Nehemiah 8:1-12

Devotionals, Articles, and Bible Study Resources on Nehemiah 8:1-12

1At that time all the people gathered together in the square before the Water Gate, and they asked Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel.
2On the first day of the seventh month, Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could listen and understand.
3So Ezra read it aloud from daybreak until noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate, in front of the men and women and those who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.
4Ezra the scribe stood on a high wooden platform built for this occasion. At his right side stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, and at his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hash-baddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam.
5Ezra opened the book in full view of all the people, since he was standing above them all, and as he opened it, all the people stood up.
6Then Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and with their hands uplifted, all the people said, “Amen, Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.
7The Levites — Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah —instructed the people in the Law as they stood in their places.
8So they read from the Book of the Law of God, explaining it and giving insight, so that the people could understand what was being read.
9Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all of them, “This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the Law.
10Then Nehemiah told them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
11And the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, since today is holy. Do not grieve.”
12Then all the people began to eat and drink, to send out portions, and to rejoice greatly, because they understood the words that had been made known to them.
— Nehemiah 8:1-12

Related Resources from Heartlight

All the People
Illustration of Nehemiah 8:6 NLT

Illustration of Nehemiah 8:6 NLT -- Then Ezra praised the LORD, the great God, and all the people chanted, "Amen! Amen!” as they lifted their hands. Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.

The Joy of the Lord!
Illustration of Nehemiah 8:10 NLT

Illustration of Nehemiah 8:10 NLT -- And Nehemiah continued, "Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!"

Cross References for Nehemiah 8:1-12

Cross References Provided by Open Bible

The Berean Standard Bible

The Berean Standard Bible (BSB) is a modern, clear, and faithful translation based on the best available Greek and Hebrew manuscripts. Ideal for reading, study, and sharing, it entered the public domain in 2023. For more information, visit berean.bible.