repeated to the people in various directions by the Levites. But there was evidently an almost irrepressible emotion. read more
(11) So the Levites.—As before, what Ezra said was repeated to the people in various directions by the Levites. But there was evidently an almost irrepressible emotion. read more
(12) They had understood.—They had caught the meaning of the command to rejoice. read more
The Curse Turned Into a Blessing Nehemiah 8:2 Refers to the time when Balak sent for Balaam to curse Israel. I. God Turns His Own Curses into Blessings. 1. Toil: leads to self-denial and self-sacrifice. 2. Difficulty: calls forth energy and develops strength. 3. Danger: awakens courage and fortitude. 4. Pain: reminds us of the evil of sin. 5. Sorrow: acts as a refiner's fire. II. God Turns Man's Curses into Blessings. The crucifixion of Christ was the means of man's redemption. The blood of... read more
THE JOY OF THE LORDNehemiah 8:9-18"ALL the people wept when they heard the words of the law." Was it for this mournful end that Ezra had studied the sacred law and guarded it through the long years of political unrest, until at length he was able to make it known with all the pomp and circumstance of a national festival? Evidently the leaders of the people had expected no such result. But disappointing as it was, it might have been worse. The reading might have been listened to with... read more
II. THE SPIRITUAL REVIVAL CHAPTER 8 1. The reading of the law before the water gate (Nehemiah 8:1-8 ) 2. A day of joy and not of mourning (Nehemiah 8:9-12 ) 3. The keeping of the feast of tabernacles (Nehemiah 8:13-18 ) Nehemiah 8:1-8 . This interesting chapter gives the record of a gracious revival through the reading of the law. All the people gathered themselves together as one man in the street that was before the water gate, the place which suggests the cleansing and refreshing... read more
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 {f} prepared: for [this] day [is] holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the {g} joy of the LORD is your strength.(f) That is, remember the poor.(g) Rejoice in the Lord, and he will give you strength. read more
THE READING OF THE LAW (vv. 1-12) We have seen at the end of chapter 6 the wall was completed, and in chapter 7 appointments were made for the proper order to be maintained in the city. Now another matter of greatest importance is set before the people of Judah. Just as in any revival, the Word of God must be given the foremost place, so it is in chapter 8. For the first time in this book Ezra the scribe is mentioned. This man shows a lovely spirit. Though his ministry was absolutely... read more
INTERNAL REGULATIONS A NEW GENEALOGICAL RECORD (Nehemiah 7:0 ) The need for this assignment of duty to the two men named (Nehemiah 7:2 ), is not apparent unless Nehemiah contemplated a return to Persia. Later it will be seen that such return took place, but whether at this time or not, is not clear. To “fear God above many,” as Hananiah did, is a great commendation. It was customary to open the gates of a city at sunrise, but to do so in this case before the inhabitants were well awake and... read more
Nehemiah 8:0 1. And all the people gathered themselves together as one man [the unanimity rather than the number is emphatic here] into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra [who appears in this book for the first time, having probably been at the court for twelve years] the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded Israel. 2. And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear... read more
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Nehemiah 8:10
(10) For the joy of the Lord is your strength This beautiful sentence is, literally, delight in Jehovah is a strong refuge. It is capable of unlimited application in preaching and devotion. read more