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Nehemiah 8

Nehemiah 8:5

Ezra Reads the Law · Nehemiah 8:1–12
Read Nehemiah 8

Translations

Modern
Ezra 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.
Traditional
And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:
Literal
And Ezra opened the book before the eyes of all the people, for he was above all the people. And at his opening it, all the people stood up.
Latin
Et aperuit Esdras librum coram omni populo: super universum quippe populum eminebat: et cum aperuisset eum, stetit omnis populus.

Original

Hebrew
English
Ezra 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.

Notes

Nehemiah 8:5

The people stood up to show respect for God's word (Job 29:8). They likely stood the entire time Ezra read.

Nehemiah 7:73–10:39

This section, possibly from Ezra’s personal memoirs, explains how Ezra’s teaching of God’s law renewed the people's commitment to serve God and follow his instructions. Spiritual revival occurred alongside the civic work of Ezra and Nehemiah.

Theme notes and profiles

Ezra God's Word at the Center

Parallels

Deuteronomy 31:9–13

People

Ezra: Priest; scribe; led a group of exiles back to Jerusalem

Glossary

Book of Nehemiah First Book of Esdras Genealogy Postexilic Period Synagogue Water Gate Writer

Topics

Church of Israel: Worship of, Consisted in Preaching Commandments: General Scriptures Concerning Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): First and Last Days Were Sabbatic Law: Princes, Priests, and Levites Publicly Taught Repentance: After Hearing the Law Expounded by Ezra Scribes: Acted as Religious Teachers Synagogue: The Scriptures Were Read and Expounded In Synagogues: Revival of, After the Captivity Word of God: The People Stood and Responded by Saying |Amen| Word of God: To be Read Publicly Worship: The Word of God Read in Public Assemblies