Nehemiah 8:3

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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Nehemiah 8:3

And he read therein ,.... Some passages in it, here and there, which it was necessary the people should have knowledge of; for it can hardly be thought be began and read on just in the order in which it was: this he did before the street ; at the top of it, at one end of it: that was before the water gate ; which looked directly to that: from the morning until midday ; from the rising of the sun to noon, so that he must read six hours; but very probably was relieved at times by... 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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Nehemiah 8:1-12

Religious instruction. "And when the seventh month came," etc. To the well-being of a people the labours of the religious teacher are as necessary as those of the statesman. Nehemiah having provided for the safety of the Jews against their enemies, Ezra, the priest and scribe, steps forward to instruct them in the law of God. Of the manner in which he did this, and the reception his instructions met with, we have a specimen in this narrative. I. The TIME of the meeting. "The first... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Nehemiah 8:1-18

The word of God in a threefold relationship. I. THE WORD OF GOD AND POPULAR DESIRE . "And they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded to Israel." 1. The desire of the people for the word of God. 2. The attitude of the people toward the word of God. II. THE WORD OF GOD AND SPIRITUAL EMOTION . "This day is holy unto the Lord your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Nehemiah 8:3

From the morning until midday . Or, "from daylight." He began as soon as it was light enough, and read on (he and his assistants— Nehemiah 8:7 ) till noon, that is, for six hours or more. The reading appears to have been varied by occasional exposition ( Nehemiah 8:7 , Nehemiah 8:8 ). The ears of all the people were attentive . Though there is no word in the Hebrew for "attentive," yet the meaning is quite correctly given: "the ears of all the people were to the book" Ñ fixed on... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Nehemiah 8:3

Attentive hearers. "The ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law." Literally, and more expressive, "were unto the book of the law," as if their ears had been directed towards the book. A state of things very different from that which prevails in many congregations, especially during the reading of the Scriptures. It is worth considering how devout attention may be secured. Doubtless much depends on the reader or preacher. It is impossible to attend to some men. Those... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Nehemiah 8:3

Nehemiah 8:3. He read therein, from the morning until mid-day In the Hebrew, the words are, from the light, that is, from the break of day, or the sun-rising, until noon: Then, it is likely, they went to take some refreshment, it being a festival, and a day of great rejoicing. read more

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