Ezra Reads the Law

The words

1. Booths

   The people build booths on roofs and in courtyards and streets, keep the feast for seven days, then assemble on the eighth.

   Did you know?

   Leviticus connects living in booths with Israel’s departure from Egypt, giving the festival a purpose of remembrance for later generations.

   Nehemiah 8:16–18 (opens a new tab) · Leviticus 23:42–43 (opens a new tab)

2. Confession

   On the twenty-fourth day, the Israelites fast, gather apart from “strangers” in the KJV, and confess their own and their ancestors’ sins.

   Nehemiah 9:1–3 (opens a new tab)

3. Congregation

   The people gather before the Water Gate on the first day of the seventh month, asking Ezra to bring the law book.

   Nehemiah 8:1–2 (opens a new tab)

4. Distinctly

   The KJV says the law was read “distinctly”; the NET reads “explaining it,” while noting that the Hebrew word’s exact sense is uncertain.

   Nehemiah 8:8 (opens a new tab) · NET Bible: Nehemiah 8:8 (opens a new tab)

5. Ezra

   Ezra opens the law book above the assembled people; they stand, answer “Amen, Amen” and bow as he blesses the LORD.

   Nehemiah 8:5–6 (opens a new tab)

6. Jeshua

   Jeshua is listed among the men helping the people understand the law while they remain standing in their places.

   Nehemiah 8:7–8 (opens a new tab)

7. Levites

   The Levites explain the law, then calm the weeping people and tell them not to grieve on the holy day.

   Nehemiah 8:7–11 (opens a new tab)

8. Olive Branches

   The proclamation calls for olive and other branches to make booths; the people build them on roofs, in courtyards and near the Water Gate.

   Nehemiah 8:15–16 (opens a new tab)

9. Pulpit

   Raised wooden platform, in the NET Bible.

   Ezra stands above the people on a wooden pulpit built for the reading; men are listed on his right and left.

   Nehemiah 8:4–5 (opens a new tab) · NET Bible: Nehemiah 8:4 (opens a new tab)

10. Reading

    Ezra reads from morning until midday before men, women and others able to understand; the people listen attentively to the law.

    Nehemiah 8:3 (opens a new tab)

11. Scribe

    Here, a specialist in the law of Moses.

    The people address Ezra as scribe when asking him to bring the law book; he then reads it publicly.

    Did you know?

    The book of Ezra describes him preparing to study the law, carry it out and teach its statutes in Israel.

    Nehemiah 8:1–3 (opens a new tab) · Ezra 7:6; Ezra 7:10 (opens a new tab)

12. Tirshatha

    Governor, in the NET Bible.

    Nehemiah, called Tirshatha in the KJV, joins Ezra and the Levites in telling the people not to mourn on this holy day.

    Nehemiah 8:9 (opens a new tab) · NET Bible: Nehemiah 8:9 (opens a new tab)

13. Understanding

    On the second day, family heads, priests and Levites gather with Ezra to understand the law and discover the instruction about booths.

    Nehemiah 8:13–14 (opens a new tab)

14. Water Gate

    The open area before the Water Gate hosts the reading; the people later build booths there as part of the feast.

    Nehemiah 8:1–3 (opens a new tab) · Nehemiah 8:16 (opens a new tab)

15. Wept

    The people weep when hearing the law; the leaders tell them not to mourn, and the gathering turns to eating, sharing and rejoicing.

    Did you know?

    The instructions for the holy day include sending portions of food to anyone for whom nothing has been prepared.

    Nehemiah 8:9–12 (opens a new tab)