Nehemiah 8

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Nehemiah 8:9

Nehemiah , which is the Tirshatha - This puts it out of doubt that, when the Tirshatha is mentioned, Nehemiah himself is intended, Tirshatha being the name of his office. Mourn not , nor weep - This is a holy day to God: a day appointed for general rejoicing in Him who has turned our captivity, restored to us his law, and again established among us his ordinances. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Nehemiah 8:10

Eat the fat , and drink the sweet - Eat and drink the best that you have; and while ye are feeding yourselves in the fear of the Lord, remember those who cannot feast; and send portions to them, that the joy and the thanksgiving may be general. Let the poor have reason to rejoice as well as you. For the joy of the Lord is your strength - This is no gluttonous and drunken festival that enervates the body, and enfeebles the mind: from your religious feast your... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Nehemiah 8:14

In the feast of the seventh month - That is, the feast of tabernacles, which was held in commemoration of the sojourning of their fathers in the wilderness after they had been delivered from the Egyptian bondage. Now, having been delivered from the Babylonish captivity, and the proper time of the year occurring, it was their especial duty to keep the same feast. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Nehemiah 8:15

Fetch olive branches - For every thing concerning this feast of tabernacles, see the notes on Leviticus 23 (note), and the other places there referred to. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Nehemiah 8:16

Upon the roof of his house - It need scarcely be repeated, that the houses in the East are generally built with flat roofs. On these they reposed; on these they took the air in the heats of summer; and on these they oftentimes slept. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Nehemiah 8:17

Since the days of Joshua - No feast of tabernacles since Joshua's time had been so heartily and so piously celebrated. The story of the sacred fire now discovered, which had been hidden by the order of Jeremiah in a dry well, and now, some of the mud from the bottom being brought upon the altar, was kindled afresh by the rays of the sun, which suddenly broke out, though before covered with clouds, etc., is worthy of no credit. Those who wish to see the detail may consult 2 Maccabees... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Nehemiah 8:1

The chapter should commence, as in the Septuagint, with the last two clauses of Nehemiah 7:1-73 ; and should run thus:—"And when the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel were in their cities, all the people gathered themselves together, as one man, into the court that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe," etc. The "court" ( rehob ) spoken of appears to have been situated between the eastern gate of the temple and the city wall, at the point... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Nehemiah 8:1-8

The word of life. The public reading and exposition of the law of Moses in the presence of all the people as soon as possible after their settlement in their cities and the rebuilding of Jerusalem. I. THE PEOPLE WANT , and must have, THE SCRIPTURES BOTH FAMILIARISED BY REPETITION AND EXPOUNDED , that they may "have the sense, and understand the reading." 1. As individuals. The law of God the true foundation on which the life must be built up. In that law... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Nehemiah 8:1-8

The word of God and the ministry of man. One of the most affecting scenes depicted in Holy Writ here invites our thought Our imagination delights to dwell upon it. The sacred and beloved city of God is now secure, its walls are rebuilt, its gates replaced and shut; its inhabitants are no longer struggling with hope and fear,—a trowel in one hand and a sword in the other,—but rejoicing in their strength and peace; internal discords are now arranged, and brethren are dwelling together in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Nehemiah 8:1-12

PART II . ACCOUNT OF THE STATE OF RELIGION AMONG THE JEWS UNDER THE ADMINISTRATION OF NEHEMIAH . read more

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