Nehemiah 8:7-9

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Nehemiah 8:1-8

We have here an account of a solemn religious assembly, and the good work that was done in that assembly, to the honour of God and the edification of the church. I. The time of it was the first day of the seventh month, Neh. 8:2. That was the day of the feast of trumpets, which is called a sabbath, and on which they were to have a holy convocation, Lev. 23:24; Num. 29:1. But that was not all: it was one that day that the altar was set up, and they began to offer their burnt-offerings after... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Nehemiah 8:9-12

We may here observe, I. How the people were wounded with the words of the law that were read to them. The law works death, and speaks terror, shows men their sins, and their misery and danger because of sin, and thunders a curse against every one that continues not in every part of his duty. Therefore when they heard it they all wept (Neh. 8:9): it was a good sign that their hearts were tender, like Josiah's when he heard the words of the law. They wept to think how they had offended God, and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Nehemiah 8:7

Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites ,.... That is, others of them besides those named; for they seem all to be Levites, unless they can be thought to be priests, and so the Levites are distinguished from them; but the former seems evident from Nehemiah 9:4 these also caused the people to understand the law ; as well as Ezra; from whence it is plain that he did not only read the law,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Nehemiah 8:8

So they read in the book ,.... Ezra and those with him; he first began to read and expound, and when weary they relieved him, and did the same: in the law of God distinctly ; which was the book they read in, and which they read plainly and intelligibly, so as to be heard and understood; this seems to respect the clear and distinct pronunciation of the words of it, and not the explanation or meaning of it, which is after expressed; some think the sense is, that they first read it in... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Nehemiah 8:9

And Nehemiah which is the Tirshatha ,.... Or governor, as Zerubbabel had been, and now Nehemiah, see Ezra 2:63 and Ezra the priest and scribe ; see Nehemiah 8:1 , and the Levites that taught the people ; see Nehemiah 8:7 said unto all the people, this day is holy unto the Lord your God ; being both the new moon and the feast of blowing of trumpets: mourn not, nor weep ; which was unsuitable to a festival, and especially such an one as this, in which trumpets were to be... read more

Adam Clarke

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

So they read in the book - For an explanation of this verse, see the observations at the end of the chapter, Nehemiah 8:17 ; (note). read more

Adam Clarke

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

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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